Callum Macpherson and Matt Baird take pride in their hometown, but they’re even prouder of the wine it produces. With that in mind they opened their Geelong wine store, Bottles & Barrels, in 2015.
Since then they’ve been steadily building relationships with local wineries, favouring small, family-owned vineyards with a minimal-intervention philosophy. Bottles from Lethbridge Wines feature alongside those from Bannockburn Vineyards, Oakdene and Leura Park Estate Winery. Pinot noir is one of the most popular varietals – a nod to Geelong’s history as a stellar pinot producer.
The shop looks nothing like your local bottle-o. The Nomad Styling-designed space is warm and open, featuring exposed brick, leather couches and wood touches. The shop doesn’t function as a wine bar, but it does have a license to host regular free tasting nights. The duo works hard to ensure the wines stay current, too; lovers of the Hot Chicken Project’s selection will always be able to find the same bottles at the store.
In addition to the wine, Bottles & Barrels also sells beers from La Sirené, Hawkers, Stone & Wood, Two Birds, Pirate Life and other Australian breweries.
