A Rosé Soiree the La Fête Way

Set sail with me to the isle of St. Tropez as we kickoff another rosé all day season. I was first introduced to this brand during the height of the pandemic. With over a decade of experience in the wine industry, Donae Burston, owner of La Fête du Rosé, a black-owned wine brand created out of the necessity for representation within an industry that far too often overlooks black wine enthusiasts. The truth is, Black Americans can reshape certain markets with their buying power, if brands understood our value as consumers. With a passion for well-made wines and travel, the Baltimore native inked a partnership with Domaine Bertaud Belieu, a more than 65 acre vineyard located in the heart of the French Riveria in Saint Tropez. St. Tropez has been a dream destination of mine since It became the vacation hotspot for the hip-hop culture. The region Cotes de Provence, infamously known for its luscious Rosé wines is actually known for a variety of grape varietals from Grenache to Mourvèdre (reds) and Bourboulenc to Semillion (whites). The soil, climate and notable winemaking traditions make Southeastern France the destination for top-notch rosé wines. In celebration of National Rose Day we’re hosting a cocktail party #TheLaFeteWay at Trez Wine Bar & Bistro.

The Best Wine Bars to Celebrate National Wine Day

Holidays are reserved for eating and drinking amongst good friends and family. So why would national food and drink holidays be any different? Luckily, taco and vino lovers can celebrate in harmonious fashion as this year the atypical holiday falls on Taco Tuesday. For National Wine Day, (May 25th) I've rounded up some of the newest and hottest wine bars in Houston to get your Cab or bubbles fix. Whether you’re a wine newbie, think pink drinker, or a health conscious sipper, these seven wine bars are shifting Houston's wine culture.

a'Bouzy- Specializing in sparkling wines from around the world this boozy wine bar borrows its aesthetic from the charming vineyards of Northeastern France. With over 1,000 varieties there are unique and inexpensive bottles for even budget-friendly wine drinkers to indulge.

$$ 2300 Westheimer, HTX 77098 (Upper Kirby)

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Bravery Wine Bar-Tucked away in Bravery Chef Hall, this Downtown staple is home to over 30 wines on tap and has become a popular destination for casual sippers. It's the perfect pregame for a night out on the town. Enjoy world-class wines from small family-owned producers while dining at one of the four kitchen concepts. Be on the lookout for the proprietary varietals from Puncheon on the menu. Soon you’ll be able to sip them at the highly anticipated Railway Heights location.

$$ 409 Travis St, HTX 77002 (Downtown)

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City Cellars HTX- Located in the heart of the Museum District this neighborhood bar is focused on highlighting intriguing wines and specialty cocktails. Chef and owner, Daniel Wolfe has thoughtfully curated a menu featuring locally sourced ingredients that help round out the menu. Daily specials make this an ideal destination on any given day of the week. Celebrate National Wine Day with us HERE!

$ 1801 Binz St., HTX 77004 (Museum District)

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Roots HTX- Have some pour! This self-pour wine bar features a state-of-the-art tap system with over 50 rotating wines. This isn't your ordinary wine bar, guests can sample a 1oz, 3oz or 5oz pour before settling on a favorite to drink. There’s also a solid menu of gulf coast inspired tapas to pair with your wines. A word of advice-don't skip the foie gras PB&J.

$ 3107 Leeland St., HTX 77003 (Eado)

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How to Survive on Land & Sea- If you're looking for an unpretentious and relaxing place to sip make your way to Eado for this bar's impressive wine list. If you're a fan of old world wines you'll find this bar full of well-priced selections from small producers. Get cozy on the couch or sit at the bar for this daily happy hour which ends at 8pm.

$$-3401 Harrisburg Blvd, HTX 77003 (Eado)

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Trez Art & Wine Bar- Essentially serving wines from some of the top wine regions of the world, Trez promises a chill and communal experience. Enjoy daily specials, wine flights, live music and small bites at this Heights bar during happy hour; 4-7pm Tuesday through Saturday. The jerk lampchops are always my go-to. You'll also have an opportunity to support various causes through their monthly philanthropic initiatives.

Image courtesy of BlackBook Houston

$$ 920 Studemont Suite 150, HTX 77007 (Heights)

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Bacco Montrose- Bacco Montrose is undoubtedly the shining star of the concepts four area locations. Hang out with friends in the Bacco wine bus or the spacious wine garden which is perfect for lounging and social distancing. The causal atmosphere even welcomes pets. Just be sure not to waste any wine in your doggy bowl.

