Robert Nist

Spec’s has some great finds in their world-class wines. While the vast majority of wine is made with grapes, there are some outstanding outliers in the wine world. One of these unique beverages is an old-school brew known as mead, or “honey wine.” The world of wine, spirits, and beer has a long history of fun fermentation, and mead – made with honey, yeast, and water – is a delicious adventure in alternative brewing. Mead has been around since 7000 BC and has counterparts in ma... Read More

It’s the season for sharing great tastes with family and friends, and a well-chosen gift basket can be a great grab-and-go option. With the right mix of treats they’ll want to taste, the best baskets showcase several presents in one package. Spec’s is proud of our baskets, which range from Texas-centric to internationally delicious, and carefully match our world-class collection of wines, beers, and spirits with our spectacular selection of gourmet foods. To keep your budget in check, we�... Read More

A perfect food pairing is an eye-opening experience, and Spec’s selection provides optimal opportunities for awesome food pairings. Like wine and food pairings, serving food with just the right beer can also provide complementary flavors. Additionally, including beer in your recipes can add fresh flavors to take a dish from delicious to divine! For many Texans looking for the perfect chili recipe, the selection and inclusion of the best beer can be one of the last steps in getting things just ... Read More

Spec’s is already your holiday helper for all things party-related, but we can do so much more to make your holidays less-stressful days. While you’re picking up your perfect-party supplies, why not grab some great gifts for the wine enthusiasts on your list? Here are our expert’s picks for awesome accessories that are sure to awe your aficionado! VinOair Aerator Gift Set The VinOair Wine Aerator is an on-the-bottle wine aerator that does it all. It features a gravity-activated hinged cap,... Read More

Thanksgiving is around the corner, and Spec’s is ready to give thanks with a compilation of seasonal sippers that will give your guests another taste to toast! These luscious libations bring festive fall flavors for Turkey Day delights. Poinsettia A classic holiday cocktail with cranberry and orange flavors to complement your savory spread! ½ oz orange liqueur 2 oz cranberry juice cocktail, chilled 4 oz sparkling wine Combine the orange liqueur and cranberry juice cocktail; pour into champag... Read More

Why not kick off football season with some MVP food and wine pairings? Spec’s carries a great selection of football foods and winning wines for a perfect pigskin party! Sunday morning before the game and you’re firing up the grill? Those marinating ribeyes will pair beautifully with a Spanish Rioja or Argentinean Malbec. The smokiness of the meat compliments the lush, concentrated dark fruit notes of these medium to full-bodied wines. Many of us also like to stuff things, then toss ‘em on ... Read More

Here are this week’s must-have wines.  We love food, so all these wines have an addition of suggested pairings. And, at all under $15, you won’t hurt your wallet. Ch Bonnet Blanc A perennial Spec’s favorite, this white from Bordeaux is a juicy, lively and fresh Sauvignon Blanc.  Had this recently with some avocado slices and Marcona salted almonds. Truly scrumptious! 750ml $9.49 Alan Christopher Rosé Sparkling Bright pink in color, slightly dry with flavors of strawberry and che... Read More

The holiday season is reason for celebration, and what better accompaniment to an awesome affair than a sparkling wine from Spec’s? Why call it “sparkling wine” instead of Champagne? You may have heard the word “champagne” used to describe all bubblies – but using the Champagne designation on the label of any sparkling wine produced outside of the Champagne region in France is outlawed almost everywhere. France continues to fight to obtain Champagne as the unique moniker for the bubb... Read More

Spec’s carries brewed beverages from around the world, and our selection of Japanese sake is a great example. Many countries create traditional alcoholic beverages with regional resources, and Japan’s entry in this category is this much-loved (and much-misunderstood) rice-based beverage. Let’s serve up some facts about sake. Sake is not actually “rice wine,” as popular slang suggests. It is a rice-based brewed beverage most closely related to beer. (“Rice wine” does... Read More