Written by Amanda Coers – La Sorella, a unique wine and beer venue, located at 2803 Austin Avenue in Brownwood, will soon be opening its doors this summer. The wine bar’s name reflects sisterhood, appropriate as the idea for the establishment came from a friendly group of wine drinkers meeting once a week in each other’s homes. Calling themselves the “Wine Wednesday Club,” the group of friends began to brainstorm about what they’d like to see added to the community for wine lovers.
“We wanted to have somewhere comfortable to go,” said La Sorella owner, Leona Macham Cleveland. The idea stayed just a conversation to be had over a glass of red until fate intervened and Leona found herself laid off from work.
“It was a gentle kick,” Leona laughed. “It was meant to be. So I figured I’d do one of my two passions: dogs or wine.”
She explored the idea of starting a boarding kennel for dogs, but the price was prohibited for Leona’s savings. Instead, she began to take steps to see the Wine Wednesday Club’s dream become a reality.
“I just jumped in. I had a little bit of savings, but it wasn’t enough to retire, or even take a half year off, so here we go,” Leona said as she took a break from sanding floors in the soon to be open business.
La Sorella will be opening by end of May, or early June, with renovations expected to be finished next week. The last step will be finalizing the permit from the Texas Alcohol Beverage Commission (TABC).
The business was awarded a $5,000 grant from the BMDD for improvements. Leona is putting the finishing touches on the interior, and will soon install a privacy fence around the property. The community-minded business woman has hired only local contractors and purchased renovation materials from local businesses.
Leona also credits her progress with helpful friends who’ve pitched in to help make her dream come true, whether it was with a screwdriver or paintbrush.
“It’s amazing what can happen when friends come together,” she said. Their labor of love has resulted in a cozy, comfortable venue where customers can lounge and enjoy a wide selection of wines, as well as craft and domestic beers. La Sorella will also be serving small plates with cheeses, nuts, olives, and meats, and perhaps a panini here and there.
To learn more about La Sorella, visit their Facebook Page.
The wine bar’s tentatively scheduled hours are Wednesday through Friday from 4 p.m. until late, and the business will open on Saturday and Sunday at 1 p.m.
Though she’s still knee deep in preparations for opening, Leona is already looking ahead to plan events for her business.
“I talked to a gentleman the other day about doing Beer 101 classes,” said Cleveland. “It goes beyond just cracking open a beer at the end of the day, to have someone come in and tell you about the different beers, which foods pair with what, even which glass is best to use, that’ll be fun.”
At the end of the day, she’s simply hoping her future customers will appreciate a relaxed atmosphere to share her love of wine.
“I’m looking forward to people enjoying it.”
