Village Vineyard

Family connections brought Katrina Cooper and Saskia Fransz together, but it’s their shared love of booze that made them go into business with each other. Clifton Hill locals might remember their store as a cleanskin wine business, but after taking over in 2015 the two fleshed out the range in a big way.

They taste up to 40 wines a week and only order products they love. The walls are lined with more than 300 bottles, Aussies beating out the internationals two-to-one. A well-stocked fridge offers 200 beers and a growing range of decanted spirits. There are also mixers and gift hampers. Ample parking makes it simple to pick up a bottle for dinner or restock the cellar.

By night, it doubles as a wine and cocktail bar with a cosy, walk-in type of vibe. Casual Friday-night tastings, at which Fransz is on hand to explain more about each bottle, are a hit with locals. Her comprehensive wine knowledge is thanks to years of dedication, including a Masters of Wine and Wine Appreciation while working part-time in the retail wine industry.