XoXo Day Wine Guide: Top Wine Gift Ideas

This is strictly for the lovers… the wine lovers that is. Here are the top picks to wine and dine yourself or the wineo in your life this Valentine’s Day.

Belle Glos Pinot Noir, 2020 Las Alturas

Not your typical Pinot. Perfect for novice enthusiasts. Pairs well with Anita Baker's Rapture.

The Prisoner Thorn, Napa Valley

For the silky red wine lovers. Mature paletes. Pairs well with Ari Lennox's a/s/l.

Bending Branch Frizzante Rosé

100% Texas Tannat sparkling diva. Pairs well with Frank Ocean's Channel Orange.

Becker Vineyards Barbera,Tallent Vineyards

Rated Top Texas wine by RodeoHouston 2023. Pairs well with Maxwell's Urban Hang Suite.

House of Brown, Red Blend

Unwind with this luxurious Napa Valley red. Pairs well with Dru Hill's debut album.

Black Friday: Best Black-Owned Wines to Shop

No better time than the annual Black Friday to load up on your favorites, empty your wish list or gift something special to a friend. With an evergrowing list of black-owned wines emerging, wine enthusiast can support a new wave of African-Americans who are breaking down barriers in the wine industry. These wines will bring joy to the world and peace on earth as you eat, drink and be merry throughout this holiday season. Take a look below for our top seven Black-Owned wines to shop this Black Friday.

LVE 2020 Chardonnay-One of John Legend's latest series frontrunner's is a 2020 Chardonnay. A creamy and rich Chard with a hint of floral, apricot and vanilla. This alluring wine has some citrus on the backend sure to win over your longtime Chardonnay fans. $14.99 ;14.5% ABV

Michael Lavelle Wines- This group of Howard alums have debunked the myth that frowns upon doing business with friends after a successful year one of launching, Iris Rose. The partners have created a beautiful dry blended rose from Pinot Grigio and Cabernet. The elegant red fruit wine awakens the palate with white peach and strawberry notes. Currently sold out online but can be found in store throughout DC, Illinois and at 1010 Wine & Events in Inglewood, CA. $25 ;11%ABV

Free Range Flower Winery RoseHybiscus: Take your wineos palate beyond the ordinary with this floral based wine sourced from organic rose & hibiscus flowers. According to Wine Enthusiast "Its tannins are velvety [and] it has earthy and herbal notes on the palate. It's also an award winning red wine taking home the silver medal at the 2019 Sunset International Wine competition. $30; 14%ABV

Maison Noir New Noir- A new addition to the Maison Noir portfolio, New Noir is a charming white blend of grapes from Germany. Partly Gewurztraminer, with some appearances from Pinot Gris, Muscat, Riesling and Pinot Blanc to round out an aromatic balance. $25

J Moss 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon- Famiy-owned and operated this Napa winery has been producing age worthy wines since 2010. This hand-harvested Cab is full of silky soft tannins and juicy black and red berries. Made in the Bordeaux style this California grown vintage is surely a crowd pleaser for true Cab lovers. $64

L'Objet 2012 Noir-Rooted within the Russian River Valley AVA the Pinot Noir grapes are biodynamicly grown. It makes for the perfect gifting wine for your collection or to share with friends. It's a lush treat that's a beautiful mix of earth tones and a velvety mouthfeel. $48

Brown Estate El Dorado- No list is complete without the OG's at Brown Estate. This experimental vintage is 100% Zinfadel grown in the Sierra Foothills. The ruby red Zin has layered notes of floral, cinnamon and ripe black raspberry. This is a high quality wine that ages over time. $42; 15.2%

Rosé Roundup: Rosé Wines of the Moment

Annually, the second Saturday in June we celebrate everyone's favorite- rose. The popularity of rose' wine throughout the world has yet to decrease as it sits on a throne amongst it's summer counterparts. Really quick, let's get into how rosé wines are actually made. Rose' gets its color from red grape skins. The longer the skins make contact with the juice the more vibrant or darker the color will be. Contrary to belief, rosé wines aren't all perfectly pink. Some are naturally pale, peachy, copper and even closer to red. Originating in France and popularized throughout the US, rosé is a fruit forward wine that ranges from dry, sweet to sparkling. As an avid rosé aficionado, I've compiled seven affordable and food friendly favorites of the moment for you to enjoy this summer.

