Best Cellars

David Matters got his start working in vineyards and bottle shops in Adelaide. In the early ’80s, he moved to Sydney and established a wine distribution business. It proved successful and in 1987 he took over Best Cellars, transforming it into a wine lover's paradise.

For the most part, the shop focuses on independent and boutique winemakers from Australia. Matters' long-held relationships with vineyards and distributors mean many bottles can’t be found elsewhere. New Zealand wines are another speciality. Plus there's burgundy from France, chianti from Italy, and wines from Spain, Germany and the Americas.

Wine education remains important and the shop organises meet-the-winemaker sessions, held next door at Love, Tilly Devine. Wine tastings are held in-store every Friday and Saturday.

Aside from wine, Best Cellars offers beer from Australia and abroad. Spirits are also a growing part of the business, cognac and rye whiskey in particular. Good-quality vermouth and other aperitif ingredients round out the selection.

The business also moonlights as a corporate wine specialist, managing large companies' wine cellars and arranging the drinks for parties and private events.