Keith Mihailakis was looking after the liquor section of his uncle Manuel's IGA in Ainslie, tucked away in the corner where the fruit and vegetables are now, when Kate, a wine representative from Yalumba, caught his eye.
"We fell in love with each other and with wine and from the start we had this idea of opening our own bottleshop," says Keith.
When the chemist moved down the strip, the pair took the leap, with the blessing of Manuel Xyrakis, and opened Ainslie Cellars.
This week they are celebrating their 10th anniversary in the store with a wine-tasting and gourmet barbecue on the lawns at the Ainslie shops on Saturday, April 30, from 11am-1pm. Cost is $10 for the Riedel tasting glass, with a range of wines, beers and spirits from their favourite suppliers on offer. There'll also be food from the team at Hauberg and Co. All proceeds will go to support local schools.
Keith says there have been plenty of changes over the 10 years.
"People are drinking less but drinking a better quality product," he says.
"They're looking for something to drink with particular cuisines or from particular regions, they'll come in say what would go well with this French cheese or what's a nice wine with lasagna or Thai food."
He says the craft beer range had increased extensively and gin was another drink that had also increased in popularity.
"I think we started with about six different gins and now it takes up about eight shelves," he said.
The pair have always been supporters of the Canberra District winemakers, with a large range of local wines. Their best selling wine since day one is the Nick O'Leary riesling. (And at $21.99 why wouldn't it be.) O'Leary is their daughter Sofia's god-father.
"We've made lots of friends through the store, winemakers, customers, wine reps," says Keith.
"It's great being able to support our friends in the hospitality industry who've had a hard couple of years and we've had customers who've been coming in for the whole time who we've got to know as well."
To celebrate the significant birthday Keith says they'll most likely open a bottle of Pol Roger champagne.
"It's one of our personal favourites, we had it at our engagement party, our wedding, when Sofia was born, for birthdays, it's our special drink."
- For more information head to ainsliecellars.com.au
