The Wine Emporium is an independent family-owned fine wine retailer based in Brisbane, holding one of the country's finest domestic and international collections of red, white and sparkling wine, as well as the best in spirits and beer. We host a large range of classes, functions and events at both our Education Centre and across different venues around Brisbane, while holding free in-store tastings every Friday and Saturday! Below you can find some of the friendly faces you'll see most around the shop.
The Team
George Kelly
General Manager
George never quite expected to fall into the wide and wonderful world of wine, even despite growing up in a family of wine lovers in the retail game! He started at the shop back in 2017 more so to fill some hours between finishing his degrees in Business and Writing, starting him on his eye-opening vino journey for which he hasn't looked back! He began handling all things web, marketing and newsletter-related after a few years of learning and loving the trade, and eventually with the blessing of our former manager Charlie, he was thrilled to take the reins as our general manager in 2024! He holds a keen love for whites and reds from regions the world over, but the reds of Italy (Tuscany especially) have found a very close place in his heart.
Bernadette O'Shea
Champagne Consultant
Bernadette O’Shea has been saluted by France’s finest champagne makers. They pay tribute to her exceptional palate, profound Champagne knowledge, and the enthusiasm with which she imparts her skill. She has been honoured in Australia since 1984, when she became the first non professional woman to win the coveted Vin de Champagne Award, an award she currently co-judges. She has also been invested with the Chevalier de l’Ordre du Mérite Agricole, a Knighthood from the French Government for her contribution to the Champagne industry. She works at her office in our Education Centre, at which she hosts our popular Champagne classes every month, as well as many functions & private events around Brisbane.
Robert Lavelle
Assistant Manager
Rob has worked in the hospitality industry for over 15 years, amassing vast experience in luxury hotels, award-winning cocktail lounges, wine bars and quality à la carte restaurants in Brisbane and the Middle East. His experience in the field has been invaluable – if you need help pairing wine and food, organising wine selections for functions or if you need cocktail or beer information, he’s your man. Rob also hosts our popular Wine Appreciation Classes and is available for private functions. Rob is a jack of all trades who oversees our selection of craft beer and spirits alongside a deep love for Australian and New Zealand wines.
Jackson Paul
Sales / Beer Consultant
Starting out on the hospo scene back in 2015, Jackson's first love was doing hours behind the bar, hopping between venues doing all things mixing and pouring. It was upon moving into a managerial position at a local restaurant, that his passion for both wine and craft beer began to blossom, further stoked by his growing love (and undoubted talent) for customer service. It was 2021 when our boy Jacko first walked through our doors, and he's since struck a perfect balance between being 'the beer guy' as well as furthering his knowledge everyday in wine. If he's not enjoying an ice cold IPA, you'll likely catch him sipping on a fine Californian Chardonnay.
Brent Williamson
Fine Wine Consultant
Brent is our resident Burgundy expert. A memorable bottle of Australian wine sparked Brent’s interest to study winemaking and viticulture. After a vintage at Grosset Wines in the Clare Valley in 2006 Brent enrolled in Charles Sturt University’s Winemaking and Viticulture program, graduating in 2012. By 2014, Brent's passion for Burgundy won him the prestigious Négociants “Working with Wine” Scholarship, sending him to France and Italy to visit some of the world’s finest producers including the illustrious Château Rayas and Domaine de la Romanée Conti. Brent is a fount of knowledge - his passion for wine means he can help you find the perfect Tuesday night wine or something serious enough to cellar for 15-20 years... or more! Whether you want a perfect Nebbiolo from Piemonte, a Syrah from the northern Rhone or a great Chardonnay/Pinot Noir from Burgundy, Brent can recommend exactly what you are looking for.
Toby Um
Sales / Fine Wine Consultant
A fervent wine guru, with a palate to match, Toby moved from South Korea in 2005, working in hospitality/hotels in Victoria for over ten years, before the beauty of the Yarra Valley and Mornington Peninsula began to overwhelm, and the path forward into the wine game became all too tempting. Moving to Brisbane in 2022, he holds a particularly strong passion for Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, but holds a love and knowledge for just about everything else too - we feel very grateful to have snagged him!
Jio Oh
Sales / Wine Consultant
Starting with us back in 2021, Jio is a seasoned hospitality professional with a diverse background, having worked previously in bars, fine dining, and as an ambassador for VIP airline lounges. In a previous role at Marriott Hotels, she managed exclusive hotel function rooms, requiring a level of impeccable service for her guests that still shines through now in the shop! Outside of work, Jio finds comfort in the simple pleasures, enjoying a glass of lovely Soave on a sunny afternoon, or winding down her day with a sip of cognac or whisky.
David Butler
Sales & Logistics
Kicking off his bartending talents in the hospo scene over 20 years ago, Dave has managed several high-end cocktail bars in his time, as well as working the floor in fine dining and five-star hotel settings. Starting with us in 2021, he spends much of his time on the road as our ever-reliable delivery driver - if you have seen our van out doing the miles, it's likely this guy right here! From orders large to small within Brisbane, Dave will get your wine to you safely and efficiently. A particular fan of Chardonnay from Margaret River, he's also as big a Broncos fan that you'll ever come across!