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.
The Tasting Room is all about the experience, with three outposts across the city: Uptown Park (1101-18 Uptown Park Blvd., Houston, TX 77056; 713-993-9800), Midtown (114 Gray St., Houston, TX 77002; 713-528-6402), and River Oaks (2409 W. Alabama Ave., Houston, TX 77019; 713-526-2242). Not sure about a chardonnay? Curious about a cabernet? Ask for a taste before ordering. The well-versed staff will help you determine what you like and what suits your mood. 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 serves until 2 a.m. on the weekends.
Also on Washington Avenue is Cova Hand Selected Wines (5600 Kirby Dr., Houston, TX 77005; 713-838-0700; and 5555 Washington Ave., Houston, TX 77007; 713-838-3366), 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 (3000 Caroline St. at Anita Street, Houston, TX 77004; 713-529-VINO) 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.
