13 Celsius – 3000 Caroline, Opened back in 2007 and has maintained its title as one of Houston’s top rated wine bars. It was recently named as the 2016 Reader’s Choice for Best Wine List, by the Houston Press.
Their wine list is comprised of varietals with unique character and superior quality, from all over the world. 13 Celsius is housed in a 1920’s era Mediterranean-style building in an often forgotten portion of Midtown, on the corner of Anita and Caroline.
At first glance, the wine list at 13 Celsius may be a bit intimidating. But for a wino like myself, it was mere child’s play. I viewed the vast assortment of sparkling whites, rosés, reds and dessert wines as a challenge. One that I gladly took by the horns, and wrestled to the ground!
The price points per bottle vary from $30 bucks to $100+. I didn’t even look in the direction of the more pricier wines for fear of somehow breaking the bottle and having to pay for it. If you’re not in the mood for an entire bottle, or prefer to be more “discreet” about your consumption, 13 Celsius has one of the largest “wine by the glass or half glass” lists in the city. I stopped counting once I got to 60.
Wine flights are available here too; A great choice for the indecisive sipper. That’s pretty dope to me, and totally adds another layer of appeal! 13 Celsius fun fact: all wines are stored in a climate-controlled cellar at 13 degrees Celsius (55.4 Fahrenheit).
The food service menu was created to complement 13’s extensive wine list and consists of “sharable plate”, small sandwiches and salads. Their dynamic cheese and “butcher boards, paired perfectly with my medium bodied, red wine choice. For a sweet treat, I hear their truffles are quite divine.
In addition to their wine selection, the beer program at 13 Celsius totes over 30 bottled beers and a continually rotating draught selections highlighting seasonal and miniscule production brews.
Watch my 1 minute run down to hear all the reasons you should check this place out!