$ 3615 Montrose Blvd, HTX 77006

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$- A budget drinker’s paradise.

$$- Small to medium-sized producers with big value.

$$$- Once you’ve had enough pours you’ll forget the prices.

$$$$- Luxury wines for snobs and sommeliers.

Black-owned Wine Notes & Pairings

THREE BY WADE CELLARS ROSÉ- A bright California Pinot Noir based rosé that’s perfect to enjoy year round or at the height of a hot girl summer. Dry but offers slight sweetness with floral flavors. Excellent choice to entertain friends, but worthy of special occasions.

Notes: On the nose, peach, strawbery fields and light aromas of red berry fruit. Vibrant acidicty keeps your mouth happy after the first sip.

Pairings: Versatile for food pairings this crisp rosé pairs well with sunshine, ceviche, fresh fruit salads, grilled turkey burgers and my favorite BBQ chicken. Rule of thumb: Fatty foods balance crisp acidic wines.

LVE CÔTES DE PROVENCE ROSÉ- 

A true Cotes de Provence from France. Soft pale pink illuminates in the bottle straight into your glass. This rosé is luxe, blended from grapes in sandstone soil and easy to drink.

Notes: This fruit forward rosé entices the nose with aromas of raspberry, apricot and juicy peach. On the palate, sweet strawberry, hints of white nectarine are balanced with a mineral finish.

Pairings: Beach days, backyard soirees, grilled salmon, veggie skewers and feta and a watermelon summer salad. This light dry rosé is great to impress your not so wine savvy friends.

MAISON NOIR O.P.P PINOT NOIR- The star of the Maison Noir family. A true ode to Oregon’s terrior, Williamette Valley. It sets the standard for US driven Pinot Noir’s.

Notes: This ruby red Pinot is bold, earthy and packs a hint of spice on the backend. Black Cherry and vanilla round out the mouthfeel and floral aromas are present on the nose.

Pairings: Pinot Noir is the boss of all bosses, as it’s light enough to hold it’s own against an array of foods. Red meat, fish or chicken dishes all compliment the acidity in pinot noir in unique ways.

Tap In: 7 Places to Sip Sustainably in Houston

Over the years we’ve seen the wine industry evolve from the standards of the Old World. For the wineo’s who’ve transitioned from boxed wine to the now current trend—-canned wines, there is a new sheriff in town and it’s here to stay! Younger consumers continue to popularize and create demand for these new trends due to it's convenience and sustainability.

Wine on tap isn't necessarily a new trend however, it's finally gaining it’s rightful place as restaurants and wineries work together to lower costs and reduce waste in an industry known for a tremendous amount during the production process. Less than 30 percent of glass bottles used for wine and liquor are recycled. There are many benefits of consuming tap wine and they trickle down from producer directly to consumer. Wine on tap presumably stays fresher longer because it's not exposed to oxygen. On average a glass of wine from a keg is 13% cheaper than bottled wine according to National Restaurant News. Kegs eliminate the hassle of foil cutting, uncorking and limits the massive pounds of trash from landfills over time. So what do you say? Let's all do our part to become more eco-friendly while supporting the growing movement. We’ve rounded up over seven (technically nine) places in the Greater Houston area for you to sip sustainably. Check out the list below and give us a shout if we missed any.

Bravery Wine Bar- This new Downtown hotspot features 30 wines on a custom, state-of-the-art tap system. Selections from around the world are paired to each kitchen within the chef hall. 

Max's Wine Dive- Mostly known for its heavenly pairing of fried chicken and champagne, Max’s serves up a buttery Chardonnay from Buttercake, Pinot Grigio, Cabernet Sauvignon, Black Forest Pinot Noir. A California Red Zinfadel rounds out the list.  

Heights Bier Garden- This neighborhood bar in the Heights has over 30 wines on tap to choose from. Tickle your palate with their elevated bar bites and Duchman’s Vermentino featured on the wine list.

Jonathan's the Rub-   Seven wines on tap featuring a dynamic range of reds and whites. A food friendly favorite in Joel Gott’s Sauvignon Blanc finds its rightful place in the rotation.

Crisp- Choose from nine different reds and eight whites on tap served by the glass at this longtime Heights staple. The Enomatic System allows you to sample 1oz. pours before committing to purchase a full glass or bottle.

