French Country Wines is more than just the name of one of Houston’s most unique wine shops.
It’s also the sole United States outlet for a myriad of small, family-owned and run wineries all across France whose limited harvests meant they were overlooked by large distributors, thus their wines never got to this country. By visiting and working directly with these grape-growing families, French Country Wines in Houston changed all that.

Since 2006, French Country Wines has been showing wine lovers in Houston and Austin that great wines don’t have to be expensive, bear familiar labels found in every wine shop or be purchased through some third-party distributor.

Now, from 7-9 p.m. on Thursday, July 11, and again on Friday, July 12, French Country Wines is hosting a wine class called An Introduction to French Country Wines that will show just what makes these small-harvest wines so special. Heading the class will be Charelle Grant, adjunct instructor at the Culinary Institute LeNotre teaching Wine Fundamentals and other hospitality management courses.

The class will be held at French Country Wines, 2433 Bartlett, and will include five wines representing various types and regions of wines for tasting with cheese pairings. Discussions will include how the methods used on these small wineries differ from larger, more commercial ones as well as information on the families and descendants who still own and work these vineyards. Those attending the class will also receive a 10 per cent discount off the purchase price of any of the wines discussed.

Cost for the class is $48 per person plus tax. Reservations are required as seating is limited. Call 713-993-9500 for information. Be sure to specify what night you wish to reserve.

For information on French Country Wines, call 713-993-9500 or visit the website, www.frenchcountrywines.com