It’s safe to say at least a few of us have been partial to ‘just one more’ while we’ve been in quarantine, but don’t be too hard on yourself, we’re here to tell you that pouring another may not be such a bad idea. Lockdown has had many positive effects on the environment—like that hole in the ozone closing up—and if you shop at bottle shops that focus on stocking sustainably conscious drops, you too can be a part of the movement.
Get started with six of the best.
Rewine
Queen Vic Market, Brunswick, Fitzroy
Rewine is all about low impact and sustainable wine, and their tried and tested processes prove exactly that. Rewine source wine from local suppliers to reduce their carbon footprint, and they serve it up straight from the barrel into a reusable bottle you can purchase from their locations. In making sure that no stone is unturned, the reusable bottle comes from a manufacturer that uses recycled glass from the South Australian recycling scheme—nice one.
Glou
Collingwood
The team behind Glou are building a community around sustainability and awareness in the wine industry with their part shop, part tasting bar. You can pop in for a chat and a sample (when not in lockdown), before stocking up on your favourite sustainable drops.
This wine store is a bit different to your standard Dan Murphy’s or Liqourland, as there are no labels to be seen. Every wine is only available on tap, and you can choose to purchase by the millilitre. With three sizes to choose from—500ml, 1000ml or 2000ml—Glou is doing their bit to eliminate single-use items in the wine retail sector by cutting out branded bottles, labels and corks entirely, and also some of the cost. Plus, the wine they stock is damn good.
Act of Wine
Southbank and online
Act of Wine have been showcasing a hefty selection of wines from all around the world. The team here make sure what they stock comes from producers who emphasise minimal intervention and regenerative agriculture, which also happens to make for a damn tasty drop.
The offering ranges from the more traditional to truly unique. Order online for same-day delivery in Melbourne or drop into their Southbank shop from 12pm to 6pm on weekends.
Blackhearts & Sparrows
Various Locations
Blackhearts & Sparrows make a point of stocking only the best producers and brewers, with many having an organic bent to their products. Considered an authority in alcohol space, the team have been at it since 2006, so you know that whatever is hiding inside that brown paper bag won’t disappoint.
Whisky lovers, take note; right now, they have a very special collaboration with Starward available. Order online or drop by one of their Melbourne locations.
Wine Republic
Various Locations
Everything you find on the shelves at Wine Republic has been sourced and test by the team. What you’ll find on the shelves and in the fridges are wines, beers and spirits that are handmade with care from producers across the globe. Much of it is natural and organic, but everything tastes damn good.
Wine Revolution
Online
Organic, sustainable and biodynamic wines here only. At Wine Revolution, you can get your vino by the bottle or in 12’s; curated packs include the Vegan Friendly, Women In Wine, Preservative Free and Certified Organic which should give you an idea of what they’re about.
Check out Melbourne’s best booze delivery here.
Image credit: Kristoffer Paulsen