Each of the many nooks and crannies – and there many – tucked into this tight space affords a view of the open workbench, and for agreeable reason: this is where all the good stuff happens. A limited label, discreetly opened, may await tasting; or an obscure cleanskin could beckon the curious punter.
Then there are artisan charcuterie boards, warm bread and cheeses being sliced and stacked to order; or the deft pouring of flights: beer paired with chocolate, perhaps, or maybe in-house, barrel-aged ports coupled with a savoury or two.
It’s not all about the grape, though. Singular rum and whisky labels (including the hard-to-come-by Yamazaki single malt, aged 12 years) nestle beside back vintages and museum reserves, making the slow peruse of well-stocked floor-to-ceiling shelves so much more compelling. Choose one to take home, and another to enjoy in-house for a $20 corkage fee.
Selection done, retreat to the leafy courtyard or choose one of the recycled-timber tables tucked under the antique shop front and settle in to the strum of acoustic guitar or soft vocals. Grape Therapy may not be the cheapest independent around, but the staff here really know their stuff and you are guaranteed to experience a tipple or two of something new each visit.