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Unpretentious and downright fun, Houston wine bars offer cozy respite from the usual nightlife scene. The new breed of spots encourages questions and offers suggestions, but they mostly pour generously and with a smile.
With three outposts across the city, the Tasting Room (Midtown - River Oaks - Uptown) is all about the experience. Not sure about a chardonnay? Curious about a cabernet? Simply ask for a taste before ordering. The well-versed staff is happy to help you decide what you like and what you are in the mood for. Every Saturday, the Tasting Room offers public tastings for $5 and if you like it enough to buy a bottle, they take $5 off the price. The Tasting Room serves light hors d'oeuvres, but for something heartier, head over to Max's Wine Dive on Washington Avenue, the Tasting Room's big brother of sorts. The casual eatery with upscale comfort food and an extensive wine list is a local favorite and one of the few restaurants that serves until 2 a.m. on the weekends.
On Houston's north side, Crú at Market Street in The Woodlands offers more than 300 wines with an ample list of wines by the glass, as well as taster pairings and wine flights. Crú serves lunch and dinner and is an ideal respite from shopping at Market Street.
Washington Avenue is fast becoming a favorite destination for oenophiles who enjoy their wine without the hype. The Corkscrew is one such place. Casual in spirit and décor, the laid-back wine bar keeps a rotating menu of more than 250 wines. Light appetizers are part of the bar menu and if you absolutely must check your e-mails, the bar has free wireless access.
Also on Washington Avenue is Cova Wine Bar (Washington - Kirby), one of two wine locales owned by the charismatic Monsterville Horton IV, Cova effortlessly mixes cuisine with wine in refreshing and intimate surroundings. The Kirby location near the Rice Village area is just as charming, and both bars offer everything from wine flights to simple wines by the glass.
The gang over at 13 Celsius has popped the cork on its European-style wine bar in Midtown. Little touches go a long way at this new bar that pours everything from wine and champagne to port and beer. Plenty of parking, free Wi-Fi, and knowledgeable staff give the experience a pleasant finish.
