History of Houston Wine Merchant

Voted “Favorite Wine Seller” for 2013 in the My Table Magazine - Houston Culinary Awards.

Houston Wine Merchant was founded in 1984 as Wines of America and specialized in domestic wines. At the time, Houston had a number of liquor stores that carried wine, but wine generally played a less important role than liquor. Our philosophy was to demystify wine for the consumer. The California wine industry was going through a period of expansive growth.

We learned from our customers, and as our expertise grew, we added countries . First, Australian wines were added in 1987, then Dom Perignon Champagne. Over the next 10 years, one or two new countries were included in the product mix each year. By the late 1990s Houston Wine Merchant was bringing the very best wine from around the world to our customers. The original name, Wines of America, no longer reflected our business. It was difficult to change after 16 years, but in 2000 we did – to Houston Wine Merchant.

One mainstay of our customer service is our free wine tasting every Friday evening from 5:30 to 7:30 and every Saturday afternoon from 2:00 to 4:00. The tastings allow customers to sample various wines prior to purchase and even meet winemakers and vineyard owners from time to time. The theme of each tasting is posted on our website prior to the event.

We also pride ourselves in our concerted efforts to assist customers with special orders. We will make every attempt to find that special bottle that you might have had at a local restaurant or at that café in Italy, bistro in France or lodge in the Finger Lakes. If we can find it, we'll happily order as little as one bottle for you.

Assisting collectors, big and small, with assembling a cellar they can enjoy is also one of our specialties; and every year we participate in selling Bordeaux from the previous vintage En Primeur, to be delivered upon their release - also known as presales or "futures".

Lately the name Houston Wine Merchant has not entirely reflected the scope of our business. Consumer appreciation for specialty spirits is booming, and our selection of those spirits has grown along with that appreciation. We’ve also developed a wholesale business that caters to many of Houston’s finest bars and private clubs.

We deliver throughout the greater Houston metropolitan area and can include gift wrapping, a card, or a personal note if you like.