The Heights has a new destination for enjoying wine. Padre’s Wine Shop + Bar open to the public this Wednesday, April 12.
Located in the historic Obsidian Theater space at 3522 White Oak Dr., Padre’s offers 4,000-square-feet of space that’s divided between a retail wine shop and a wine bar with an expansive patio. Owner William Farley left a career in the energy business to start a wine importing company that has evolved into Padre’s.
Photo by Andrew Hemingway
Padre's offers both indoor and outdoor seating.
“The name ‘Padre’s Wine’ honors my father, who friends, family, and strangers alike endearingly referred to as ‘Padre,’” Farley said in a statement. “Padre’s Wine is an effort to not only share and teach about good wine but to create a space in the Heights for people to come together as a community, enjoy good wine, taste new things, kick back, and relax.”
To create the proper atmosphere, Farley turned to design firm Dick Clark and Associates. The Austin-based company took some of its inspiration for the design from Marfa. Photographs by artist Lee Crum, a favorite of Farley’s father Mike, adorn the walls.
Once inside, customers will find a selection of more than 500 bottles in the retail shop, including 20 percent from South American countries such as Argentina, Chile, and Uruguay. The inventory also includes bottles from Italy, France, California, and Hungary. Wine lovers will find everything from affordable bottles in the $20 range to collectible vintages meant to be opened on special occasions.
In addition, the wine bar will pour more than 20 by-the-glass selections. The tidy food menu consists of East Coast oysters, charcuterie boards, and panini.
Joining Farley is general manager Nick Nguyen, a Houston restaurant veteran whose resume includes Riel, Musaafer, and Da Gama. The two met while bouldering, according to a release.
“William's vision and passion for wine aligns with mine. We can talk for hours about anything while enjoying it over a glass of wine,” Nguyen said. “That's what we want for our guests at Padre’s. We want to make sure that attention to detail is never missed, from stylish furniture to the smell of the trees and the sound of the music to soothe your inner soul.”
Padre’s will open beginning at 11 am Wednesday-Monday. When the retail shop closes at 8 pm, patrons will still be able to access the wine bar via a speakeasy-style walkway that will lead to the patio.
