Essie Wine

What do local venues Toorak Cellars, The Hills, Milton Wine Shop, The Alps and Hobart’s highly esteemed Franklin have in common? Collectively, they have provided the knowledge, the skill, the experience, the enthusiasm and, most importantly, the confidence to transform one man’s dream into a reality. This man’s name is Angus Brettingham-Moore, and he is the proud owner of one of City of Stonnington’s preeminent wine destinations, Essie. Nestled in the backstreets of Malvern at 35 Station Street, Essie is a neighbourhood wine bar and bottle shop that offers a selection of local and international varieties and styles that speak of time and place. Independent and small-batch producers take pride of place in this oenological oasis housed in an ultra-charming Victorian heritage building, the former residence of the Josh Cohen School of Music (upstairs) and a medical business (downstairs). So, who exactly is Essie? Well, Essie is no-one in particular. Rather, the name was chosen as an exemplification of the intended spirit of the venue. Brettingham-Moore describes the spontaneity behind the choice. “I had to think of a name with a day or two to lodge it. I was driving along and heard the name. I think the name is a representation of the place, a character people want to come and hang out with.” Upon entering the dimly lit space, it is immediately apparent that Essie, were she to materialise, would be suitably impressed with the sheer number of admirers.

What’s more, it is likely that Essie would be equally impressed by the fact that Brettingham-Moore, himself, renovated the warm and inviting interior. To describe this fact as uncommon is a gross understatement. 100-year-old Baltic pine floorboards have been retrieved from a Kew house demolition and provide that perfect level of rusticity. Fireplaces of a bygone era have been converted to gas and set into the exposed brick walls. A simple, yet substantial, triple-slatted wooden table serves as somewhat of a centrepiece and is surrounded by a collection of suitably sized bar tables. Think cosy to the power of 10. Of course, while soaking up Essie’s atmosphere, patrons are invited to behold the overwhelmingly awesome wall of wine housed in an enormous American oak cabinet. If outdoor seating is more your preference, venture to the open-air courtyard and sip and nibble in the presence of the featured weeping cherry tree. Additional timber tables coupled with long-bench seating create the perfect environment in which to increase your vitamin D levels and/or enjoy a balmy summer evening. Finally, if seclusion is what you seek, book the Essie Private Dining Room located on the first floor. It is the perfect setting for any occasion, from long lunches to intimate dinners or celebrations of any and every kind. The Private Dining Room is also available for private wine tastings.

Regarding food and wine, the Essie menus are seasonal and change regularly. One thing that does not change, however, is the emphasis on independent producers. Brettingham-Moore succinctly explains: “The wines speak highly about where they’re from and are full of life and expressive.” Essie provides the rare opportunity to exit your comfort zone, so to speak, and delve into the mysterious and unknown. Drinking wine from producers of whom you have never heard is a wildly palate-expanding experience. It is also humbling, to say the very least, which serves as a reminder to always maintain an open mind. For the perfect alimentary accompaniment, try the chicken liver parfait, Cuca anchovies with sourdough, jamon-Manchego croquettes, burrata with sundried tomato and sourdough and/or a Bolognese jaffle. Yes, indeed, you read that correctly. Charcuterie boards and cheese boards are also available. Essie’s opening hours are as follows: Monday-Wednesday, 3pm-10pm; Thursday-Saturday, 12pm-11pm; Sunday, 12pm-10pm. Walk-ins are always welcome; however, bookings are highly recommended. Now it is your turn. Essie excitedly awaits your arrival, as she knows all too well that one can never have too many admirers.