Courtesy Kindred
by Ann Donnelly
Sonya and Ryan McFadden opened the wine bar Kindred at 84 Henry St. in June in Saratoga Springs, at the location where they previously ran Flatbread Social.
“We first got the idea of opening Kindred because of trends we saw,” said Ryan McFadden. “For the first time in a long time, people under 40 are becoming more interested in wine.”
The McFaddens, who also own Henry Street Taproom, aim to provide a warm and inviting space to enjoy a glass of wine with friends.
“Wine has a reputation of being an elitist beverage, and we want to help get rid of that stereotype. Ultimately, we want Kindred to be a comfortable place for people,” he said.
As they do with the beer selection at Henry Street Taproom, the glass and bottle list at Kindred will rotate to allow customers to try wines from different vineyards, focusing on wineries practicing organic winemaking. “There is nothing pretentious or elitist about Kindred. Wine is fun, and we look forward to sharing our selections with our customers.”
Miles Merton, Kindred’s wine director, has years of experience and takes his craft seriously. He is working towards his certification with the court of master sommeliers and is awaiting the result of his Wine and Spirit Education Trust (WSET) Level 3 qualification in wines. Also on the team, Annmarie Guglielmo, owner of By the Bottle wine shop on Congress Street in Saratoga Springs, adds to the wealth of wine knowledge.
Andy Palmisano, the executive chef from Henry Street Taproom, oversees the kitchen. Palmisano has developed an upscale menu with a selection of “shareables” and entrees. Most food is cooked in wood-fired ovens in the main dining room, left from the days of Flatbread Social.
The management team also includes Adam Allain, the general manager of both Henry Street Taproom and Kindred.
“We wanted to create a place where people weren’t intimidated to order a drink, feeling like they weren’t enough of a wine connoisseur. We will incorporate some education, but ultimately Kindred will be a place where you can create memories with your family and friends.”
Keep in touch with Kindred on Instagram @kindred_saratoga.