Harold's Restaurant & Tap Room- The tap room located on the bottom level is home to four reds, three whites, one Prosecco and one rosé wine. They also carry three of their mouth-watering cocktails on tap.

Holman Draft Hall- Grab your happy hour gang and descend on Midtown to enjoy a selection of four reds, three whites, and one Prosecco on tap.

*Honorable mention goes to Sixty Vines- located in Rice Village who we’ve featured in the past. Cheers to 60 reasons to wine and dine at Sixty Vines. With a wine list featuring over 20 whites and 14 reds from around the world your options are endless. Tip: Don’t sleep on the Vine Huggers varietals. Local Pour- Headed out to the Woodlands for a staycation? Swing by this gastropub from 4-7pm daily for happy hour and $1 off their simple selection of a red and white wine on tap.

7 Places to Celebrate Galentine's Day

Ladies, leave your man at home. The club is full of bottles and the vintage is full grown, or whatever Destiny’s Child said. Annually, February rolls around and we’re all so consumed by the exaggerated display of love from a significant other that we tend to forget that the love we hold for self, family and friends are equally important.  In recent years, Galentine’s Day (February 13th) has served as the perfect alternative for single women to celebrate the romantic holiday. We’ve compiled a list of seven Black Wine-O approved places to celebrate with your girl tribe this Valentine’s Day.

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Munity Room Wine- This notably new Heights fixture is thoughtfully curated with Napa Valley as its design inspiration. This upscale boutique wine room is the perfect backdrop for all of your Instagram worthy pics.-1124 Usener St

ErmaRose Winery- This black and family-owned winery is located in Katy, TX, and known for their fruit forward wines that are produced from banana, mango, quadberry and blueberry. They’ll be hosting a 4-course wine pairing dinner on Valentine’s Day to wind down with your fellow wine-o’s.- 3130 Katy Hockley Cut Off Road

Flora Culture- This isn’t your average flower shop. Flora Culture prides themselves on being a space for both novice and expert green thumbs. Step inside this botanical oasis to create your own floral arrangements and sip at their upcoming Galentine’s Day workshop. -3100 Chimney Rock A4

13 Celsius- One of my favorite wine bars in the city. Cozy enough for a date night, but even better to chill with your girls and learn more about their list of wines through their wine education events. -3000 Caroline

UnWine- This black-owned wine bar located in the heart of Third Ward is a hidden gem and home to a variety of handpicked Bordeauxs, Blends and S. African wines. Move the party upstairs to the rooftop patio and bar if the weather permits.  -4420 Almeda Rd.

The UrbanWaxer Boutique- UrbanWaxer Boutique and Chapter38 Wines have teamed up for a singles mixer including complimentary wax services and wine tastings. Attendees will be able to sample their new signature wines that include an Ethiopian pear and their infused Citrus Sauvignon Blanc this V-Day. -1000 Cypress Creek Pkwy

Sweet Bribery- This quaint ice cream shop nested in the Heights serves up adult sips and artisanal sweet treats. Treat your favorite girls to a champagne float with Moet champagne, sorbet and fresh fruit.- 250 West 19th St

Vino in the City: Top 7 Wine Bars in Houston Right Now

Houston, we have a problem. It’s debatable, but having a copious amount of wine bars to sip at seems like a good problem to have. Houston continues to offer wine-o’s alike a host of neighborhood wine bars to enjoy a great glass of wine without having to break the bank. These 7 Houston wine bars are serving up the city's best vino right now. Honorable mention goes to Sixty Vines which we had a chance to preview last month catch our recap HERE.

Postino Montrose- After descending in Houston just a little over a year ago this wine café’ has doubled the size of its new location in Montrose. Postino’s approachable wines, make it the perfect atmosphere for a happy hour hangout with wines starting at $5 daily from 11am-5pm. Fans of the Heights location will be pleased to know not much has changed at the new location. 805 Pacific St, HTX 77006

Photo Credit: Postino

Penny Quarter-This cozy and hip two-story café and wine concept is the current hot spot in the Montrose neighborhood. Boasting a full menu of coffee, wine, food and pastries you can’t go wrong with making this your new brunch destination or meeting location. The alluring interior and natural lighting creates a relaxing ambiance that transports you from the H right into the streets of SoHo. Bottles prices are on the higher end, however their selection rivals some of Houston’s most notable wine bars. 1424 Westheimer Rd, HTX 77006

