Meet The Team
The Oak Barrel has been one of Sydney and Australia's premier independent bottle stores since it was founded in 1956.
With over six decades of sourcing and sharing great drinks, we've been recognised on multiple occasions. Specialists in wine, beer, whisky and other spirits, The Oak Barrel was named ALIA Bottle Store Of The Year in 2016, 2017 and 2019, beating out major chain stores across Australia. We've been the only store nominated in each of the past five years. (The awards weren't held in 2020.)
We've also been recognised on multiple occasions at the Icons Of Whisky Awards.
As well as a huge selection of products and expert staff, The Oak Barrel hosts regular tasting events and flagship Fairs across all departments. We’re a small, but tight-nit group with expertise across our range of products. Come and say g’day in store, or shoot us an email to have a chat.
Ian
With decades of booze retail experience, Ian is the manager of the Good Ship Oak Barrel. He helms the annual Sydney Craft Beer & Cider Fair and when not in the store, will most likely be in the wilderness around the world climbing mountains or patting polar bears. Currently Drinking: Multiple Beers
Email Ian
Joe
After earning his stripes across the European restaurant scene, Joe returned to Australia with a driving passion for great wine. Currently heading up the Oak Barrel wine department, he’s a strong advocate for sustainable farming and wines with a sense of place. Often found close to the ocean, eating oysters, or drinking beer and watching sport. Currently Drinking: Natty White Wine
Email Joe
Scott
A music industry refugee, Scott has a love for all things distilled and a shitty haircut. Usually found hosting whisky tastings in our Cellar Room, chances are he also might be our back somewhere lining up a vertical tasting of vintage Armagnacs. Currently Drinking: Kilkerran 12-Year-Old
Email Scott
The Wine Doctor
Senior enthusiast, long time wine drinker and more recently sake adventurer. I really care about the product and commitment of our store.
Currently Drinking: Vintage Aussie reds
Also on the team but yet to submit a photo and blurb:
Blake 'King Of Dispatch' Wilson