Houston is a place where locals enjoy the finer things in life without pretension. Its wine bars reflect that dichotomy, offering wines from around the world at various price points in vibey, relaxed settings. As an added bonus, the city boasts its fair share of certified sommeliers who can help guide guests through abundant selections, making wine-drinking experiences insightful and fun.
From laid back neighborhood haunts to romantic European-style hideaways, there is a wine bar for every taste in Houston. Whether it’s educating yourself on new and interesting wines, or simply winding down and sharing a bottle with friends, consider this guide a perfect starting point for your exploration.
Postino
This Phoenix-based wine bar and restaurant debuted its first Houston location in 2018, and has rapidly grown to six locations across the city since, with each outpost built to reflect the neighborhood in which it resides. The wine list is curated by Advanced Sommelier Brent Karlicek, and features boutique producers alongside familiar wine industry favorites. Postino’s daily happy hour, featuring $6 glasses of wine and pitchers of draft beer until 5 p.m., is one of its main draws. No need to drink and run. Postino has a large all-day food menu, with build-your-own bruschetta boards and a selection of paninis, and offers weekend brunch. Multiple locations, postinowinecafe.com
Padre’s Wine Bar + Shop
This Heights newbie serves as a distributor and retailer, giving it a unique opportunity to offer a variety of lesser-known wines from small vineyards and producers. Named for owner Mike Farley’s father, who was lovingly referred to as “Padre”, the bar offers the largest selection of South American wines in Houston, as well as a number of family-owned labels. The food menu is worth exploring too, with indulgent offerings like a smoked cheeseburger ($16) and duck gumbo ($10). For those who want to dig deeper into its cellar, Padre’s has a wine club in which members receive three ($75) or six ($150) of its selected best bottles each month. 3522 White Oak Dr. Houston, padreswine.com
Camerata
Located next to sister restaurant Paulie’s, this neighborhood hangout has a living room feel with couches and banquettes, peppered around a distinct industrial-style bar. It’s likely no two visits to Camerata will be the same, as the bar varies its by-the-glass options daily. Opt for smaller pours and try a few things before committing to a glass or bottle. While wine is the bar’s main draw, Camerata also features an excellent selection of sake, cider, beer, and non-alcoholic beverages. Guests can enjoy their tipple of choice with munchies like whipped feta and marinated tomatoes ($10), and Paulie’s pasta salad ($7). 1830 Westheimer Rd. Houston, cameratahouston.com
Sonoma Wine & Cheese
This woman-owned wine bar has been around since 2007, with two locations in Houston and one in Katy. Each one varies a little, but all offer tasting flights for those who want to sample a variety of wines, and daily happy hour until 6 p.m. Discover wines like the 2022 Gritsch Gruner Veltliner ($14) from Austria, or the 2023 Jolie Laide Glou d’Etat ($16) from Sebastopol, California. Choose between a selection of cheese and charcuterie and build your own board, or dine on something heartier like the Sonoma flatbread ($17), with artichoke heart, tomato, bresaola, mozzarella, and basil pesto. Keep up with Sonoma Wine & Cheese on social media to stay in the know of live music nights and tastings from special producers. Multiple locations, sonomahouston.com
13 Celsius
Housed in a 1920s-era building, this European-inspired wine bar has been a cozy spot for wine sippers to enjoy since it opened in 2006. Its staying power comes from a team of wine experts and hospitality professionals that happily guide guests to the perfect quaff. Wines are kept in a climate-controlled cellar, and guests may order by the glass, half-bottle, or bottle. While there are plenty of high-end vintages, a number of selections under $50 are just as worthy of your attention. Check out the rotating list of seasonal by-the-glass list options, and pair your wine with snacks like fig & goat cheese crostini ($12) and the Italiano panino ($13). 3000 Caroline St. Houston, 13celsius.com
Montrose Cheese & Wine
At this boutique wine and cheese shop from Goodnight Hospitality, customers can shop retail bottles and a wide selection of cheeses and meats to take home, or stick around, and enjoy a glass of wine and sandwich-of-the-day on the quaint patio. There are 3- and 6-ounce pours by the glass, plus a number of bottles under $40. For some variety, spring for a wine flight ($25), featuring four two-ounce pours, or visit on Wednesdays during which complimentary tastings from wine producers around the globe are offered from 5 to 7 p.m. 1618 Westheimer Rd. Houston, montrosecheeseandwine.com
Fiora’s Bottle Shop
Located within the Montrose Collective, this bright and airy space is perfect for a quick lunch or a lazy wine-fueled afternoon with friends. The inside is cozy, but the outdoor patio with views of the Collective’s communal areas is popular on pleasant weather days. Sip on unique selections like the Bodega Breseti from Uruguay or a sparkling wine from Germany, and stay for a meal. Fiora’s puts a lot of love into sandwiches like the mortadella ($18), loaded with Italian meat, vegetables, and cheese, and shareables like hummus ($10) and beet labneh ($10) serve as tasty sides. 888 Westheimer Rd. Houston, fiorasbottleshop.com
