Written by Ben Cox – Local wine aficionado hang-out La Sorella brings that cool, funky, and fun Austin vibe to Brownwood, thanks to owner Leona Cleveland.
Italian for “The Sisters”, La Sorella was founded by Cleveland as a place to go and hang out “with my wine sisters. We wanted a place that we could go, hang out, and drink some good wine in a comfortable atmosphere and we couldn’t find a place like that in Brownwood, so I made one.”
One of the tables in one of the main dining rooms at La Sorella
Offering selections of some Texas wines as well as wines from national and international vineyards, La Sorella also serves craft and traditional beers. Several light foods are served in the evening and they are currently serving a new lunch menu for the summer. “Our charcuterie boards are the most popular, food you don’t have to belly up to the table to eat. Light foods you can eat on all night long with your fingers.”
During the day, Cleveland offers made to order pizzas, caprese salad, Stromboli’s and fresh sorbet for dessert. Lunch is served from 11 until 2 in the afternoon, re-opening for evening business at 5 p.m.
One of many wine-centric creations in the backyard, which often hosts live music in the cooler months
Returning to the line-up at La Sorella is a selection of wines from Colemans Rancho Loma Vineyards. Cleveland says “they have a very nice selection and I really like the wines they are producing now.”
Cleveland is also excited about the recently successful campaign to introduce a bill on the November ballot addressing area liquor laws. With very few exceptions, businesses in Brownwood and Brown County must pay expensive fees for their liquor licenses because they are private clubs.
Through the hallway to the rear dining room you can see pictures of Clevelands family adorning the walls
These laws also prevent vendors from featuring smaller vineyards like locally owned Spirit of Texas Vineyards, which are not offered by distributors.
La Sorella is located at 2803m Austin Avenue, and can be reached via their Facebook page, by calling 325-203-2892, or by simply stopping in and chatting while having a glass of wine.
