Businessman Stephen Lewis and Allison Triarsi Lewis, the former KHOU anchor/reporter, have been talking about their new business venture — Tithe Wines — for at least a year.
Wednesday night, the couple invited friends over to Branch Water Tavern for the first taste of their Decimus label Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.
Close to 200 friends turned out to sample the Napa Valley vino and savor samplings from chef David Grossman’s highly-applauded menu. As partygoers sampled, the Lewises explained the thinking behind their project. The couple plans to “tithe” 10 percent of the company’s proceeds to Living Water International, a Houston-based charity that helps communities acquire clean water.
Tithe head winemaker Steve Reynolds, who owns Silverado Trail vineyard, flew in from California for the tasting. A long-time friend of Stephen, he stepped in to help the Lewises’ charitable dream a reality.
Joining in support of the project, that as Allison says “turns wine into water,” were Kimberly DeLape, Chris Brown, Paul Posoli, Franelle Rogers, Terry and Bruce Merwin, Michael Ellington, Benjamin Warren and more.