WINE HAUS

PHOTOGRAPHED BY EMILY HENDERSON

Wine and Dine

WINE HAUS OF FLATONIA OFFERS PATRONS THE BEST WINE, FOOD, AND MUSIC - TEXAS-STYLE

WRITTEN BY MICHELLE BANSE STOKES

When Lori Berger opened the doors of the Wine Haus in the summer of 2016, she was taking a gamble. Fortunately for Flatonia, that gamble paid off. In an area mostly familiar with old school beer joints and hangouts, the new hotspot was embraced quickly by both locals and out-of-towners alike.

“I purchased the building that was formerly known as The Aston,” said Berger. “I decided to rehab it and get it back close to where it was when it was built in 1905.”

Originally a grocery store and then later a dry goods store, Berger had good bones to work with.

“We repurposed a lot of the wood inside,” added Berger. “We took the original joists and made them into tables. We repurposed wood all over the building. In fact, anywhere you see wood today, it was all repurposed wood.”

To start, Wine Haus had beer, wine and a solid menu, but it didn’t take long for Berger to bring in something that would keep diners around long after their plates were cleared away.

“We started booking music acts from all over Texas,” shared Berger. “One or two nights a weekend, we have live music. We’re introducing new singer-songwriters all the time. We try to have musicians that are liked by the community and draw in big crowds from the surrounding area, featuring everything from soft rock to country; 60s, 70s, and 80s music, as well as bands that play from today’s playlists. There’s a lot to choose from in these small communities if you’re looking for true musical talent.”

Just as popular as the toe-tapping music, Wine Haus offers a Sunday Brunch in addition to a full-menu on Thursday through Sunday.

“We’re proud to have Chef Kenny Kopecky leading our kitchen,” said Berger. “He specializes in classic American cuisine at its best – prime rib, shrimp, steak and all of those familiar Texas dishes.”

Remembering that this establishment is called Wine Haus for a reason,

Left, Wine Haus owner Lori Berger; middle, the front dining area is cozy and inviting; right, the front façade is easy to spot in downtown Flatonia.

Berger does offer one of the best selections of Texas wines in the area.

“We let our customers dictate what we carry,” shared Berger. “We also do wine tastings. We like to see the reactions from our patrons, see what they enjoy, and base our varieties on that.”

Wine Haus boasts seating in front of house and in a large back room, as well as occasionally on the broad sidewalk. They are available also as a rental for showers, birthdays, wedding receptions and other gatherings. A family friendly establishment, Wine Haus is a welcoming environment for everyone.

“I’ve got regulars that bring their children in and let them run until they can’t anymore, collapsing on the couch,” laughed Berger. “All of our patrons have been good to us and very loyal. When everyone is enjoying themselves and having a good time, that’s the stuff that makes all the hard work worth it.”

Wine Haus is located at 110 North Main Street. Follow them on Facebook for updates on their menu and events.

There’s a lot to choose from in these small communities if you’re looking for true musical talent. “