Schramsberg Brut Rosé - I was introduced to this elegant sparkling rosé a while back at a tasting. Pair it with grilled chicken, margherita pizza or my fave, a fatty piece of BBQ brisket. It's lively enough to pair with a gourmet meal or your next DoorDash. 12.6% ABV $37

Wolffer Summer in a Bottle Rosé 2020- The label alone is an eyecatcher, but the flavors are the real draw. Made mostly from the Merlot grape, this rosé unpacks some minerality and light acidity but doesn't overpower the fruit and floral aromas. This bottle can be sipped, gifted or stored as decor for your bar cart. 12.5% ABV $25

Graham Beck Brut Rosé- Paying homage to the classic method this S. African sparkling wine is a delightful blend of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. It owes its unique silver-pink hue to an enzymatic reaction which happens during the transport of the Pinot Noir fruit to the cellar. Grab it locally at Spec’s and pour up at your next impromtu picnic in the park. 12% ABV $17.99
Drink Boxt Rosé- I love that this brand prides itself on producing quality wines in a sustainable fashion. The newly released rosé is the latest profile that's filled with floral aromas, bright acidity and strawberry notes. Cool off this summer with this limited-edition rosé use code: theblackwineo20 to sign up for your monthly membership. $89 Save $15 off membership.

La Fete Rose- I've featured La Fete French inspired rose a few times, because it's just that good. When I think of a classic dry rosé this wine tops my list. The hue of the wine glows like a fresh tan from the French Riveria. 13% ABV $25

Poema Brut Rosé- This affordable sparkling wine is so food friendly and easily a party starter. Hailing from Spain, Poema's Cava Brut Rosé has notes of fresh strawberry and raspberry with some acidity on the finish. It's quite the bargain bottle retailing under $15. This is the perfect bottle to blend in your frose this summer.11.5% ABV $13.99

Lost Draw Cellars Cinsault Rosé-With only 12 hours of skin contact this copper toned rosé is vibrant and elegant. It's comprised of 100% Texas grown grapes that rival the Mediterranean coast. Pair it with grilled salmon, a savory charcuterie board or a fresh summer salad.11.9%ABV $25

7 Black-Owned Wines to Fall in Love with

February is Black History Month, a time dedicated to honoring the contributions and achievements of African Americans who've daringly paved the way. As a community, we become intentional with our purchases, diverting them to empower Black-owned businesses to strengthen our communities in a racially divided economy. The notion to #BuyBlack is a movement that extends into the wine industry, as less than one percent of US wineries are black-owned.

The lack of diversity is blaring and that's why representation from producer to consumer matters. Consumers help to increase visibility through demand. As we celebrate the significance of this time of year we're encouraing our fellow wineo's to spread the LOVE and support these seven Black-owned wines this month. *Insert shameless plug don't forget to join us later on February 12th at O.S.T Liquor Store for a special Valentine's Day wine tasting featuring one of the Black-owned winemakers on our list. More info HERE.

Love Cork Screw Head Over Heels Riesling $18-

Fall "head over heels" with this Black-Owned wine based in Chicago which prides itself on tantalizing all five senses. This sweet Riesling has a lemony-grapefruit character and offers sweet wine lovers balance with its ripe peach and citrus aromas. Rieslings are perfect to pair with your favorite white chocolate dessert for a night cap. 11.5% ABV

Flo Wines Red Blend $20- A budget-friendly California red blend that has found its way into my heart. Perfect to pair with grilled juicy meats and a group of friends who don't take themselves too seriously. 13.5% ABV

Lyons Wine Lambrusco $40- Thank Clubhouse for the introduction. This frizzante hails from the Emilia-Romagna region known for it's sparkling red Lambrusco. Visionary, Chris Lyons is known for creating high-quality products and he doesn't miss with this homage to the popular varietal from the late 60s. Cozy up on the couch with this fruit-forward wine and a cheesy pepperoni pizza. 10.5% ABV

Cheramie Riesling $24- This 100% Texas grown varietal is the pride and joy of a Black woman winemaker. An off-dry Riesling with light acidity and green apple notes that highlight the unique character of the Texas High Plains soil. Pair it with your Friday night playlist and best dance moves. 11.9% ABV

