Now Open: Hunters Hill Has Scored a New Wine Boutique Courtesy of an ex-Merivale Master Sommelier

A new boutique wine shop has opened in the North Shore with an outstanding selection of 1000+ bottles representing some of the world's most acclaimed and emerging wine regions and producers.

Hunters Hill Wine Room is the brainchild of Adrian Filiuta, one of just six Australian's to have earned the Master Sommelier rank. Adrian has made the move to in-store curation after a lengthy career in-venue as the Group Sommelier for Merivale across the group's myriad restaurants and pubs for over decade.

Consequently, he knows better than most the range required to adapt to price, palate and occasion of wine-drinking Australians, and the selection at Hunters Hill Wine Room has been curated with that range in mind — whether you're after a drop to go with a weeknight dinner or you're a hardcore aficionado after a collectible vintage.

Regardless of what you're after, the best thing to do is take advantage of Adrian's expertise and just ask him for a recommendation. We recently hit him up with a few questions in the lead up to Hunters Hill Wine Room opening its doors.

CONCRETE PLAYGROUND: What wine regions seem to be surging in popularity? I feel like there's more Greek wine on restaurant wine lists than ever before...

ADRIAN FILIUTA: "That is definitely the case at Le Foote. They have an amazing selection of Greek and Mediterranean wines. Island wines are definitely becoming more popular, as I think consumers are linking it to experience and travel. I've also seen Italy going through a big resurgence from north to south."

"In our back yard [I'm seeing] heaps of excitement with lighter shiraz, and grenache from old bush vines in SA — higher toned, elegant, perfumed, delicious. Lastly, I feel there is a growing consumer awareness of natural/organic/bio wines, and not so much how it tastes but more about how is it farmed and who are the people behind the label."

Wine is still a bit of an intimidating category - particularly for younger drinkers who are just starting to get a taste for it. What's the best way for burgeoning wine-drinkers to ask you about what to drink if they're still finding their feet?

"Yes it is, even so when you dine at a nice restaurant with a big wine menu. But here's the exciting part. Sommeliers love to geek about wine and flavors. I suggest be open/clear about your personal taste, what you like to drink. Do you usually like a spritz, a Bloody Mary or a martini…this helps understand your palate profile."

What's a bottle in the shop that you're reaching for if there's a particularly special occasion?

"Champagne for sure, and if is a grower champagne even better... something like A. Levasseur or Chartogne-Taillet punch above their weight in terms of value. Otherwise Ruinart Blanc de Blancs is my go-to."

Hunters Hill Wine Room is now open at 35 Alexandra Street in Hunters Hill. Open seven days, the trading hours are Sunday and Monday from 11am-7pm, Tuesday and Wednesday from 11am-8pm, and Thursday to Saturday from 11am until 9pm. For more details visit the website.