chron.com | tubular tv | comics | games | horoscopes | iPhone | Quick Search
Photo by Bill Olive
An attractive wine bar ups the ante beyond having a great selection. It is a place with depth of inventory, unpretentious ambiance, uniformly knowledgeable (and helpful) staff and an atmosphere malleable enough to become whatever you need it to be on a given night.
La Carafe
Were Houston only allotted one wine house, La Carafe would very likely win the vote in a landslide. This place really does have something for everyone (except liquor . . . or a credit card machine): an inventory with more than enough depth to satisfy vino devotees, good beer, legit staff and more character and history than you’ll find in any two bars Downtown.
Tasting Room - Uptown Park
This Tasting Room location wins out over its brethren by being the hippest of the TR outposts. It's also home to a number of events that have an organic "party" atmosphere such as annual Paella Festival and frequent beer dinners.
Khon’s
By no means a snob-friendly environment, Khon’s pays no mind to trends, instead filling out their list with moderately-priced wines that the owners and their friends enjoy. Admittedly more about atmosphere than selection, you can still find a great mid-level glass here.
Khon's:: Art and wine a winning combination
Boheme
True to its name, Boheme looks like an artist’s hangout. Not a broke artist; one with a decent day job. Local art adorns the exposed brick walls, the chairs are mismatched and a bongo sits alone on a concrete stage. It’s hip but not too pretentious. The patio behind the bar is spacious and comfortable. A decent selection of wines are sure to please.
13 Celsius
The bar is gigantic, wrapping around the entire room. The rustic décor and dark lighting set a great mood for wining and feasting on fine cheeses and meats. It’s a very date-worthy spot and be assured your wine will be at the perfect temperature. And if you’re not a wino, try out their micheladas, which are a favorite among regulars.
Absolve Wine Lounge
We love this little wine bar for its dramatic decor and friendly service. It can be a romantic spot for a night cap or place to sit and sip the night away. Good food, too.
Originally published 4/1/09. Updated 2/18/11.
i hadn't heard of Khon's...will have to check that out. nice to have a non-snooty wine bar in Midtown
Tasting Room in Uptown Park has a variety of prices. So folks can find a $20 bottle and a $100 bottle...
Coming soon, take note, tell a friend: www.block7wineco.com
Block 7 is one of my favorites!
Mercury Bar is very affordable as well. And they great atmosphere...
If you are ever over in the Oak Forest area just ouside of the Heights, go check out Plonk! Great selection of wines that you cannot just buy anywhere and great food to match it with.
13 Celsius is truly amazing! They have a great staff who know and understand their amazing selection of wine and beer. From a beginner to a wine sommelier, 13 Celsius has the elements to make everyone’s night, lovely! It is my favorite getaway. Tip: Go on Sundays for their half price glass on all open bottles, it is a great way to expand your palate!
Don't forget Max's Wine Dive on Washington.
Dont forget Max's Wine Dive on Washington.
For those that are a little further out west, there is a great little wine dive called "The Vine Wine Room" just west of Gessner on Memorial at Benignus. Joe Rippey has created a great little intimate spot for sampling some great wines and you can even order dinner from their restaurant across the parking lot "Two Saints". Say hi to Abbey and Amber if you try it out for me.
The Tasting Room is truly charming. The staff is laid back yet helpful, and their general manager, a Vic & Anthony's veteran (have you seen their wine list?), displays an unending knowledge of wine and cheese. Beautiful decor and the food is good as well. Last time I was there I couldn't find a face without a smile in the entire place.
I was surprised Max's Wine Dive didn't make the list. Their brunch alone makes this a Sunday destination for any wine enthusiast.
Oh, and if you're in the Spring area, Brix Wine Cellar in Vintage Park is making quite a splash and attracting buzz among wine venders. It makes for an intimate affair and their private party room is perfect for any special occasions, meetings, or custom dinners. Ask for Dana when you go in. She's been in the industry for some time; good wine mind.
i wouldn't give a penny to anything the tasting room puts out - and that includes max's wine dive. this farce of an establishment is just out to take money out of your pocket while laughing all the way to the bank. what's the purpose of having a wine bar with wines you can buy at your local grocery store? $15 for a glass of wine you can buy for $12.99?
educate your staff and challenge the palette. THAT'S what a wine bar is about. put wines that tell a story on your list...and hire people that can narrate those stories and catapult you to another place.
My favorite is Vintropolis in the Carillion on Westheimer. Wonderful owners and a great atmosphere.
If you're in the Cy-Fair area - at Grant Road/Louetta Road - you gotta' stop in at Urban Vine - Sara and the staff have made a great little venue for the locals and Urban Vine should be discovered by those out-of-the-area. Reasonable prices, superb selection of wines and live music on Saturdays. Check it out, the regulars are trying to keep this place a secret.