Three by Wade Rose $24- It’s produced by basketball legend, Dwayne Wade and slowly becoming my favorite rose to drink on any given day. Lovely floral aromas add to its fruity fresh character and it's surely a slam dunk for any rosé enthusiast. This bottle is made for those who enjoy luxury on a dime. 11.3% ABV

Indigene Cellars Paso Robles Grenache Blanc $30- This central Cali variety is most widely known for its richness and crisp acidity. Originating in Spain and popularized in France, Grenache Blanc is a single varietal mostly used in white blends. The bits of minerality make this an interesting wine to enjoy amongst your wine snob friends.

P. Harrell Three Fifteen Zinfadel $37- Hailing from Sonoma California, P. Harrell Wines offers a traditional Zinfadel that's versatile and delicious. Hints of cinnamon, clove and pepper support this fruit driven Zinfandel. Enhance the profile with a braised lamb pairing and a scenic view. 14.8% ABV

The 25 Wines of Christmas Holiday Gift Guide: Black-Owned Wines

To make your holiday shopping easier we've compiled a list of 25 of the best wine bottles to gift this holiday season. Giving the gift of alcohol is always a good idea and why not go beyond the basic bottle of wine and treat yourself or the wine-o in your life to something special after enduring a year like 2020. Whether they enjoy red, white or sparkling this list has you covered. Check out part three of the 25 Wines of Christmas featuring Black-owned wines to sip this holiday season or gift to the wine connoisseur in your life.

1. Stuyvesant Champagne Grand Reserve Brut $58.95- Bubbles are always the answer. Stuyvesant stays true to the traditional method of producing Champagne with a three blend grape varietal of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier. This gift will arrive a little late due to delays however it's well worth the wait.

2. Three by D Wade Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon 2018 $40-Cheers to a true Cali Cab, full-bodied filled with tannins and structure to brighten up any glass. This is a great dinner wine to enjoy with friends or ring in the new year. Houston wineo's can pick this bottle up at OST Liquor.

3. La Fete Rose $25- If the wine lover in your life can't resist the pretty pink drink then look no further. Recently landing in Houston retailers like Spec's La Fete is the bottle that you try once and immediately regret not buying two. This is a must-have for the wine lover in your life.

4. Brown Estate Chaos Theory Red $35.99- Napa's first Black-owned winery and tasting room is currently shut down due to Covid restrictions and the California wildfires so it's the perfect time to show your support for this Black-owned business. This red blend of Zinfadel, Merlot and Petite Syrah is pleasureable on the palate filled with floral and blackberry notes.

5. Longevity Wines Syrah 2016 $38- Winemaker, Phil Long gets this one right on the nose. A family-owned and operated winery producing award winning wines just outside of the Bay area in Livermore Valley AVA. An easy drinking juicy wine with just enough spice that it doesn't overpower the prevelant red berry fruit flavors.

6. McBride Sisters $15.99-$18.99- Can your really make a list and not include the McBride Sisters? Of course not, so grab a bottle of their 2017 Red Blend, Sparkling Brut Rose or the 2019 Sauvignon Blanc which can be found in major retailers like Target, Total Wine, Walmart and many more after a big push to create space for Black-owned wines on shelves across the country.

7. Pur Noire 2018 Limited Selection Merlot $60- Vinted with Napa Valley grapes this bold red is perfect for those who enjoy rich wines with character. It's full-bodied and filled with consistent tannins that leave blackberry cobbler and dark chocolate notes on the mouthfeel. If you're in Houston you can pick this up at OST Liquor or Shop Bottles Texas.

8. LVE by John Legend Cotes de Provence Rose 2018 $25- I love French rose wines especially from the Cotes de Provence region. This pale pink wine is aesthically pleasing to the eye and to the palate with luxurious strawberry and white peach notes. Add-on a bottle of the sparkling rose varietal for double the fun. Houston you're in luck local black-owned liquor store OST Liquor and Shop Bottles Texas keep it stocked.

