Lisa McGuigan is introducing bespoke liquor retailing to Sydney.
McGuigan, the founder of Tempus Two wines, has bought two city-based outlets in Sydney.
McGuigan officially took over Kent Street Cellars and City Cellars (King Street Wharf) in 2007.
“I want to support smaller brands in the same way a few key retailers supported me when I began Tempus Two,” McGuigan says. “In a twist of fate, Kent Street Cellars was one of the first stockists of Tempus Two.
“Independent retailing is more challenging now than it has ever been. I am looking forward to it because I believe there is a growing market for taking an individual approach.”
This is McGuigan’s second foray into direct wine retailing. In 1995, she established Hunter Cellars in the Hunter Valley for McGuigan Wines. Rather than being a traditional cellar door, Hunter Cellars broke new ground as a launch-pad for small producers who didn’t have the resources for their own cellar door. It also carried one of the largest collections of museum stock outside Sydney.
Her hospitality background will be fully utilised with an active program of truly unique wine events.
The stores will be re-branded under a common name by April. A full redesign will be managed by Pike Withers, the award-winning design team behind the Tempus Two winery fit-out.
“Wine is a sensory experience. I have always looked at ways to enhance the wine experience. Buying it should be just as much pleasure as drinking it. That’s my goal.”
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