Pur Noire Urban Wineries — Attraction in Houston

Saw this place on instagram and booked for my sisters birthday. We arrived on time. Yet stood at the front for 10 minutes while they figured out if I really had a reservation or not. I was asked my name several times and asked to see my reservation confirmation. I had to show the lady with the pink wig my phone to prove I had a reservation. Once they validated that I indeed paid up front for 5 grand tastings, we were told to have a seat. Nothing was set up. The young lady that assited us during the tasting was very knowledgeable but not very enthused about hosting us. From your pictures on instagram, all of the wines have their own glass. We used one glass the entire time. I ordered the large charcuterie board prior to my booking. It looked like a small. I was unpleasantly surprised at how small it was. It looked nothing like the ones yall post instagram. The other hosts were very engaged with there groups and were having a great time. I didn't get any of that energy from our host. My last guest didn't make it to the tasting so instead of a refund we were offered an additional pour. The hostess asked what we would like, I requested the Chardonnay, and she gave us another red wine. Her reasoning was that, we said we liked it so we can just have another pour of that. Why ask if you were just gonna do what you wanted? I wanted to put purchase the euphoria wine, but I wasn't asked about purchasing wine. We were rushed out, they removed our glasses and plates. As We were leaving, the wine club was sparsely mentioned. I had questions about the wine club but we were over it by then.

The overall experience could have been different if we felt welcomed. The way we were greeted was dry due to them not realizing we had a reservation. They weren't prepared for our party, therefore we weren't treated with a welcoming spirit. It was more like let's accommodate them and work them in. Even if you overlooked my reservation, your attitude should have been different. The manager didn't even say Hi welcome in. No one thanked us for coming. I could have overlooked most things had we felt welcomed. I didn't like how I was made to feel because you overlooked my reservation. Your lack of preparation for my tasting set the tone for my experience, and that's unfortunate. I really wanted to...

Okay, so I really wanted to love this place, but the tasting experience is grossly overpriced for the mediocre quality of the wine. I will start with what I did like about my visit. The place was very nicely decorated and centrally located in downtown Houston. They validate parking at a nearby lot which is a nice benefit for their downtown location.

Now, on to the not so good...full disclosure, I have visited wineries and tasting rooms in Napa, Sonoma, Virginia, Spain, France, South Africa and Italy, and have a moderately sophisticated palate for good wine. That being said, this place charges way more for a tasting than internationally known wineries. We paid $30pp for 1oz pours of 4 different Pur Noire wines and they also had other tasting options for $35 & $40. Consistent of with the inflated price for the tastings, the cost of the bottles were also overpriced for the quality of wine ($39 for their sparkling wine, $49 for their cab). Simply put, they have Napa Valley wine prices for wine that does not match Napa Valley quality.

Reservations are understandably required, however, during our visit, we felt like we were rushed through the tasting. When we asked to purchase a bottle of the one we like best to enjoy in the tasting room, the waitress had to double check with the manger to see if that was OK (which was bizarre) even though we'd been there for less than an hour.

All in all, I wouldn't voluntarily return to Pur Noire. The inflated cost of the tastings combined with the low quality of the wine and lack of food pairings, left me quite disappointed in the...

I had a friend visiting in town and Pur Noir was one of our first stops.

To be completely honest, the location drove us crazy. No literally, we passed them up 4 times. It was rainy, late at night and we have no sense of direction. This isn’t their fault, but we did call and they provided us with helpful instructions!

We arrived 30 minutes late and right before closing and they still allowed us to taste all our wines in the package we purchased! The cheese board was a steal for the price and size; it complimented the wines well too! Each of one our selections was of excellent quality, I definitely enjoyed myself more than I thought I would.

Our tasting specialist (Hispanic woman) was incredibly patient and knowledgeable. She made me feel like I was experiencing a tasting in wine country with her expertise and descriptive words.

One of the bartenders read our reservation and started banter with my friend about her hometown. That was a nice touch/attention to detail on their end. I love establishments that try to build rapport with their patrons!

It was a small crowd (which was surprising) and although we stayed after closing, the vibes were still giving.

My only minor complaint is the furniture. I can tell it’s sort of a wayfair type decor. I don’t see someone who is plus size being comfortable in the high tops for a long period of time. If that’s ever updated, it would add even more value to the experience.

All in all, this little hidden gem is fabulous, black owned and well...