Ora et Labora Wine Shop Coming to North Williams

Logos for Ora et Labora.

I noticed a liquor license application posted for Ora et Labora this week, and I have to admit—I was enticed by its mellifluous name. According to the website, Ora et Labora plans a fall 2022 opening or a December 2022 opening, depending on the source, located on that hip strip of businesses on N Williams (think EEM, Eat: An Oyster Bar, Crisp Salads, etc).

“Ora et labora” translates to “pray and labor” or “pray and work” in Latin, and has special meaning to the Order of Saint Benedict, the patron saint of Europe. The Wikipedia page on this phrase also mentions, “Benedict viewed prayer and work as partners, and believed in combining contemplation with action.” A Google search on “ora et labora” will also bring up a number of edible products associated with the phase, namely wine and beer.

The people behind the business are David and Sarah Gregory. David is a self-identified theological educator and taught at Catholic school, and has had connections with the Jesuits. Sarah Gregory has a history in journalism. David is also from Queens, which was nice to see for this former Astoria resident. I suspect it is his interest in theology and time spent immersed in Catholicism that provided inspiration for the name of the wine shop.

Ora et Labora in Portland explains who they are as, “a wine shop for wine enthusiasts and novices alike! Buy a bottle to go or enjoy a glass from our large rotating selection, and learn about your drink at our weekly wine education classes.” Their Instagram account elaborates with, “featuring glass pours, flights, wine classes, and private events.”

They plan to be open Wednesdays through Sundays, 11am to 6pm each day. The space has room for about 16 seats with four outdoors (it looks like there’s a little patio out back). Of course there will be wine, but I’ll be curious to see what kind of tasty edible items they will offer.

So, whether they open in fall 2022 of December 2022, I wish them good luck and perseverance as they get the place ready to open.

Ora et Labora [projected opening 2022]
3928 N Williams Avenue, Portland
oraetlabora.wine | Instagram