Today we’d like to introduce you to Patricia Southard.
Hi Patricia, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
My background is in software engineering, where I had the incredible opportunity to work on the Space Program. While stationed at Vandenberg AFB, I started visiting local wineries—what else is there to do?—and that’s where my love for wine truly began.
Wayne, a wine distributor and exporter, turned out to be the perfect match—personally and professionally. After about a year of dating, he asked if I’d be interested in opening a wine bar in St. Augustine. I thought it sounded simple enough—just price the wine and you’re good to go, right? As it turns out, I had no idea what I was stepping into.
But with Wayne’s expertise and dedication, what started as a fun idea grew into something much bigger. Today, we’re proud to be recognized as one of the best wine bars in St. Augustine—and honored to have been named North Florida’s Best Wine Bar for the past three years.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Opening a business in a historic district definitely comes with its share of challenges. One of the biggest hurdles we faced was the restriction on digging—anything deeper than three inches requires an archaeologist on site. With a large courtyard to work with, we got creative and opted for planting in pots instead.
Another costly lesson came when we installed pavers in an approved area, only to later be required to replace them with brick. And while we would have loved to add a water feature, fountains aren’t permitted. I even joked about the Fountain of Youth—but that didn’t land quite as well as I’d hoped.
Now, nearly nine years in, we’ve worked through most of those early obstacles. What felt overwhelming at the start has become part of the story—and the charm—of building something special in a historic setting.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
Wayne wears many hats—sommelier, maintenance man, and gardener—while I handle the day-to-day operations that keep everything running smoothly.
Casa de Vino 57 has become known for its beautiful courtyard, carefully curated boutique wines, and delicious charcuterie and cheese boards.
We love surprises, fun facts and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
I earned my undergraduate degree in Oceanography and spent a couple of years working aboard a NOAA research vessel. With the help of the GI Bill, I earned my master’s in Computer Science and later worked on the Space Program.
Wayne brings more than 50 years of experience in the wine industry. At one point, he even owned a winery in Hungary following the collapse of the Communist government. Today, he runs his own company, distributing wines throughout Florida.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://casadevino57.com/
- Instagram: CasadeVino57
- Facebook: Casadevino57
