I live in Houston and frequent many of the wine bars there. However, I also do a lot of traveling to wineries and with Austin so close it is a frequent destination. What I love about Austin is it has a great eclectic music scene. Paired with some of the top wine bars in Austin, this is definitely a favorite way to spend a weekend especially when it is a beautiful day and time to take the bike out for a jaunt. Some of my favorite Austin Wine Bars include:
Max’s Wine Dive located at 207 San Jacinto Blvd is known for its food as well as its wine. A favorite of mine in Houston, I could not resist trying out the Austin location as well and it was no disappointment. The recommended Beringer Knights Valley Cabernet was good but not one of my favorites. I have also had their sangria in the summer which was refreshing and perfect for a hot summer day. The TAZ Pinot Gris was another recommended wine. Even though it is featured by the bottle at approximately $25, Max’s will sell any bottle by the glass with a 2 glass minimum commitment.
Mulberry located at 360 Nueces Street has a great selection of food and wines. The food includes cheese and meat trays that are brought out artfully plated. Wines are available per glass or bottle. I have tasted the Querciabella Chianti Classico, a Tuscan red that is full bodied and delicious. The Cru les Greves Nicolas Potel Nuits St. Georges is lovely also. I am not a fan of many white wines but I have heard great things about the Cloudy Bay Sauvignon Blanc and will likely try it next time I am there in the warmer months.
Vino Vino at 4119 Guadalupe has been voted “Best Place to Sip Wine in Austin” by the Austin Chronicle. In addition to this what drew me was the live music to combine two of my passions. The Domaine Thénard 2006 Givry Les Bois Chevaux Premier Cru was incredible as was Louis Perdrier Brut Rosé, a sparkkling pink that was really good even though a tad different than what I typically prefer. This is a great place to try some carefully delected wines ranging in price from budget to luxury and listen to some of the best local acts available in a variety of music genres.
House Wine at 408 Josephine offers wine tastings, live music, free WiFi, great ambiance and some incredible specials. They have a great selection of food, cheese and meats to perfectly complement your wine selections. They have wines by the glass and the bottle. One that I had was the Footbalt Shiraz which was recommended by a friend. I really enjoyed that. I have also had their sangria on multiple occasions and this is perfect on a warm day.
Uncorked Tasting Room and Wine Bar is located at 900 E 7th Street and they have a great selection of food and wine. They have light entrees, desserts and of course, meat and cheese trays. I loved the menu that was well designed for the novice wine enthusiast. All wines are categorized with their type, sweetness, body, fruit and non fruit flavors. This makes it ideal for those who do not know wines but know what they like. I have long been a fan of Chilean wines so tried the Ventisquero Reserva Pinot Noir which was great and everything I expected. The Lillypilly dessert wine from Australia was also really good. While I did not try any, I noticed they have a decent selection of local Texas wines and they even have a few Texas beers as well.
Austin residents have a great selection of wine bars but even those in nearby cities such as Houston and San Antonio should take the opportunity for a quick drive. Indulge in a glass of wine before or after checking out all that Austin night life has to offer or frequent one of the wine bars that feature live music.
