Swanbourne Cellars

Steve Perry: Steve has been expertly advising and educating Perth’s western suburbs on wine since 1985. He was a director of the legendary Cottesloe Wine Store – John Coppins until 1997 then he joined Swanny Cellars and has been the General Manager since 2010. Steve has travelled extensively around the wine-growing regions of Australia and New Zealand plus has visited the wine regions of France and Italy whilst also being the Chairman of the Liquor Barons Tasting Panel for more than 12 Years.

Over the summer months, Steve is looking forward to tasting Champagnes and fresh crisp lively whites. His favourite grape variety is Riesling as it is so pure and great value for money. He adds, “Out of all grape varieties, for me, it is the best value for money.”

When asked what Steve likes most about working at Swanny Cellars he says, “I really believe it is the staff, family and community atmosphere plus of course the wine.”

Desert Island Drink: If he were stranded on a desert island his drinks of choice would be Riesling as well as Champagne. The famous phrase from Madame Lily Bollinger comes to mind!

Stef Biagi: Since joining the wine trade over 23 years ago, Stef has been a part of the management team of six fine wine stores in WA (including 2 Liquor Barons stores) and has a loyal customer base who track him down for his latest recommendations. He has completed all of the wine courses at the Wine Education Centre (Claremont Showgrounds) and the WSET Level 2 International Wine qualification. Stef has worked at Swanny Cellars for 9 years.

At the store, Stef specialises in finding vinous gems from boutique vineyards, including European wines. Stef is in charge of organising our weekly instore Friday tastings. He is also responsible for sourcing, cataloguing, preparing and tasting all wines for the esteemed Liquor Barons Wine Panel where the top wines are recommended in the quarterly On The Vine Magazine.
Over the summer months, he is looking forward to trying the 2018 vintages from Margaret River. Stef enjoys lighter bodied reds and loves Italian wines; Brunellos and Chiantis as well as Rieslings.
When asked what Stef likes most about working at Swanny Cellars, he said without hesitation, “Steve and the team.”

Desert Island Drink: If he were stranded on a desert island…well there’s plenty of international and Australian wines to choose from but at this time of year, it’ll still be Coopers Green!

Jack Green: Jack was the Beer Buyer at Swanny Cellars for 5 years before he joined 4 Pines as the Sales and Brand Ambassador. He spent 3.5 years at Four Pines which involved travelling around Australia with his highlights meeting new people and bars and bottle shops.
Loving being part of a team and the guys at Swanny Cellars, Jack is now back at Swanny Cellars as one of the managers. In his new role, he is more focused on spirits and wine. He is now part of the Panel that blind taste up to 35 wines every two weeks with the top wines recommended in On the Vine Magazine.
Over the summer Jack will be drinking lots of Chardonnay and Riesling. He likes Riesling as it is crisp and refreshing and zesty while Chardonnay as it is good all-rounder and great with food.
Desert Island Drink: Westwinds Barrel Aged Gin & Soda.

Sam Perry:

Sam is the beer buyer at Swanbourne Cellars and is always tasting the latest craft beers to make sure the best and most interesting ones are stocked at Swanny Cellars. Sam has been studying a Certificate IV in Web Based Technologies part time since the start of the year as he likes the creativity in all things digital.

Working at the store for over 7 years, Sam says it is the team that is so important to him. With everyone enthusiastic and having new ideas for the shop, it is key to making it a great work environment.

Keen to develop his palate for wine, Sam always tastes the wines the day after the Panel holds the tasting. Led by Steve, Sam and the part time staff blind taste the wines. Steve trains and guides the team through the varieties and how to accurately assess wines.

Sam’s favourite beers for every day drinking are Golden Path by Garage Project, Mr Banks Mango Sour and for a mid-strength, Gage Roads Side Track XPA. His new favourites are Chunky Dates by Rocky Ridge Brewing Co. and Mr Banks Mango Sour.

Desert Island Drink: If he was stranded on a desert island, Sam says he would choose a selection of 24 different craft beers as he may be there a very long time!

Our managers couldn’t run the shop without the help of our apprentices; our part time staff!

They work with us on the shop floor advising customers on the best deals, wines and beers based on their budget and occasion. They also help the team delivering wines, beer and spirits for both public and private functions.

Our part time team is made up of some great people with different backgrounds but all brought together for their love of beer, wine and spirits!

Tony: Since he was a young boy his parents’ owned the well known West Perth store Gangemi’s. Tony was brought up in the retail environment and has been a provider of services in the retail liquor industry for many years. He shuns the pretentious side of wine and has many loyal followers of his recommendations. Tony was our Senior Retail Manager responsible for all shop operations and logistics for 18 years until he retired in October.  He now works part time at the store. He has a keen palate and advocates balance and generosity in all his wines.