Photo Credit Penny Quarter

Trez Art + Wine Bar- You may not recognize this new wine bar since its facelift. Formerly, Ogun Wine Bar this laid back black-owned wine bar and art haven is located near Houston’s first ward. On Wine Wednesday’s you can nosh on pizza and a bottle of wine for only $20. Trez also has a daily happy hour from 4-7pm and will serve as the host of our first intimate experience, Winesgiving. 920 Studemont Suite #150 HTX, 77007

Light Years Natural Wine Shop + Bar- This natural wine destination allows you to sip responsibly and sustainably. A naturals-only wine bar is the first of its kind in Houston. The process relies on a natural fermentation allowing the character of the grapes to be on full display. Light Years is clearly ahead of the pack, as natural and organic wines are being embraced all over the world. 1304 W. Alabama HTX 77006

Noble Rot Wine Bar- This hidden gem is tucked away in Downtown’s Conservatory. Offering up various flights for as low as $7, you can try several of their Wines by the Glass. The winetenders are very knowledgeable and help guide you to a selection that’s affordable and worth a 9 oz. pour. It’s also pretty hard to pass up their $1 champagne shots, which you can get anytime of the day.

1010 Prairie St Suite 101, HTX 77002

Photo Credit Noble Riot

La Grand Rue- Right in the heart of the Heights, this newcomer is the brainchild of two friends who understand that the world of wine can often be intimidating. Grab a bottle in the boutique wine shop and sip it next door in the wine bar with friends. Swing by for happy hour when the glasses are all half off from 4-7 pm during the week. 1344 Yale, HTX 77008

Vinology- Dubbing themselves as Houston’s first true European style enoteca, Vinology is a wine shop, wine bar and educational venue for wine seminars. Vinology offers six weekly flights and carries over 300 wines from around the world. With more than 16 years in the wine industry these owners know a thing or two about quality vintages. 2314 Bissonnet St, HTX 77005

 Montrose Cheese & Wine- A new retail and wine shop in Montrose emphasizes a traditional Italian style wine experience. With over 125 wines and a rotation of up to 15 cheeses this concept will specialize in local and high quality bites with exceptional wines priced under $40. 1618 Westheimer Rd, HTX 77006

Photo Credit Julie Soefer

The Hidden Gems of Central Mexico: CDMX x San Miguel de Allende

San Miguel de Allende has been on my list of places to visit since it was first voted “Best City in the World” by Travel + Leisure back in 2017. After celebrating the new year solo in Mexico City back in 2017, I realized that it was a three hour trek away from the most central point of the country, and was determined to make the journey. I wouldn’t have this opportunity again until this October as my birthday month served as the perfect opportunity for a new adventure. Typically when I travel solo I immerse myself in an authentic cultural experience. Fraternizing with the locals, dining at the best restaurants and visiting art museums that showcase the soul of the city. After doing my Googles, I discovered that San Miguel de Allende was the hidden gem of Mexico’s modern wine country. I honestly found it hard to believe that Mexico was the first place in North America where grapes were planted back in the 16th century. Today, many producers in Central Mexico rely on Spanish influences to bottle up their single varietal wines like Tempranillo, Cabernet Franc, Malbec, Chardonnay, and Semillon to name a few.

 CDMX-

After landing in Mexico City, I took my talents to La Condesa for a content shoot with Aldo Doring, of El Ojo de Dominga at the beautiful Casa Decu, a chic boutique hotel offering a mix of luxury and practicality in the epicenter of one of Mexico City’s best neighborhoods. Casa Decu’s Mexican art deco and vine-lined rooftop served as the backdrop for the shoot I’ve been wanting to pull off ever since I launched theblackwineo.com. Working with Aldo was such a pleasure, as much of our interaction beforehand took place through email or WhatsApp. Naturally, I worked up an appetite after our shoot, and Aldo was kind enough to drop me off at nearby Osteria 8, an Italian restaurant ducked off in Colonia Condesa. For dinner I enjoyed a simple caesar salad and Spaghetti Carbonara paired with two glasses of their house Rose’. It wasn’t long before the hand-rolled pasta gave me the itis. After a few more sips of wine, sleep won.

The Black WIne-O @ Casa Decu, Colonia Condesa, CDMX

SMA-

The three hour journey to San Miguel was peaceful. I slept most of the trip as Primera Plus offered a luxury coach bus experience from Terminal Norte directly to San Miguel de Allende. Upon arrival, I could tell that this city was charming, and I was eager to explore everything it had to offer. My first stop was to check-in at the Jewels of San Miguel. Nestled, near the highest point of the city- El Mirador, my casita was a beautiful home away from home with an incredible view. Now on to the important stuff like wine—After getting lost a few times due to communication barriers with my taxi driver I arrived at Bodega Dos Buhos Winery for a tasting.

