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
Charlie McKenzie
General Manager
With over 40 years in the hospitality trade there is little Charlie doesn’t know about fine wine, high-end spirits or craft beers. Hailing from Victoria, Charlie has worked as a manager in the bar and hospitality-retail trade Australia wide. Charlie brought his vast and enviable experience to The Wine Emporium becoming General Manager in 2007. Whether you need advice about rum based cocktails, vintage champagnes and everything in-between Charlie knows what you need instantly. He is also a Geelong Cats supporter - Go Cats!
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.
George Kelly
Sales Consultant / eCommerce Manager
Growing up in a family of wine lovers in the retail world, it didn't take much for George to fall in love with the industry. Starting at the shop since the start of his university days, he has since gone full-time after finishing his double degree in Business & Writing, handling sales in-store as well as all things web and newsletter-related. He holds a passion for whites and reds from regions the world over, but the reds of Italy (Tuscany especially) have found a place in his heart.
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.
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 which sent him to France and Italy to visit some of the world’s finest wine 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 or 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 became clear. 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!