Grand Opening Event Saturday, September 24 • noon to 10pm New Wine Release, Tours, Live Music, Food Trucks, Discounts & more!

Imagine entering a sleek, modern space dimly lit with twinkling vintage light bulbs and walls lined with striking, rustic multi-toned wood. Samba and bossa nova from Brazil softly play in the background as friendly smiles are served, laughter resonates, and guests are offered a sophisticated yet unintimidating wine and cider tasting menu.

Observing the relaxing atmosphere, one feels as though they could be in Napa. Luckily for southeast Houston, Dickinson now has what many travel across the country for. This is the experience one can expect at DUO Winery & Cider Co. Having just opened in July, they have already garnered the buzz of many locals. A family business owned by Craig and Raquel Jarmosco, DUO (the name symbolic of partnership on many levels, both personal and professional), is an extension of the family vineyard that has existed in Michigan for over 45 years. “All of the wines are grown from European grapes in Michigan soils,” noted Craig, who along with his wife Raquel (both of whom have resided in Texas for 14 years now) originally had the idea for what would become DUO only a few years before.

Craig was busy working in insurance with Coastal Group & Associates, while the Brazilian-born, multi-talented Raquel (also an accomplished singer and the artist of the DUO labels), was in high demand at the Brazilian Consulate. So just one year ago, this “duo” began planning to make their vision of bringing their family’s tradition of wine and cider from the north to the south. One dream, a great space in Dickinson, and 150 repurposed wooden pallets later, DUO is now open and offering a seven wine and cider tasting menu for $5.

There is also the option to take DUO’s wine and cider home to enjoy later, although the atmosphere and comradery among visitors, along with interacting with Craig and Raquel, are all truly part of the experience. Though DUO’s wines and ciders are becoming more readily available at area restaurants such as Dickinson Bar~B~Que, as well as popular pubs like Boondoggle’s, one really must make a trip to DUO to get the full experience and taste what has already been served at a White House Governor’s Ball in recent years to esteemed guests.

“We have so much fun. It feels like a party, and then customers really become our friends before they leave,” Raquel said.

Craig agreed. “The sweetest moments here are of people just feeling the energy, telling us thank you for opening and for being here, thank you for taking a chance on Dickinson,” he said. DUO will host some exciting upcoming events as well, such as the launch of their Rodeo Star Cider on September 8, coupled with a personal visit from their winemaker from Michigan.

Then on September 24, they will celebrate their official grand opening with live music and food trucks – and plenty of wine and cider, of course! DUO Winery & Cider Co. is located just north of Dickinson. Their hours are Wednesday from 5 to 10 p.m., Thursday and Friday 3 to 10 p.m., Saturday noon to 10 p.m. and Sunday noon to 6 p.m.

DUO also welcomes private parties, special events, meetings, and more; call 832-738-1325 for more information. Find DUO online and keep up with upcoming events through their Facebook page or www.duowinery.com. No matter the day or occasion, be sure to stop in and see what a wonderful experience DUO has added to the area!

- Sarah Piña