Paul has spent a lifetime pondering the quality & benefits of drinking wine. In his later years and after much sober thought he purchased the Oak Barrel to extend his passion to other fellow wine drinkers. If only he had known how much effort was involved! In his previous life in the medical world he was the doctor and brings this title to the store as the “Oak Barrel’s Dr. Paul”. The knowledge he has, has been gained through reading and listening to speakers, wine writers and of course the men (and women) at the coal face – the wine makers. So keep a lookout for his informative blogs.
Simon got involved with the Oak Barrel when his father-in-law Paul asked him if he purchased a bottle shop, would he be interested in joining the team. He said yes and low and behold a month later The Oak Barrel was purchased. Ever since he has been on a steep learning curve, but all the while making in roads to the ultimate goal of being a true destination store. Simon has had to taste a lot of wine in that time (one of the perks) and has developed an understanding of what he likes (Pinot Noir would be the favourite) but also believes that there is a wine for every occasion.
Ian “The Chainstar” Chainey has 20 years experience in Pubs, Cocktail Bars & Bottleshops. In that time he has seen the good, the bad & the outright funny. Hi mantra is “Now is a good time to be working in Independent Bottleshops. Consumers are wising up to the corporations.The big box stores with no customer service & the bland product (Beer & wine) being produced by the mutli nationals. Where is the love ??? The corporations can’t replicate the passion that independent Shops & producers bring to the game”.
Julian Abouzeid has a rare passion for wine. When he is not drinking wine or talking about it, chances are he is thinking about it. He has spent the last ten years working in and around the wine industry and joined the Oak Barrel team at the start of 2010. His knowledge of wine is impressive and he is currently studying for his WSET Diploma. Julian’s views on wine are definitely old world with a love of terroir, organics and minimalist winemaking. He is particularly interested in boutique, family owned producers, regularly roaming the country in search of “proper” Australian wine.
For the last 20 years Elissa has been living and working around the world collecting and tasting wine and experiences. Home now, she has decided to formalise her wine education in the form of the WSET Diploma. Whilst French wines are still her preference, her growing fascination with small-scale and/or passionate Aussie producers is becoming her new raison d’être. If you don’t see Elissa up front, she’ll be out in the warehouse making sure the website is up & running, co-ordinating with the events team, front of house and ensuring that the tasting stock is carefully managed….
Jason has joined us after 6 years in the UK where he received his base training at the UKs leading independant wine store, Oddbins. He was fortunate enough to have worked every year at The International Wine Challenge in London where he managed to taste thousands of wines from all corners of the globe as one of the perks. Happy to be back in Australia, him and his wife Linda have just had a bouncing baby boy ‘Jamie’ who we’re all hoping will follow in his dad’s footsteps as the McWilliams semi-sweet sherry drinking champion of the Oak Barrel.
Dave “Fat Fingers” Withers - David has grown up around wine, being the third generation of wine enthusiasts in his family heritage. He is currently studying his WSET Advanced course which has nurtured his passion for international wines, in particular German and Austrian rieslings as well as French Pinot Noir. He has travelled widely within Australia to major wine regions and plans to continue these experiences into the future. He really enjoys boutique and family operated wineries which pursue quality over quantity.
Joel first sparked a love of wine working part time at a bottle shop while studying a Business degree. Finding wine, beer and spirits far more interesting than accounting, the pursuit of a career in the liquor industry soon became a priority. Joel has completed the WSET Advanced Certificate in International Wine and Spirits, and is expanding his knowledge by tasting everything he can. As our Whisky & Wine Ambassador in the UK & Europe, Joel is forever seeking new & exciting products for us to import exclusively.
