Nearly six years ago, Rodney Anderson and his wife, Amy, were on a date in The Woodlands having drinks at a wine bar. Anderson sized up the place and had an impulse. He suggested to Amy that they open up a wine bar on their side of town.

It was a half-serious idea, though, mainly because he and Amy did not know much about the wine business. But as they thought more about it, the idea gained traction.

The couple hired a wine expert, signed a lease, and, on Feb. 20, 2009, Crescent Moon opened its doors. With its spacious dance floor and elaborate sound system, their brainstorm of opening a wine bar has turned into a grander reality.

"No one in The Woodlands does what we do," Rodney said.

Italian-themed Crescent Moon attracts guests who appreciate an extensive wine selection. From Italian prosecco to Napa cabernet to malbec from Argentina, the wines hail from around the world.

"We cater to people who appreciate good wines," Rodney said.

Crescent Moon specializes in cocktails, too, some with names related to the celestial. The Luna Luna is made with limoncello and Texas vodka. The Crescent Moon cocktail features the tastes of ginger and elderflower. The Harvest Moon is sweet and savory, with lemon and Canadian whisky.

"Crescent has the spirits to cater to everyone who wants something other than beer and wine," Rodney said.

A while after opening, Rodney wanted to offer his guests something more, so he began to hire musicians. Live music is performed nightly at Crescent Moon Wine Bar on a stage large enough to accommodate an eight-piece band. Johnny and the Spinsations perform Chuck Berry classics and Yelba's variety band plays Latin music. Rock bands perform sounds from the '60s, '70s and '80s. Sunday is blues, from 5–9 p.m.

On Thursday nights, Sandra Gonzalez teaches free dance lessons from 8:30–9 p.m. as part of the bar's Latin night theme. In addition, a seven-piece Latin band plays until 1 a.m., when Crescent Moon transforms into a nightclub for mature adults.

At Crescent Moon guests feel welcomed by the neighborhood ambience.

"We are a mom and pop business, not a chain, so everyone appreciates the homey atmosphere," Rodney said.

When asked how they came up with the name Crescent Moon, Rodney said, "Amy's from New Orleans and that's the Crescent City. We couldn't use Crescent City, so we added the moon."

Crescent Moon cocktails Specialty drinks and cocktails range from $10 to $13.

• Harvest Moon–Sweet and savory, with maple syrup, lemon juice and Canadian whisky.
• Luna Luna–Lemony and cool, poured into a martini glass
• Lonestar Sour–Lemon juice, simple syrup and a slice of jalapeno
• Crescent Moon–St. Germaine, a French elderflower liqueur, Domaine Ste. Michelle Brut, soda, water

Themed music nights

• Thursday nights are Latin night, with free
• Sunday is blues, from 5–9 p.m.

Top three selling wines

1. Raymond cabernet
2. La Marca prosecco
3. Wilhelm Bergmann riesling

440 Rayford Road, Ste. 115A, Spring, 281-364-9463, www.crescentmoonwinebar.com

Hours: Tue.–Thu. 3–11 p.m., Fri. 3 p.m.–1 a.m., Sat. 5 p.m.–1 a.m., Sun. 4–9 p.m.