7 Best New Wine Shops & Bars in Houston

Wow, it’s been a while wineos. Finally knocking the cobwebs off and publishing the first blog of the new year. After successfully participating in Dry January, I wanted to share some of the newest openings and best places to sip and shop for wine in Houston. From micro wineries, thoughtfully curated boutique shops and a notable happy hour, here’s seven new spots to get acquainted with.

Reata Cellars- The woman-owned duo behind the latest addition to the Greater Heights has years of experience in the wine indusry. The intimate shop that doubles as a wine bar is filled with over 90 hand picked selections of fine wines from all over the world including Texas. By-the-Glass prices range from $10-15 and you can grab a charcuterie board while shopping for the next bottle to add to your collection. 633 W. 19th St

Wine Vibes- Missouri City is welcoming a new micro winery later this month. Three powerhouse women who recognized the need for diversity within the wine industry are behind this concept that will offer wine tastings, bottle sales, special events and a bistro. Guests can enjoy entrees like flatbreads and paninis, small bites, such as jerk shrimp skewers and balsamic glazed brussel sprouts, with a variety of charcuterie boards to pair with wine selections. 9018 Sienna Crossing Drive Suite 100

Sipstahood- Located right in the heart of Houston’s historic 3rd Ward neighborhood, is a winery and tasting room that fuses philanthropy with a full sensory experience. Guests can enjoy a 3-flight wine tasting that features Sipstahood’s custom blends. Feel good about your consumption as 20% is donated back into the community. The vintner aims to build awareness and accessibility of viticulture through urban social impact in underserved communities. 5251 Live Oak St.

Dodie’s Wine Shop- This cozy wine shop is home to over 100 bottles that include women-owned brands, TX wines, craft beers and a notable sparkling list. Dodie likes to sip everything that she sources, so you’re bound to find a wine that you’ll fall in love with. Future winemaker led tastings are planned for the near future. The resident dog is also a cutie. 1701 W. 15th St

Marmo- Dear Marmo, you had me at hello! This Italian chophouse was one of the first additions to the new Montrose Collective. The charming and luxe space is the perfect setting for a date night or special occasion. Featuring an all Italian wine list your palate will transport you to Tuscany after a delightful pairing of a vintage Nebbiolo and their Bolognese. The Happy Hour, Sunday-Friday 3-6pm is also worthy of your attention. Snag a glass of Primitivo for $6 and bites under $8. 888 Westheimer Rd

Imperial Wine SLTX- All the Natties report to the front. Finally, a bottle shop dedicated solely to natural wine lovers. Less intervention, doesn’t mean less quality as this bottle shop aims to offer Sugar Land residents a twist on the old vine. A range of producers line the shelves with wines that are organic or biodynamically grown. A wine club is in the works as residents in the area can take advantage of special tastings and events. 106-C Bay View Dr.

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.