Globally renowned Texas winemaker uplifts Hill Country with new vineyard and tasting room

NEW CRUSH

Photo by David Capote

One of Texas’ most acclaimed winemakers is stomping on new grounds. William Chris Wine Company has announced the opening of a new vineyard and tasting room on a gorgeous 78-acre property in Burnet.

William Chris founders Chris Brundrett and Andrew Sides purchased the property, formerly named Hoover Valley, in 2021 from a private owner. The rebranded Uplift Vineyard hired the vineyard team and rehabbed the existing structures to offer elevated wine-tasting experiences and host future private events.

Uplift will be William Chris’ first estate wine brand. For those not up on wine-speak, the offerings will use grapes exclusively grown in the vineyard instead of those harvested by outside growers. Winemaker Claire Richardson will head the program, featuring a surfeit of single-varietal wines and proprietary blends.

Fall releases will zero in on hefty sippers like a single variety Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Malbec, as well as a Bordeaux blend. Springtime will lighten up with Italian grapes such as Montepulciano, Aglianico, and Sangiovese.

Eventually, Uplift Vineyard will expand its wine offerings to a medium-body Rhône blend featuring Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvedre and explore white blends and rosés.

“Every bottle of Uplift wine will come from only the best grapes harvested from this spectacular site, situated in the Llano Uplift geological region,” says CEO Bundrett via a release. “We’re looking forward to bringing awareness to this unique location within the Texas Hill Country AVA because the fruit that’s being grown here is just outstanding.”

Guests can enjoy the vintages at the tasting room or via a limited-capacity wine club, the Uplift Viticultural Society. Uplift is in the final stages of filling the first 300 of 1,000 total spots for the ultra-exclusive Founders Club.

Looking forward, Uplift will host onsite cooking demonstrations and full-day experiences that take advantage of the bucolic setting. For now, the tasting room is open for reservations only, Thursdays through Sundays, 11 am-6 pm.

Ad Placement 300x100

Ad Placement 300x600

CultureMap Emails are Awesome

Property Showcase

Reagan's favorite things: Father's Day finds, luggage to love, a super summer sweat sesh, and more for June

your must-have list

Editor’s note: We originally met entrepreneur Reagan Bregman in 2021 when we were the first to report the launch of her athleisure line, Exiza. Her brand quickly drew rave reviews for its ethical, sustainable practices, great fits for every body type, and effortlessly cool vibe.

Fast forward to 2023, and Reagan is a new mom to adorable baby Knox, still overseeing Exiza and its new line, a sought-after influencer and guest host, and a social media tastemaker. (Oh yeah, she’s also married to a nice gentleman named Alexwho is really, really good at baseball, business, and paying it forward.)

With so many of her fans constantly asking and commenting on her fab finds, we’ve recruited this Houston star to spotlight some of her favorite things — and where to find them — for a new column. Take it away, Reagan!

The scorching days of summer are officially here — look at all those 97s and 98s on your weather app this month! For me, that means looking for sunscreen and makeup that doesn't feel heavy when I'm out in the Houston sun or traveling for those outdoor, daytime away games.

Summer also means working up a sweat, and I've found an exercise platform that caters to my crazy-hectic days. Since you gotta hydrate after working out, I've teamed up with a local company that makes water that's good for you — and good for the planet.

My favorite thing for June? It's a first Father's Day for my special someone. With two Dads on my list now, I've rounded up some guy gifts that will hopefully help with Father's Day shopping inspo.

Reagan Bregman Alex Bregman Knox Bregman Our columnist with her two favorites.Photo by Alex Bregman

Hot tips for summer essentials

FORM online workouts

FORM online fitness Stay fit anywhere with FORM online.Photo via FORM

I love a good summer sweat sesh, but I don’t always have time to hit the gym. FORM online workouts are my favorite thing to do when I only have 20 to 30 minutes max. This digital exercise platform was started by Sami Clarke and her workouts are so effective and — this is super-important — never boring. Plus, the variety is great, so you're never in a rut.

Supergoop

Supergoop foundation Supergoop sunscreen is weightless and odorless — perfect under makeup.Photo via Supergoop

We all know how that the Houston summer sun can be intense. With my days full of indoor and outdoor activities, I always travel with Supergoop Unseen Sunscreen because it doesn’t feel like sunscreen and it’s so easy to use on the go. And ladies, it looks great under makeup — always a plus!

Tula Radiant Skin Brightening Serum Skin Tint Sunscreen

Face the sun with Tula Radiant Skin Brightening Serum Skin Tint Sunscreen.Photo via Tula

I have tried so many light foundations, but this one has stuck with me for years. I love it because it's lightweight and evens out your skin without feeling like you have makeup on.

This foundation is great for layering other liquid products — like blush and lip gloss — for that perfect dewy, summer makeup look. Find it at Ulta or Sephora.

