If ‘sense of place’ is important in wine, Hunters Hill Wine Room entertains this idea as an experience spanning multiple levels.

We’re standing in the new boutique wine shop from Adrian Filiuta, one of just six Australians to have earned the title of Master Sommelier. The space is just a few months old, yet it feels as if it was always here, tucked into Sydney’s historic ‘French Village’ (as it was coined in 1861), in a peninsula location where there is nothing else like it.

Filiuta’s journey as Master Sommelier (and now Hunters Hill shopkeep) began in Romania’s seaside restaurants during summer holidays, later working with acclaimed chef Tom Aikens’ in London, before an 11-year stint with Sydney’s Merivale group as group sommelier, directing programs for 70+ venues.

He tells BresicWhitney the Hunters Hill shop is an exciting chapter in this ongoing journey.

BW: What brought you to the new shop address?

AF: I love the heritage-rich area of Hunters Hill, which has influenced my concept to be timeless and somewhat reminiscent of a European-style shop.

BW: Tell us about the road to becoming Master Sommelier.

AF: Guided by Franck Moreau (Merivale), I attained the Master Sommelier title in 2017. It took many years of sleepless nights of studying theory, countless early morning tastings, and constantly perfecting my service skills. The highlight, however, has been the people I’ve met along the way and the friendships formed, many of which remain strong to this day.

And while it is rewarding to hold such a prestigious title, the journey never ends. The world of wine is constantly changing and evolving, which fuels a continuous sense of curiosity and learning. That’s what makes it thrilling.

BW: What makes Hunters Hill Wine Room unique?  

AF: I believe Sydney would benefit from more boutique, independent wine shops. While it’s not about reinventing the wheel, what sets us apart is the approach we take to deliver an experience rather than just a transaction. Whether you’re coming in to shop for something specific or just want to chat about wine, I’m here to answer all questions. It provides a welcoming retail space that delivers a sommelier-like experience, making wine buying enjoyable and accessible. The store hosts weekly educational tastings and occasional visits from winemakers.

BW: What should people expect to taste?

AF: With my background in hospitality, I aim to create a wine selection that mirrors a fine restaurant’s wine list, one that is thrilling to peruse and takes the guest on a global journey through the world of wine. There are nearly 1000 different wines from around the world, with about half being Australian wines, predominantly from small producers, boutique wineries, and some emerging winemakers who are making a name for themselves. The remainder includes classics such as Burgundy, Sancerre, Barolo, Brunello, Rioja, as well as local pet-nat in cans, and some beautiful discoveries like South African Petit Verdot, Arinto from the Azores Islands and Rkatsiteli from Georgia.

BW: Talk us through the interior design:

AF: I wanted a warm, welcoming space that makes people feel at ease while shopping, with a touch of heritage charm. The walls are painted in light olive green, which creates a calming atmosphere. The joinery, crafted in wood with oak and walnut tones, adds natural warmth and texture, reinforcing the timeless feel of the space. Together, these choices make the space feel both elegant and comfortable, enhancing the overall customer experience.

BW: What’s next?

AF: I’m looking to add some seating and a small selection of snacks to bring a bit of a wine bar vibe. Currently, I’m working through the approvals.

Learn more about Hunters Hill Wine Room here.