The 25 Wines of Christmas Holiday Gift Guide: Natural Wines

If you're an avid wine drinker you’ve probably explored the world of natural or biodynamiclly grown the grown wines as they’ve become increasingly popular in recent years. These wines are for the environmentally conscious and health freaks who want to adopt a guiltless drinking lifestyle. Yes, that vegan friend in your life that can’t stop reminding you about their newfound wellness journey.

Natural wines are produced with minimal intervention. From cultivation of the grape to fermentation the entire process is thoughtfully produced with no sulfites or additives. No grapes were harmed in the making of this bottle. Don't be confused when shopping for natural wines because a common misconception is that organic, vegan and natural wines are the same. All natural wines can be organic but not all organic wines are natural. What does this even mean? "Made with organic grapes" wines are organically produced but may contain a minimal amount of sulfites. Certified organic or natural wines are made with organic grapes and contain no sulfur or additives. To make your holiday shopping easier check out part two of the 25 Wines of Christmas gift guide featuring popular natural wines to sip this holiday season or gift to the wine connoisseur in your life.

Le Coste Ripazzo Bianco 2019- $29.95 A young Italian white blend of Procanico, Malvasia, and Roscetto which are found in the Lazio region. It reminds me of Trebbiano, a grape that's suitable for Texas soil. It has a lively pear nose with a hint of exotic fruit on the palate rounded out with natural acidity. 12% ALC

Dry Farm Wines- $88 Natural family farmed wines delivered right to your door that are pefect to begin your natural wine journey. This one time order of 3 bottles also includes complimentary shipping. Mix it up and get a variety of natural reds and whites. This is your best attempt to sip carb-free wines since they contain less sugar than most. 12.5% ALC or lower.

Montinore Estate Vivace- $25 A sparkling blended wine from Oregon's infamous Williamette Valley. It's refreshing with a hint of sweetness from the Riesling varietal. Perfect to pop on New Year's Eve. It has a citrus bouquet with ripe green apple and crisp lemon notes on the finish. 12.3% ALC

Occhipinti II Frappato Sicilia 2018- $48.99 Frappato is a red grape varietal that primarily grows in Silcily, Italy, but is typically used in blends. Arianna, a young woman-owned producer intentionally harvest with sustainability in mind. This light bodied red has vibrant red berries on the nose and palate perfect for red wine lovers. This wine is a rare find in your local boutique wine shop or can be purchased online through Astor. Unfortunately, they don’t offer shipping to Texas. 13% ALC

The 25 Wines of Christmas Holiday Gift Guide: Wines Under $20

To make your holiday shopping easier we have compiled a list of 25 of the best wine bottles to gift this holiday season. This list features something for everyone (of drinking age) in your life to enjoy this Christmas or bring in the new year. We've got budget bottles for those last-minute gift ideas, Black-owned, Texas-made and natural wines guaranteed to please almost anyone on your list. Giving the gift of alcohol is always a good idea and why not go beyond the basic bottle of wine and treat yourself or the wine-o in your life to something special after enduring a year like 2020. Whether they enjoy red, white, or sparkling this list has you covered. Check out part one of the 25 Wines of Christmas featuring affordable bottles under $20 to sip this holiday season or gift to the wine connoisseur in your life.

Neighborhood Cellar- Dallas, TX

1. A to Z Wineworks Pinot Noir $20- This native Oregon wine is produced by a group of wine veterans who have continued to set the standard for vineyards throughout the region. Named best American Pinot Noir under $20 by Food & Wine magazine this Pinot offers great value and stays true to the characteristics of Oregon's favorite grape.

Perfectly Paired: That friend you can call at anytime of the day and they answer.

2. Aria Estate Brut by Segura Viudas $15.99-  Since most affordable bottles of Champagne range from $35-65, I suggest getting the bubbly drinker in your life the next best thing, a bottle of Cava. Cava is a sparkling wine hailing from Spain which offers fine bubbles, fresh citrus and crisp notes typically using Macabeo, Xarel-lo and Parellada grapes. Enjoy all the fizz minus the fuss with this bottle of sparkling. 12% ALC

Perfectly Paired: The hostess with the mostess who knows it’s not truly a celebration unless the bubbles are flowing.