HOW Water

HOW Water Reagan Bregman HOW water is good for you and the planet.Photo via DrinkHowWater

My Number One goal this summer is to drink more water. So it was great timing when HOW — a Houston-based water brand — approached me. The company was founded by Bob Peebler, who launched the Ruggles Green restaurants. His HOW (Hyperpure Oxygenated Water) is ultra-filtered and injects 98 percent oxygen into the water.

When I started Exiza, it was important that everything we do as a company is sustainable. That's why I agreed to work with HOW: the bottles are made with infinitely recyclable packaging, which is great for the planet.

(Editor's note: While Reagan Bregman is a HOW brand spokesperson, HOW did not compensate CultureMap for this mention; this is an columnist-curated and editorially approved selection.)

Chic weekend jetsetting in the bag

Beis Luggage

I love love love Beis luggage. The thoughtfulness that went into the design of these bags truly shows when you go to pack. All my friends and I have the weekender bag and I have almost every size of luggage they sell. They just came out with a kids version as well!

BEIS luggage BEIS black luggage is anything but basic. Photo courtesy of BEIS

BEIS luggage kids Traveling kiddos will love these bright BEIS pieces.Photo courtesy of BEIS

Better travel for travel

Ride Alto

Alto revs up your airport rides. Photo courtesy of Alto

Given our busy travel schedule, I need a safe and reliable way to get to and from the airport. Alto rides are monitored and the company uses their own branded cars. The drivers are always so kind and professional and I always recommend to my girlfriends — especially if traveling alone or going to and from summer parties/festivities.

I love that each car has a fragrance and I can choose my playlist — before getting in the car! Also important for traveling moms: Alto drivers will wait as long as you need once they arrive; no need to rush out.

Sporty gifts for Active Dad

Diamond days: Home Run Dugout

Hit the cages with Dad at Home Run Dugout.Photo via Home Run Dugout

I'm a little biased, of course, but I think a day at Home Run Dugout in Katy is great guy time. Catch the 'Stros, grab a burger and beer, and hang. And be sure to show off that grand slam swing in the batting cage.

For Dad's inner Ricky Bobby: Formula Go-Karting

Get your need for speed with Formula Go-Karting.Photo courtesy of Hidden/Formula Go-Karting

As the poet Ricky Bobby once said, you’re either first or your last. If your Dad lives by those rules and has a need for speed — but doesn't have time to train for Monaco, Indianapolis, or Talladega, book a trip to NRG Parkway this December.

Formula Go-Karting rolls into town on December 2 and 3 for serious speed racing. Tickets start at $65. (Bonus points if your Dad dresses up like Ricky Bobby's dad.)

Dad gear goals

Municipal

Municipal shirt T-shirt Reagan's favorite things Dad will look fit in a Municipal fit.Photo via Municipal

This clothing brand from my husband's friend Mark Wahlbergis so massive right now. Shop workout gear (4 am!) and cool streetwear like a T-short of hat for that Dad drip. But don't stop at Dad — check out the women's line, too!

G/FORE

G/FORE shoes Dad can go way beyond typical golf gear with G/FORE.Photo via G/FORE

If he's a golfer, this brand has the best modern golf shoes and apparel and goes way beyond typical course wear. I’ve gifted these Debossed Skull & T’s Gallivanter Golf Shoes to my Dad and they were a hit.

Savoring Father's Day

Getting spicy: Breggy Bomb Gift Set

Okay, this one may be an obvious for our household, but we love some good steak or a burger with El Jefe, or my personal favorite, grilled salmon seasoned with Brush Dust. The gift set is perfect for a dad who loves to grill and is sure to impress the next time you have friends or family over — or Dad needs to flex with his buddies.

Breggy Bomb Gift Set What else you gonna grill with?Photo via Breggy Bomb

No lime required: Flecha Azul Tequila Reposado

Flecha Azul Reposado Tequila is a serious sip.Photo via Flecha Azul Tequila

This one is a great gift for Dads who love tequila. I discovered it this year, and I love the Reposado. It's light, crisp, and hits with citrus, praline, vanilla, sandalwood, and even some baking spice. This brand is also owned by Mark Wahlberg and is sure to be super sipper for summer. Find it online or in Houston Spec's or Total Wine stores.

A true tear-jerker Father's Day gift

Father's Day book Wonderbly This custom Father's Day book from Wonderbly is a real page-turner.Photo via Wonderbly

The sweetest story: Personalized Dad book from Wonderbly

For new dads — like my husband — I think this is such a sweet, sentimental gift. You can customize the book title, names, and the story, and preview everything before you order. Get on this quickly as the deadline to order for Father's Day is coming.

Also, I really really hope Alex doesn’t read this part before before Father’s Day. (Editor's note: Alex, this gift is a smoke screen. She's really getting you a tie.)

