On this 4th of July, we hope you take time to relax and celebrate America's freedom with close friends and loved ones. Happy Independence Day, USA!

Galveston County’s first and only winery is proving that great vintages can come from just about anywhere as long as there’s care and commitment in play. It all started in 1969, when Raymond Haak received a 10th-anniversary gift of two Concord grapevines from his wife Gladys. What would begin as a hobby would quickly grow into an obsession, as Raymond worked to become a self-made expert on the viticulture of the Houston area, testing dozens of breeds to find the grapes that would thrive there. Eventually settling on the hardy, disease-resistant Blanc do Bois, the Haak’s started winning awards with their wines and expanded the property to three acres of grape fields and a 25,000 square foot winery. Tours of the winery are a very reasonable five dollars and include tastings of some of their most popular products, which are mostly sweet white wines. Sunday nights during the summer they host local musicians for pleasant live concerts. Check the website for details.

Haak Vineyards and Winery
6310 Avenue T
Santa Fe, TX 77510
(409) 925-1401
www.haakwine.com

Chef and owner of Mockingbird Bistro John Sheely has thirty years in the restaurant business, so he’s got a pretty good handle on what Houston diners are looking for by now. And judging from the reception Mockingbird Bistro has enjoyed since opening in 2002, his instincts are pretty trustworthy. Serving a unique combination of cuisines he likes to refer to as “Texas Provence,” the bistro-style restaurant has won raves from diners and critics alike. Some hallmark dishes include a spectacular Kobe beef burger that is cooked to absolute perfection, a tantalizing duck three ways that boasts remarkable foie gras, and what might be the best Caesar salad you ever eat. The wine selection at Mockingbird Bistro is among the best in town, with a gifted sommelier on site to walk you through the selection and make recommendations based on your meal and price range. This place is a real gem and shouldn’t be missed.

Mockingbird Bistro
1985 Welch Street
Houston, TX 77019
(713) 533-0200
www.mockingbirdbistro.com