The Art of Wine, a wine bar and retail boutique that was credited for “changing the idea of what a wine store should be” by reporters from Advocate magazine, believes that wine is not only a beverage, but also a work of art—an indulgence that promotes friendly conversation and warm feelings of goodwill.

The softly lit space’s wooden wine racks pack in rare and exotic wines from independent wineries across Texas, the globe, and deep-sea kingdoms. Beyond the shelves of glimmering bottles lies the cozy bar area, where savvy staffers dole out glasses and samples of featured wines from behind a marble bar. Customers here perch on cushy armchairs, clinking glasses of fine wine over plates of gourmet cheeses, artisanal flatbreads, and chocolate trifles. Occasionally, the sounds of live jazz float around the room, bouncing off walls full of paintings from local artists.