Eva Longoria's Flamin' Hot serves up a spicy underdog story with fairytale qualities

Movie review

Underdog stories are a reliable go-to for filmmakers, as there is something universal about beating the odds and rising above someone’s supposed station in life. While typically associated with sports stories, the underdog arc can be especially potent when it’s an individual rising above the system to become more than anyone thought they could be.

Flamin’ Hot is an especially successful version of this story, centering on Richard Montañez (Jesse Garcia), a Mexican-American man trying to escape his rough past in the Los Angeles area. He and his wife, Judy (Annie Gonzalez), both struggle to find work until Richard is hired to work as a janitor at the nearby Frito-Lay factory.

Richard soon proves himself to be an extremely hard worker, as well as an insatiable learner, bugging various higher-ups, including Clarence Baker (Dennis Haysbert), about everything that goes into making the brand’s snacks. Noticing a lack of flavors that would appeal to Hispanic people, Richard takes it upon himself to create a spicy flavor, one which would go on to become a cornerstone of the company.

Directed by Eva Longoria in her feature debut and written by Lewis Colick and Linda Yvette Chávez, the story is irresistible – even if it may not actually be true. If you’re willing to suspend a little disbelief, the film works like a charm, as Richard is a compelling character whose drive and easygoing nature make him someone for whom it’s easy to root.

Subtle but effective scenes dealing with racism and classism reinforce the uphill climb he faced toward success.

Richard is almost relentlessly positive, able to withstand slights in a manner that few others would be able to do. To accomplish this, Longoria and her team employ a lot of humor, sometimes in straight-up funny situations and other times to defuse the tension built up from a particular confrontation. Richard is also complemented extremely well by Judy, who brings her own energy to make their struggles seem less daunting.

Even if you weren’t aware of the dispute of Richard’s claims, it’s clear that the film is meant to be a type of fairy tale, one that gives Latinos a showcase they don’t often get. While the film is family-friendly, Longoria doesn’t avoid unsavory topics like Richard being abused as a child or dealing drugs in his younger days. The difference is that the characters are shown as three-dimensional humans, ones who are capable of good and bad things.

Both Garcia and Gonzalez are getting their biggest roles to date, and each does a fantastic job. Garcia is in 95 percent of the scenes, and he carries the film as if he’s been a longtime star. Gonzalez is equally impressive, playing the supportive wife in a way that doesn’t diminish her own performance. Haysbert, Tony Shalhoub, Matt Walsh, and others turn in great supporting roles.

Flamin’ Hot is full of all the right elements that make for a rousing underdog story. With great performances, a solid combination of drama and comedy, and a brand that’s instantly recognizable, it’s a feel-good film that earns its spicy stripes.

Photo by Emily Aragones; courtesy of Searchlight Pictures

Brice Gonzalez, Annie Gonzalez, Jesse Garcia and Hunter Jones in Flamin' Hot.

---

Flamin' Hot is now streaming on Hulu and Disney+.

Elegant supper club and upscale dining restaurant tunes up big comeback this weekend in Briargrove

return of the cap

A Houston restaurant and bar devoted to live music begins its comeback this weekend. Caps Supperclub & Bar opens this Friday, June 9.

Located in the Briargrove neighborhood at 2610 Briar Ridge, Caps Supperclub (styled CAPS in press materials) is a reimagining of Caps Piano Bar, which operated at that location for almost 40 years until it closed in 2021. Dr. Venkata Diddi saw an opportunity to preserve the space’s intimacy while adding a full food menu and upgrading the interior.

“I immediately recognized the potential. Not only is it a great location in Houston, it’s also a concept that any customer at any age enjoys — a sophisticated spot with delicious food and entertainment,” Diddi said in a statement. “We are not a dueling piano bar or a jazz lounge, but an upscale dining establishment with great live music Tuesday through Sunday. And I think that’s rare to find in Houston.”

To create that delicious food, Diddi retained consulting chef Omar Pereney of Culinary Concepts. He created a familiar menu built around shareables (deviled eggs, calamari, a cheese board, and more), raw dishes such as caviar and oysters, and steaks. Other entree options include a burger, pastas, and seafood items, all of which can be paired with sides such as creamed spinach mac and cheese, roasted root vegetables, and parmesan truffle fries.

“The dishes we will serve will only hold three or four components, but they make each other stronger,” Pereney said. “Our menu will be constantly evolving, and though there isn’t one flavor or ingredient that inspires it, seafood will be a main theme carried throughout.”

The Tighten Up Band will take the stage nightly. Carl Davis, Gale Evans, Travis Doyle and Cleveland “Moose” Hendricks have performed together for more than 20 years, according to a release, in a refreshed dining room that seats 94 people.

"We're thrilled to be back at Caps, and can't wait to create new memories with our loyal fans and provide an unforgettable experience for all who walk through the doors," Davis added.

Caps will be open Tuesday-Sunday beginning at 4 pm.

Photo by Laziza Mukhamedova

Caps Supperclub offers an intimate environment.

View All Listings