|
In the tradition of both the ancient Greeks and Romans, Houston clearly honors the undeniable grandeur of the grape. While tumbleweed images of Texas may not exactly bring to mind a wine-sipping crowd, Houston has a variety of venues that cater to everyone from neophytes to connoisseurs. European imports and California varietals are the standard wines throughout the scene, but anyone seeking a slightly different flavor can also find vintages from newer wineries in South America and Australia. Wine bars in Houston are undoubtedly some of the most romantic destinations in the city, but they also maintain the slow, southern, laid-back charm that makes Texas so endearing. Boutique bars staffed by the finest sommeliers are softened by a tangible sense of ease, an almost folksy feel; and while the patrons may begin the night as strangers, it is the relaxed, yet classy, atmosphere that allows them to end the night as friends.
La Carafe
813 Congress St., Houston, Texas; Tel. 713.229.9399
Housed in one of Houston's oldest buildings and exuding more low-key romantic charm than any other bar, La Carafe's dark interior and knowledgeable, sommelier-like bar staff make even a wine neophyte feel right at home. The first floor of this hideaway Houston wine bar has a ton of history displayed on the walls and you know it's been here a while because the glowing candles sit atop 3-foot piles of melted wax. Also, the jukebox at La Carafe is one of the best in Houston playing an eclectic mix that suits this wine bar (they also serve beer if you're so inclined) to a tee. And no trip to La Carafe is complete without a trip up the narrow staircase to the balcony on the second floor.
|
The Tasting Room
1101-18 Uptown Park Blvd., Houston, Texas; Tel. 713.993.9800
The Tasting Room in Houston is the place to be for some serious reflection by wine aficionados on their favorite subject, but this wine bar is definitely not snobbish to neophyte connoisseurs. The selection at The Tasting Room is nothing short of staggering with varietals from all over the world from the venerable wine making regions of Europe and California to the newer wineries of South America and Australia. Patrons at this Houston wine bar can quaff by the glass, the bottle or buy a case, if you like, at a discount.
|
The Vintage Bar
4356 Westheimer Rd., Houston, Texas; Tel. 713.355.3093
Although the selection is not as extensive as some other Houston wine bars, The Vintage Bar has an undeniable laid back atmosphere that is more reminiscent of a wine and folk music tinged back yard gathering than a drinking establishment. The crowds at The Vintage Bar all seem to know each other even if they're strangers and the acoustic live music adds a distinct relaxing ambiance to sip some fine wine by.
|
Vino 100
11693 Westheimer Rd., Houston, Texas; Tel. 281.759.4100
At Vino 100, a wine boutique and bar in Houston, patrons can sample from, well, 100 different varieties of wine and they all feature easy to follow descriptions that take all of the snobbery out of the revered beverage. Also, there's free tastings at Vino 100 Monday through Saturday from 5-7pm and all of the other wine can be purchased by the glass, bottle or case depending on how your taste buds, wallet and liver run.
|
Wine Bucket Boutique and Bar
2311 W. Alabama St., Houston, Texas; Tel. 713.942.9463
The Wine Bucket Boutique and Bar is a home away from home for wine aficionados in Houston featuring a wide range of varietals in their more than comfy confines. The romantic and social interior of the Wine Bucket encourages experimentation by offering over thirty wines by the glass and weekly tastings of new arrivals. Houston shoppers and diners or daters love the Wine Bucket for its inherent charm and uber-relaxing vibe.
|
—Houston wine bar reviews by Ryan Osterbeck
|
|
|
