TREND: MELBOURNE’S BOUTIQUE BOTTLE-OS

Always the first to boutiquefy the bacchanalian, Melbourne has been sprouting thoughtfully curated bottle shops for the more oenologically minded. With stores in Fitzroy, WINE REPUBLIC: Northcote and Windsor, this very different chain stocks rare whiskies, bottles from small Champagne houses, and interesting hand-selected wines. winerepublic.com.au A bottleshop and bar, this ATLAS VINIFERA: Richmond establishment is for ‘wine explorers’, stocking about 350 bottles of lovingly selected wines. atlasvinifera.com.au This Northcote newcomer SAMUEL PEPYS: specialises in organic, biodynamic and sustainable wine as well as local hoppy offerings. The staff are only too happy to help you select, and even often taste, that perfect drop. samuelpepys.com.au