Sam: Sam loves beer, for wine he drinks whatever is red and has the most Biagi points and enjoys Sailor Jerry Rum. Over winter he has drinking more stout and dark beers. He loves working at a bottle shop because of the team and the customers; you’re always meeting people who are going to have a good time. He’s studying to be a teacher as he likes helping people gain an understanding of something they didn’t know…And sharing knowledge which is similar to what he does at Swanny Cellars. His last holiday was to Japan in the New Year with his lady.

David: David has been working at Swanny Cellars for over 1 year and his favourite beer is Heffelweiser, wine is Tirra Lirra White Field Blend and rum is his favourite spirit. Over winter he’s been trying Mercurey hard cider. Working at Swanny Cellars, David loves the camaraderie, discussing the highs and low of footy and tasting new beers and wines. Currently studying Commerce as he likes economics and history, he headed to Japan in the New Year to ski with a few friends.

Nick: Nick’s favourite beer is Boston Boondie Rye Pale Ale, favourite wine; 2016 Swinney Riesling and favourite spirit is Bombay Sapphire Gin. Over winter, he has been drinking 4 Pines Stout which goes down very nicely in these colder months! The possibility to discover a range of beers, wines, spirits you wouldn’t try otherwise is what Nick loves about working at a bottle shop. Currently studying Health & Physical Education at Notre Dame University as he loves sport and working with kids. Next holiday destination will most likely be London or New York.

Jimmy: Jimmy has been one of our longest serving part time staff members working at Swanny Cellars for 3.5 years. He’s just finished studying a Bachelor of Sound Engineering. His favourite wine is El Circo Tempranillo, beer is Garage Project Garagista IPA and for spirits, it’s Pimm’s! Over the warmer months, he’s looking forward to getting down south and heading to the beach more. When asked what he likes most about working at the shop, Jimmy also agrees it’s the staff that make it what it is, really fun to work with and great to learn from.

James: James’ favourite beer is Mash Brewing’s Indian Ale Summer Ale, he loves Pinots and Ron Zacapa XO (rum). Over winter he was  drinking more Cabernet Sauvignons as they go well with all the winter dinners. James enjoys working at a bottle shop because he loves sampling all the new beers and wines that come through the doors and recommending the best to the customers. James is studying Physiotherapy; inspired by a physio who guided him through a long rehab a few years ago and he can’t wait to do the same for others. His next holiday is to the Whitsundays!

Ollie: Ollie has been at the store for 2.5 years and has just completed a Bachelor of Commerce majoring in Finance & Economics. His favourite wine is the Pannell Family Pinot Noir, his favourite beer is La Sirène Citray Sour and Gin is his top spirit. Over the warmer months, he’s looking forward to trying some of Swanny’s ‘natural wines’ particularly Pét-Nats and some sour beers. Working at Swanny, he enjoys learning more about the different grape and wine varieties and using that knowledge at work to help customers.

Will: Will has been at Swanny Cellars for 1.5 years and has just started a Masters of Project Management. Will enjoys a nice Cabernet Sauvignon which goes down a treat and thinks Rocky Ridge sours are wicked. With Whisky on the rocks by the fire, he’s all set for a great night in! Over the warmer months, he is keen to try some more Rieslings and Pilsners. When asked what he enjoys most when working at Swanny, he says it’s a great group of guys and the best range of international and local wines.

Rachel: Rachel manages the orders at Swanny Cellars and just loves bubbles; Moët & Chandon or Veuve Clicquot. Over winter she’ll be drinking more red in front of the fire place. Rachel loves working with such fantastic and knowledgeable staff. Outside of work Rachel is kept busy taking her children to various sporting events; swimming, surf club and netball. She’s hoping her next holiday is to somewhere warm with sun-drenched beaches along with a nice cocktail to sip!

Perri: Perri is in charge of paying suppliers and all of us so we always make sure we’re even nicer to her! Perri has just come back from an amazing 6 week trip to France, Spain, England and Italy. She’s tried so many wines and beers, she doesn’t know which ones are her favourite anymore! Outside of work at the moment she’s reminiscing of her fabulous holiday and planning her next trip!

Claudia: Claudia has been working at Swanny Cellars for over 10 months in the Accounts Department. She enjoys James Boag’s Premium Lager, Shiraz & Grenache blends and likes the range of Gins out on the market. Over summer Claudia will be exploring and enjoying more Gin & Tonics. Since starting at Swanny Cellars, she has enjoyed having first hand expert knowledge of beers, wines and spirits from the staff. When Claudia is not managing suppliers and customers’ accounts, you will find her far away from a computer either hiking, camping, reading or gardening. She hasn’t yet planned her next trip away but it will definitely include her camper trailer and exploring the outback.

Ruth: Ruth works on the digital marketing for the store including looking after the website. Over summer Ruth is looking forward to trying some Chardonnays and sour craft beers. Outside of work Ruth is training for an Ironman. While based in Adelaide and Melbourne, Ruth met with winemakers across the many wine regions and posted on the Swanny blog as the “Roaming Reporter.”