By: Jessie Monsivais Photos by: Rachel Benavides
brbrbrbrbrbrbrbr
Deep in the heart of Port Aransas sits a quaint wine shop unique to the area. Bringing the taste of the Texas Wine Country to the Coastal Bend, Island Wine is helping locals and tourists alike to get their sip on.
br
Co-owner Lara White is a registered nurse, and along with working full-time in Corpus Christi, she runs a boutique wine store offering wine on tap, by the glass, or by bottle, as well as wine tastings and a variety of Texas craft beer. The idea behind the business came from wishful thinking while sitting in a coffee shop.
br
“My friend and I went travel nursing for a couple of years and visited many wineries and breweries,” says White. “One day we were sitting in a coffee shop and said, ‘I wish they served wine.’ We liked the coffee shop atmosphere and there was nothing like it in Port Aransas, so we said, ‘Let’s do it.’”
br
Ninety-eight percent of Island Wine’s selection is Texas sourced, offering well-known favorites and “hidden gems” only found at Island Wine or the Texas winery itself. From wine on tap to beer and wine-based tequila, vodka, and rum, Island Wine is a one-stop shop for a fun and relaxing experience. Of course, if you get hungry while sipping, Island Wine offers small appetizers such as fruit and cheese boards or hummus dip.
br
Island Wine also sells Texas and beach themed gifts, making custom gift baskets or grab-and-go options. Entertainment at Island Wine is anything but lacking, featuring karaoke on Wednesdays, bingo on Thursdays, and live music on the weekends. The shop also hosts special events and wine tastings. Tastings are offered during the week and feature a different winery every week.
br
“With a tasting, you can sample 3-4 different wines and you get a stemless keepsake Island Wine glass,” says White. “I love being able to combine so many of my favorite things into one space – decorating, photography, the beach, live music, and supporting other small businesses and wine.”
br
Getting to meet locals and visitors in the area, talking about Texas wine, and sharing the love with other small businesses are a few of White’s favorite things about Island Wine.
br
“My main purpose was to have a place where you are welcomed as you walk in and remembered when you come back,” White says with a warm smile. “A place where you can come in and relax – with friends or alone. People feel like they are family at Island Wine.”
brbrbrbrbrbrbrbr
Contact:
1726 TX-361 Suite A, Port Aransas, TX | 760.819.1425
portaransasislandwine.com | @portaislandwine
