Be a Part of Our Wine Tasting Events and Join the Wine Revolution!

As a native Italian wine is not the first thing that leaps to mind when I think of the lone star state.

Texas conjures up fond memories of the opening sequence to 80s smash hit series (or at least in the UK it was!) ‘Dallas’. The camera pans over the Cowboy’s stadium, shots of Oil wells nodding up and down conscientiously in the sand, and then the three way split screen stills of Larry Hagman et al…. and what a theme tune!

Yet what is perhaps lesser known overseas is that there is an abundance of fertile wine country for which Houston is a prime example. The Hill Country and surrounding area holds an abundance of wineries and vineyards. Well subscribed wine tours complete with food pairings are testament to the popularity of wine events for tourists and Houstonians alike.

In the 4 years since we opened our Houston location of Mascalzone we have noticed a steady increase in the appreciation of wine in the city itself. We knew beforehand that Houstonians were well versed on the ways of good food and drink. But these cultured palates have displayed a thirst for wine beyond our expectations. So much so that we have noticed five new wine bars opening for business in the past 12 months alone.

Could it be that the City of Houston is experiencing something of a wine revolution?

We have been hosting events at Mascalzone Houston for some time now. Noticing the city-wide spike in demand for both homegrown and overseas wines we decided to make our own contribution to a busy local scene.

Mascalzone is a family run business, with strong roots in Italy and a dedication to bringing an authentically Italian experience to our diners. For us the chance to showcase some of our wines from the old country, with recipes dating back to classical times was irresistible, and we knew would be something that our clientele would appreciate.

In recent months we have showcased wines from the Bellaria Winery, Campania including the Greco di Tufo and Fiana di Avvelino. These events have been hosted by sommeliers and representatives from some of the oldest wine making families in Italy. Not only is this a tasting experience but an introduction to the very roots of some of the finest wines available on any restaurant menu.

Alongside the wines, we offer food pairings from boutique suppliers, such as last months 4 Year Anniversary Party Wine and Olive Tasting Event. On this occasion Impero Wine Distributors, who share our commitment, to sourcing out high quality Italian Wines, joined with us alongside boutique Olive producers Entimio.

One of our most intriguing events was a Wine and Chocolate pairing evening, with wines from Alarich and Chocolate from Xocolla Artisan Chocolate makers.

Indeed, the one off wine tasting nights and events are a well fitting compromise for busy Houstonians that share a passion for Wine but perhaps lack the time to head out on a wine trail of a weekend. That’s why at Mascalzone we try to bring the wine to the city! At least our favourites from the Old Country!

Come and join us any time at Mascalzone and check in to see when our next wine event is in the calendar! Or if you are interested in hosting an event of your own, drop us a line. We cater to events of all kinds and sizes and promise typically Italian charm wrapped up in a warm Texas welcome!

Toto Mascalzone is event and marketing manager at Mascalzone restaurant. He is an Italian wine writer and educator, blogger, and food and wine enthusiast currently living in London. He is author of the wine and lifestyle blog, and was a co-editor, together with Italian wine writer a blog devoted to news from the world of Italian wine.