Rachel Lawes Creates Intimate Space for Wine Lovers in Warragul
As a Warragul local, her passion for creating an inclusive space for wine and cheese lovers in her community led to the birth of Everything’s Better with Wine Warragul.
Located on Queen Street, right in the centre of town, close to cinemas and restaurants, Rachel’s vision was to bring a European-or inner Melbourne inspired wine and cheese bar to life.
Despite having no experience in the hospitality industry, Rachel was determined to support small, local food producers, wine makers, and artists.
With a predominantly Gippsland wine list featuring undiscovered gems, the bar is complemented by a handpicked selection of cheese and charcuterie served sourdough, house made lavosh, amazing cocktails, and a changing selection of small plates and now showcases a full lunch menu.
Rachel’s background in other business management has helped her listen to the community’s needs and evolve quickly in a rapidly changing economic landscape.
Her determination and dedication to creating a warm and intimate atmosphere, where a connection to the community is important to her, has taken the wine bar on a wild ride in its first 18 months from first dates, engagements and now even our first EBW baby!
Everything’s Better with Wine Warragul is a family-owned and run business, with Rachel’s two daughters also working in the wine bar.
The bar showcases the diverse and talented local wine makers, cheese producers, cured meat and antipasto producers, artists, and musicians of our region. With a new focus on quality weekday lunch menus, cocktail weddings, and function hire, the bar is open six days a week from 11am until late
Rachel believes it’s the perfect place to catch up with friends or family, have a few wines, beers, or cocktails, dessert, or even just a coffee and cake while shopping in Warragul.
Given Rachel had never attempted anything like this before, she believes creating this business is a testament to the power and potential of women in business.
They continue to inspire and challenge traditional industries, breaking down stereotypes and creating inclusive environments for all.