MALT & VINE (TEMPLESTOWE)

The region's newest specialty wine and beer store, The Malt & Vine, recently opened, appropriately, at Red Box Rise on Newmans Road, Templestowe.

The first Malt & Vine, located in Newport, was founded in 2003 by Sam Anicic, a former I.T. professional who decided on a career change that would involve his passion for fine wines. Soon the store was well known and respected in the area for its range of boutique wines and beers, not to mention Sam's helpful and knowledgeable advice.

Three year's later, John Ayton, Sam's friend and fellow wine lover, was also ready for a career change and so the idea of a second Malt & Vine was born. The pair took over an existing liquor store that was operating as part of the Cellarbrations network, and following a complete replacement of the wine stock and the installation of new shop signage, Templestowe's Malt & Vine opened in November 2006.

Malt & Vine's philosophy is quite simply to offer interesting beers and wines at a reasonable price. In order to encourage customers to try new things, John and Sam offer free tastings of selected wines and beers on Friday and Saturday evenings, but can often be persuaded to crack open a bottle whenever customers show enough interest.

Apart from sourcing wines and beers from all over Australia and overseas, John and Sam enjoy dealing directly with local wineries, including Redbox (of course!), Hirsch Hill Estate and Ridgeback. Lovers of local hand-crafted beers are also looked after, with the fine products of Mountain Goat, 3 Ravens and Hargreaves Hill breweries among those on offer.

So why not pay a visit to Malt & Vine for friendly service and a wonderful range of wines and beers. They're open every day (call 9846 8033 for opening hours) and anyone who mentions this article will receive a 10% discount on any full-price wine.