“I do miss the Southern accents, the Hill Country and Texas barbecue,” says native Houstonian James Stewart of Stewart Cellars, who moved to St. Helena more than seven years ago to run the family wine business founded by father Michael Stewart. Michael started Stewart Cellars in 2000 after selling his Houston-based technology company.

Highly regarded winemaker Paul Hobbs, formerly of Opus One, Simi and consultant for Argentina’s Catena Chardonnay, is consulting winemaker for the premium wine, which is sourced from Napa Valley, Russian River and Sonoma Mountain fruit. Although the whole Stewart family is involved in the business, including their daughter Caroline, Michael and his wife Ann live in Houston and keep a home in St. Helena. Caroline recently joined the winery in St. Helena and is studying to be a winemaker.

When I chatted with James during the peak of harvest, he explained how things have quickly progressed since the early days. Stewart Cellars now produces 20,000 cases between three different brands and is building a tasting room in Yountville. Aged in fine French oak, Stewart wines are plush yet powerful with intense ripe fruit. The Cabernet Sauvignon, lush Chardonnay and silky Pinot Noir are readily available in Houston. Thank you, Stewart family!

Where to find the wine in Houston: Spec’s has all three labels (Stewart Cellars and the more affordable Hollister and Slingshot wines). Also, Haven, Ibiza, Vic & Anthony’s, River Oaks Country Club, Reef, Shade and Triniti carry a selection of the wines.

Good eats in the wine country: “Mexican food is so much better in Houston,” declares James, who has his finger on the pulse of Napa Valley foodie paradise. “I like Redd, but only for lunch, and Cook for northern Italian cuisine. Ad Hoc by Thomas Keller, of The French Laundry fame, has the best brunch anywhere. Every Thomas Keller concept out here is superb.”

When in the area, also visit: For endless breathtaking views of flowering and vineyard-paved landscapes complete with bocce court and picnic tables, Landmark Vineyards, is a must (photo below). The wines crafted by talented Greg Stach are just as beautiful. Chard fans cannot get enough of the award-winning Overlook Chardonnay, a rich but focused classic California varietal that has been on The Wine Spectator’s top 100 list repeatedly. You can buy it along with the elegant Sonoma Coast Grand Detour Pinot Noir at Spec’s. Also look for the juicy, ever-so-trendy Steel Plow Grenache and spicy Kevelstadt Vineyard Syrah.

Don’t miss: Sonoma Wine Country Weekend is the premier annual wine-and-food event in wine country. The delicious Labor Day weekend includes a walk-around poolside Starlight Supper Club at the fantastic Francis Ford Coppola Winery; the legendary Sonoma Valley Harvest Wine Auction; the grand Taste of Sonoma at MacMurray Ranch, plus winery barbecues, vintner lunches and dinner parties throughout Sonoma County. Date: first weekend in September 2013.

Also check out the Rodney Strong Vineyards’ Summer Concert Series. While you’re there, try to taste the amazing single vineyard Brothers Ridge Cabernet for a real treat.