SARATOGA SPRINGS— At the newly opened wine bar Kindred, the by-the-glass list is abuzz with trendy words in the world of wine connoisseurs. From orange wine to pet-nat wine to skin-contact wine, the offerings are diverse and intriguing. However, what sets Kindred apart is its dedication to creating a friendly, casual, and accessible atmosphere. One glass offering is even described as “gluggable,” emphasizing the bar’s approachability. Another interesting feature is the wine made by Jumping Juice Wine, a company with a cheerful website animation featuring a bottle-shaped figure skipping rope with arms and legs.
Kindred is not the place for pretentious individuals making snobbish judgments about the latest vintage from obscure regions. However, the owners, Ryan and Sonja McFadden, are determined to provide a wide variety of wines from smaller producers. Rather than simply offering a generic pinot noir, Kindred showcases a $12 glass of gruner veltliner from Catalonia, Spain, or a $425 bottle of Egly-Ouriet Champagne made from the pinot noir grape. The opening glass list features 20 wines priced from $12 to $25, with a focus on affordability. Additionally, the bar offers an extensive selection of about two dozen wines by the bottle, ranging from $45 to significantly higher prices. Ryan McFadden anticipates that the lists will expand as the business grows and customers express their preferences. In addition to the wine selection, Kindred also offers 10 house cocktails, three beers, and a hard cider.
Kindred officially began serving customers on Thursday, opening from Thursday to Monday during the initial weeks. The kitchen operates from 5 to 10 p.m., while the bar remains open until midnight. As the summer season approaches, Kindred plans to extend its service to Wednesdays as well. Although the establishment currently has an Instagram page, @kindred_saratoga, development is underway for a website and Facebook presence.
Ryan and Sonja McFadden closed their previous restaurant, Flatbread Social, located in the same building on 84 Henry St., to develop the concept for Kindred. Originally from Philadelphia, the McFaddens relocated to Saratoga Springs over a decade ago and opened the beer-focused Henry Street Taproom next door to Kindred in 2012. Their experience with craft beer and the dedicated following they cultivated at the taproom inspired them to create a similar experience for wine enthusiasts.
To curate a delightful food menu for Kindred, they enlisted the expertise of chef Andy Palmisano, who is making the move from the taproom after three years. Palmisano’s menu emphasizes small plates and shareables, with options such as trout roe on salt-and-vinegar potato chips, tuna bresaola, octopus salami, and beef tartare. The menu also includes a selection of entrees, including a daily pasta dish priced at $22 and roasted quail with gnocchi priced at $36. The restaurant has undergone some interior changes but still maintains a similar atmosphere to Flatbread Social. It can accommodate 90 guests indoors and an additional 30 outdoors, although the patio furniture is yet to arrive. With a team of 18 employees, some of whom are veterans from the previous restaurant, Ryan McFadden aims to create a fun and enjoyable atmosphere at Kindred, catering to the growing trend of younger individuals discovering and enjoying wine in Saratoga.
In conclusion, Kindred offers a unique and diverse selection of wines in a friendly and approachable environment. With their focus on smaller producers and affordable pricing, the owners aim to satisfy the curiosity and palates of wine enthusiasts in Saratoga Springs.
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