Independent Wine Store

After 19 years working in hospitality, Angela Strickland saw the need for a wine shop with a point of difference. She opened Independent Wine Store in June 2013, offering wine from the Mornington Peninsula and around the world.

There are more than 300 bottles available for purchase, from local producers such as Foxey’s Hangout and Circe, and biodynamic champagne from France. As the shop’s name implies, there’s a focus on small, new-wave producers such as the McClaren Vale’s Brash Higgins and Margaret River’s Dormilona.

That’s not the only point of difference, though. You can also stay a while and enjoy a charcuterie platter made with local produce such as Main Ridge Dairy cheese and Ridge Estate olives. Team with a glass of wine chosen from the blackboard on the wall, or pick a bottle from the shelves or fridges. There’s also a selection of beers from outfits such as Bad Shepherd, Red Hill Brewery and Jetty Road Brewery, and bottled cocktails from The Everleigh.

The fit-out is bright and warm. Pine walls hold maps of French and Italian wine regions. There aren’t any dark fridges like at your regular bottle-o. It’s inviting, and the perfect place to have a glass with friends, or a pre-dinner drink with your family.