Photo by David Pollan
Photo by David PollanWine is more than the drink of choice for Dana Kelly—owner of The Empty Glass in Tomball—it is her passion. She has spent a decade developing an appreciation for and cultivating knowledge of the fermented beverage.
After numerous trips to wineries in the Texas Hill Country and to Napa Valley in California, Dana said she had a desire to share her love, knowledge and passion of wine with others.
"I love wine and am somewhat of a wine connoisseur—just without the degree," said Dana, a Tomball native. "I enjoy meeting new people and talking about wine, and there was really nowhere to do that in Tomball."
On a spring afternoon in 2012 at the Tomball German Festival, an opportunity presented itself to Dana and her Magnolia-native husband, Michael. The couple noticed an old barn nestled between Nonnie's Soda Fountain and the former Snookie's Fish Camp location across from the Tomball Historic Depot Plaza that was for lease. The property owners wanted to fill the space with a wine bar, Dana said.
"We were at the right place at the right time, and it just worked out," she said. "It took me twisting my husband's arm a little, but we decided to go ahead and lease out the space."
Dana's love and knowledge of wine paired with Michael's business acumen helped the couple lay the groundwork for Tomball's first wine bar. Michael and some friends handcrafted the wooden furniture pieces found in The Empty Glass. The saloon-style wooden bar has been in Michael's family for 30 years and its origins date back to the 1900s, Dana said.
After a summer spent constructing and renovating the location, the Kellys opened The Empty Glass Sept. 15, 2012 at 104 Market St. in Tomball.
"Rustic elegance is a major theme we were after with The Empty Glass; it is in an old barn after all," Dana said. "We also wanted a hometown feel and theme, so when you walk in, you can just sit down and relax and have a glass of wine."
The Empty Glass is first and foremost a Texas wine bar, with 60 percent of the wine selection coming from Texas wineries. Initially, Dana said she wanted to carry only Texas wines, however, customers and vendors suggested she open up the menu more. The other 40 percent of the menu features wine from Argentina, Chile, New Zealand and Spain as well as American brands from California.
To keep a variety of different wines at the bar, Dana said she changes the menu twice a year based on customer recommendations and wines that sell well.
For those looking for a beverage other than wine, The Empty Glass offers bottled and draft beer, which is an ode to Michael, who Dana described as a Miller Lite man.
As for food, guests at The Empty Glass can find a limited, tapas-style menu with smaller items such as meats, cheeses, appetizers and paninis, Dana said.
The Empty Glass is more than just a venue for people to come with friends to sit down and relax at, Dana said, it's also a place to come and learn about wine.
"We like to teach people about wine so they can be informed and enjoy it as much as we do," she said.
After nearly two years, Dana said business continues to grow. The entertainment provided on select nights has also grown and evolved since its inception with the addition of karaoke, live music, Sunday brunch and happy hour, Dana said.
"We want coming here to be a destination spot [for our regulars]," Dana said. "We try to offer as many things as possible, not only to keep people here, but to bring [new customers] through the door as well."
Inaugural Texas Wine Festival
The Empty Glass presents its first Texas Wine Festival in October with 10 Texas wineries on-site as well as local breweries, live music and food vendors. Part of the proceeds from the festival will be donated to the Abandoned Animal Rescue and Camp For All. Noon–5 p.m. on Oct. 5. $75 (VIP area with food and upgraded wine selection), $25 (commemorative wine glass, program and 10 tasting tickets), $2 (additional tasting tickets). Tomball Historic Depot Plaza. For tickets, visit www.theemptyglass.com or www.localwineevents.com.
Events and specials
- Happy hour: Tue.–Fri. 4–7 p.m., all day Sun.
- Karaoke: Tue. 7–10 p.m.
- Ladies night: Wed. 6–8 p.m.
- Live music: Fri.–Sat. 8–11 p.m.
- Brunch: Sun. noon–3 p.m.
The Empty Glass, 104 Market St., Tomball 832-698-4722, www.theemptyglass.com, Hours: Tue.–Thu. 3–10 p.m., Fri.–Sat. noon–11 p.m., Sun. noon–6 p.m.
