SAVVY
WINTER WONDERS
! r o o d r u o y o t
As the temperature drops, instead of reaching for the standard bottle of Barossa Shiraz, Deb Caruso opens her mind and palate to new experiences, expertly guided and delivered with ease by some of the best in the business.
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ike most locals, as the temperature drops and I reach for my familiar and comfy tracksuit, beanie and blanket and prepare to snuggle up with the latest magazine and pour a glass of big, bold and beautiful Barossa Shiraz. I’ve been waiting all summer to feel the warmth that just can’t be achieved from a glass of chardonnay, no matter how hard I try.
Having our resident drinks writer and sommelier Tony Cox on hand is great and I love our long chats that have me reaching for the keys to hit the bottle shops and try to remember his recommendations. I’m always looking for an easier way so when my other favourite Tony - Tony Kelly - told me that Market Wine Store now offer delivery I had to find out more! Part of the Tony Kelly Group, Market Wine Store (MWS) is connected to Market Bistro, Maroochydore; one of several restaurants in this delicious family that also includes Spero Greek; the powerhouse trio of modern Asian Riceboi, Giddy Geisha and Piggyback; and the newest kid on the block, Bocca Italian Restaurant at Bokarina Beach. The original MWS at Maroochydore is always a special place for me and I’m excited that it will now have an Italian sister with another MWS opening next to Bocca – but more on that later. MWS is almost like a trip to an art gallery, specially-curated works adorn the shelves with masterpieces created Hello Sunshine Magazine
PHOTOS: MEGAN GILL
This winter, I’m going to broaden my horizons, expand my palate and explore what else is on offer – with a little help from my friends.
with as much passion, creativity and care (but maybe less craziness) as an original Da Vinci. I understand and appreciate the workmanship, history, care and attention (sometimes heartbreak) that goes into every bottle on the shelf. You see, MWS doesn’t stock massproduced bottles of plonk that are churned out in high volume, they prefer to work with and feature good producers who are committed to the craft. Better still, when I walk in, they take the time to understand what I like to drink (if they don’t already know!) and their suggestions have never gone wrong whether introducing me to a new drop, handing me my fave or helping me source a special gift. Manager Damien Ringrose might be a new addition to the team but he isn’t new to the booze game with a career in wine and hospitality of more than two decades, including cutting his teeth as Cellarman for the top end of town at the 58
iconic Michael’s Riverfront Restaurant, Eagle Street Pier in Brisbane before doing a vintage with Peter Lehmann in the Barossa; working at Tyrells Winery and as a brand manager for some of Australia’s best booze groups managing brands such as Bollinger, Henschke and Villa Maria. He has had several stints living and working overseas and more recently worked for Sunshine Coast Hotel Group (SCHG) where he established and managed the marketing and promotions for its bottleshops as well as looking after the cocktails and wine lists for its three hotels, Brightwater, Parklands and Baringa Tavern; as well as Moffs at Moffat Beach. “I loved working with Scott Armstrong (SCHG founder) and it was fun but my background was wine so I’m super excited to join the team here,” he said. “There’s no one stocking the types of wines and spirits and everything we do at Market Wine Store. The product range