Bodega Dos Buhos

Bodega Dos Buhos - This small batch winery sits on three acres of family owned land which produces 10 varietals that include Cabernet Sauvignon, Tempranillo, Moscato, Sauvignon Blanc, Agilianico. Cabernet Franc, and Giallo. After learning more about the history of their wine from Maria, I began to admire their respect and love for winemaking. They produce certified organic wines using natural fermentation and produce different styles of wines in limited editions. I indulged in three of their current wines and their dessert wine- Moscato Giallo for my tasting paired with a cheese board. The vineyard produces around 9,000 bottles annually, at the moment, the only place where you can get their wines is directly at the winery, local shops and the infamous Pujol restaurant in Mexico, City. The “Two Owls” vineyard also doubles as an event space for special occasions and corporate events.

Tub pictured was used for grape stomping during the first harvest in 2006.

Cuna De Tierra- About 30 minutes away from SMA is the city of Dolores Hidalgo, and where I ventured to indulge in more wine at the massive vineyards of Cuna de Tierra. With over 30 acres this international winemaker produces six red wines and one white. The first commercial wines were produced in 2008, but they are currently introducing new grape varieties, among which are Portuguese, Italian and French, with the intention of evaluating those that best adapt to the terroir. I chose to pass on the Spanish-only tour of the vineyard by tractor and went straight in for my reserved tasting. For $500MXN I was able to taste three wines and a charcuterie board complete with meat and cheese. The winetender was knowledgeable about the history of the wine and was attentive as I soaked in as much as I could about the winemaking production. Cuna de Tierra has won numerous awards for its wine, and the design of the independent structures that house the wine. Designed by the architects Ignacio Urquiza Seoane and Bernardo Quinzaños Oriahe, the building honors the history and land that has allowed the conception of the various vine varieties that surround it. Cuna de Tierra is Winederlust approved.

Cuna de Tierra

Welcome to the Neighborhood-Sixty Vines: Rice Village

Houston is home to a thriving wine community due to a collective of intimate wine bars, restaurant concepts and boutique wineries. The new kid on the block, Sixty Vines is a transplant from up north in Plano, Texas which recently opened its doors to wine-o’s in the city.

 The Space-The two-story restaurant is simple yet sophisticated in design. The sleek white walls and natural greenery are inviting and inspired by the vineyards in the California wine country. The thoughtfully-curated space features art pieces commissioned by Houston-based artist Christopher Vela which depict the winemaking process, from vine to glass. This isn’t your pretentious type of wine bar as modern furniture and communal tables make it the perfect atmosphere for a festive night with friends. Upstairs, the main dining room features an open kitchen with a charcuterie bar, a private dining space, and a greenhouse patio that’s reminiscent of a wine garden. While the Sonoma room located on the first floor will transport you to a cozy and contemporary cellar ideal for a date night, client meetings or all day sippin’.

 The Food- During the media preview party guests were treated to a full wine + dine experience as light bites handpicked from the shared plates menu were on display. From cheese boards to fig & prosciutto pizzas, Sixty Vines has tailored a menu to complement their wine list. The menu is filled with shareable plates and entrees that change seasonally and are prepared with local ingredients. Other notable main courses that standout are the Asian Chicken Chop Salad, The C.A.B. Burger or the Short rib Pappardelle braised in red wine. If you mainly come for the wine you can head downstairs for a selective tapas style menu, and of course more wine.

The Wine- With a diverse selection of over 50 wines on tap, 7 craft beers, cider and cold brew the Rice Village location allows guests to enjoy eco-friendly glasses of wine served at the perfect temperature. The hassle of wrestling with a cork are no longer as this sustainable approach to wine consumption is both good for your taste buds and the environment. The interactive wine list affords guests the opportunity to choose their pour based on their meal selection, wine region or by varietal. If you’re a real wine-o don’t pass up the opportunity to become a member of the Vine Hugger’s wine club. You can snag a bottle each month along with other dope perks for as low as $39 monthly.

Combine the charming setting with delicious cuisine and international wines, and it’s not hard to see that this restaurant will be a new Houston favorite. We can’t wait to return to try the weekend brunch menu.