Wine Life - Houston

Sunny days sipping in Galveston is well underway. These are my top picks for affordable wines for the more discerning for spring break and beyond. As originally seen in Galveston Monthly magazine.

Many, many years ago, Messina Hof in Bryan, Texas was the first winery that I ever visited. That was my first introduction to grape growing and wine making.  That visit would not be the last, I would taste at Messina Hof many more times over the years. My latest in Houston Food Finder takes a look at the newly opened location in the Houston suburbs. Houston Food Finder - First Bite: Messina Hof Harvest Green More on the history of this iconic Texas winery here, as originally seen in Galveston Monthly magazine:  Messina Hof - 40 years of Romance, Family, and Tradition

In a collaboration with Bevfluence , several wine writers across the country shopped the $12.99 and under category at the top selling wine shops in their regions to create a budget friendly buying guide for sippers seeking good value vino regardless of their location in the U.S.  My contributions come from Spec’s Wines, Spirits & Finer Foods . The first Spec’s opened in my hometown of Houston in 1962 and has grown into more than 120 store locations across Texas. I shopped at the flagship store at 2410 Smith St and selected 20 bottles which were each priced under $12.99. It was easy to find numerous bottles of interest in the large shop in this price range, although pricing and selection may v ary by location. I picked some wines from classic regions and some from more up and coming areas, as well. These are my top scoring bottles for best quality in this price point. Dibon Cava Brut Rosé - Made from organically grown Grenache grapes, this old world sparkler offers a lot of...

A coup As seen in the February 2021 issue of Galveston Monthly magazine.  This month top picks are two easy to find on the island wines to celebrate Valentines Day this month.  

 As seen in the January 2021 issue of Galveston Monthly magazine. Surprising grapes and some lesser known places were the source of this month's recommendations in Galveston Monthly. 

 In the December 2020 issue of Galveston Monthly magazine, get gift ideas for the wine lover in your life.

There's a new king in town, Evan Turner swept the 2020 Iron Somm Competition.  Read all about it in my latest for Houston Food Finder.  https://houstonfoodfinder.com/bars/meet-the-iron-sommelier-houston-2020-winners/