3. Crios Torrontes 2018 $15.99- Susana Balboa Wines has been dubbed the "Queen of Torrontes" for crafting a unique white wine which rivals Mendoza, Argentina's most popular varietal. Widely known for producing award winning Malbec's the regions has something else to brag about as this refreshing white rightfully takes its place as star of the show. 13.5% ALC

Perfectly Paired- The sushi or shellfish lover in your life who enjoys a good fish fry or seafood boil.

4. Marchese Di Borgosole Riserva DOC $12.99- Escape to picturesque Southern Italy as this bottle takes red lovers on an adventure exploring spicy fruit notes and aromas of toasted vanilla. The Negromano grape provides soft tannins and an easy drinking wine that is flavorful and not overpowering.

Perfectly Paired- A daring palate and a room with a view.

5. Cardinale Lanata Moscato D'Asti $18.99- Upgrade the wine-o in your life with this sparkling dessert wine that is perfect to pop alongside your favorite holiday baked goods or by itself. This bottle offers just the right amount of sweetness for those who stay within their comfort zone or consume wine on occasion.

Perfectly Paired: Your favorite auntie who can’t stop raving about Stella Rosa wines.

6. Earthworks Barossa Shiraz 2016 $19.97-I fell in love with this bold red at a recent tasting and thought it would serve well for wine-o's who enjoy dark berry reds that are complex and smoothly satisfying on the palate. It's the perfect dinner wine to entertain and doesn't break the bank.

Perfectly Paired: Your bougie cousin who reminds everyone you are not married yet at all the family functions.

7 Gift Worthy Wines for Mother's Day

Mother’s Day is just around the corner and we’re giving you another list. Yes, another monthly list of wines perfect for your favorite girl. The Covid-19 crisis has made it difficult to celebrate Mother’s Day, but we’ve compiled seven worthy mom approved wines to make her day full of CHEERS!

Field Recordings Pet Nat Rose- This fizzy sparkling wine bares notes of pink grapefruit, strawberry and is perfect to carry into the summer months. Produced on the Central coast of California this varietal is sure to intrigue mom’s taste buds if she prefers bubbles. The “Dear Mom” special edition bottle doubles as a keepsake with a space available for a sentimental hand written note.

Pet Nat Field Recordings

Bota Box RedVolution Wine- My mother’s love of Franzia’s Zinfadel peaked my curiosity at an early age for box wines. They say “A Mother knows Best” and obviously it’s true as most boxed wines are inexpensive, but have high value compared to bottled wines. A box wine contains three liters of wine which equals to four bottles of a standard 750ML bottle. This is the ultimate gift that keeps on giving at the fraction of the price. Add on this Boxxle box wine dispenser to keep the wine fresh for up to six weeks.

McBride Sisters Sauvignon Blanc- Since last week we celebrated International Sauvignon Blanc Day it’s a good time to highlight this fruit forward wine from the Marlborough region in New Zealand. The luscious aromas comprised of passionfruit, honey and lime are captivating and unique to the vineyards of the region.

Chloe Red No. 249 Red Blend- I finally started working my way through the Chloe collection, and surprisingly this blend happens to be my favorite along with their Pinot Grigio. This wine tastes like wealth for under $20. The oak flavors help provide a little kick of spice on the finish.

Albino Armani Pinot Grigio- This is the perfect bottle to add to mom’s collection if she’s a white wine lover. This dry and minerally Pinot from Italy allows the notes of apple, honeysuckle and pear to tickle the palate upon first sip. The light to medium bodied wine pairs well with lighter food dishes like scallops, halibut and even oysters.

J Vineyards + Winery Chardonnay- J Winery specializes in the Old World technique and produces a high quality range of white, sparkling and reds. This simple yet acidic Chardonnay is bursting with soothing citrussy notes like lemon and grapefruit. This wine is complex and easily a favorite of wine critics and enthusiasts alike.

Bénédicte et Stéphane Tissot Cremant de Jura-This sparkling rose wine is 60% Pinot Noir, 20% Poulsard and 20% Trousseau and hails from the Jura appellation of France. The intense fruit forward notes will transport you to the vineyard which specializes in cultivating wines that are biodynamic. Since quarantine has halted traveling to a French vineyard i picked this bottle up at a local wine shop, Avondale Food & Wine for $39. You can grab a bargain bottle of Tissot Marie Cremant du Jura from Total Wines & More for $18.