Five(ish) Questions

Almost everything you need to know about Greek wine from Christina Boutari

Christina Boutari at the Houston Greek Festival
Boutari Winery in Santorini
Tasting room at Boutari Winery
Photo by Zane Katsikis
Elios wine
Palate cleansers and wine
Photo via Wayfaring.info

Ever heard of Moschofilero? What about Agiorgitiko? Well whether you can pronounce them or not, if you haven't heard of these Greek wine varietals you'd better hightail it to your nearest merchant — Montrose's Bacchus might be a good place to start.

We first tasted a range of Greek wines at this year's Greek Fest, where Grecian brand Boutari provided the vino. The experience inspired us to sit down with Christina Boutari (a fifth-generation Boutari winemaker) to discuss why Houston houses her favorite Greek Festival and what makes her country's varietals so different.

CultureMap: Is this your first time at the Houston Greek Festival??

Christina Boutari: It's my first time ever in Texas! I think it will be my favorite. We have been providing the wine for several years. I know there are other festivals [in the U.S.] but I hear this is the best.

CM: Tell us a little bit about your family's brand.

CB: We started the business in 1879. We began with reds, with Merlot, which grows in Naoussa, and started buying up vineyards across Greece — Goumenissa, Mantinia, Athens, Santorini, Crete...

CM: What's been your role in the family business?

CB: I grew up in Thessaloniki and moved to Athens when I was 12; that's where the offices are. My father is CEO and my older sister is marketing director. I used to do marketing, but since June I'm working in exports. Texas is one of our biggest markets.

CM: How are Greek varietals different than what we get from, say, Napa?

CB: People in the U.S. want to try new things, and Greek wine is different. A Chardonnay from Napa will taste of oak. A Moschofilero has no oak. It's crisp and floral and pairs well with food. It's really versatile; you can pair it with Asian cuisine. It's light, fresh and easy to introduce.

CM: How many varietals are specific to Greece?

CB: Moschofilero; Xinomavro, from Naoussa; Assyrtiko from Santorini; and Agiorgitiko from Peloponnese — those are the big four that you can only get in Greece.

Boutari has been among Wine & Spirits' top wineries of the year for 15 years running. Boutari wines are available at Spec's, Whole Foods and some area Krogers.

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relish the change

Comfort food restaurant confirms big move to new River Oaks development

Relish restaurant Memorial Addie and Dustin Teague

Courtesy of Relish Restaurant & Bar

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One of Houston’s most reliable destinations for classic American fare will have a new home in 2027. Relish Restaurant & Bar will leave its current home on Westheimer for a new location at The RO mixed-use development.

The restaurant issued a brief statement that reads as follows:

Relish's River Oaks location will remain open through the end of the year and looks forward to continuing to serve its customers during this time.

Relish will open a new location at The Ro, Transwestern's forthcoming mixed-use development in River Oaks. Additional details, including timing and opening plans, will be shared at a later date.

Relish’s announcement follows news earlier this week that Island Grill, the family-owned Mediterranean restaurant, will open its sixth location in the space currently occupied by Relish. The new Island Grill is expected to open in the spring of 2027.

Owners Addie and Dustin Teague opened the current River Oaks location of Relish in 2016. In 2024, they opened a second location in Town & Country Village. The restaurant is known for its wide-ranging menu of American fare such as pastas, steaks, seafood, and salads. Standout items include the fried chicken, deviled eggs, and lobster roll.

The RO is Transwestern’s 17-acre mixed-use development that’s currently under construction at the corner of Buffalo Speedway and West Alabama. Relish is the first restaurant to be confirmed for the project. As CultureMap has previously reported, The Birdsall, a 34-story luxury hotel and condo tower from Auberge Resorts Collection, will anchor The RO.

With the RO not expected to open until late 2027, fans of Relish's River Oaks location will need to make the drive to Town & Country to satisfy their lobster rolls cravings for most of next year.

news-you-can-eat openings closing relish restaurant & bar