Boutique bottle shop The Lane Cellars opens in heart of Albury

Independent bottle shop The Lane Cellars opened in the former Abikhair Emporium in Olive Street just hours ahead of the statewide lockdown.

The Lane Cellars is the brainchild of former brewer Campbell Hedley and wine marketing professional David Cumming.

Mr Cumming said while it was challenging to open during a global pandemic, people were more inclined to buy local now.

"Once things settle down, we will be hosting our Meet your Maker tastings with local winemakers and brewers," he said.

Modelled on The Lane Cellars' Orange store, the Albury venture showcases boutique beer, wine and cider from producers at Rutherglen, Beechworth, Tumbarumba and the Alpine region, complemented by iconic Australian products.

Mr Cumming said the Orange store had shown that customers valued local brands.

"Our stores make no apology about being local-centric; the local wines aren't tucked away in the back corner, but rather have pride of place alongside the best wines of Australia," Mr Cumming said.

"Winegrowers such as Eldorado Road, Vignerons Schmlzer & Brown and Sentio in Beechworth, and the likes of Scion in Rutherglen are creating modern interpretations of the region's wines. These complement the better known winemakers such as the iconic Giaconda, Castagna, Savaterre, Cofield and Valhalla."

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Mr Hedley said they stocked a range of craft brewers - including Bridge Road - from throughout Australia.

"We are focused on bringing small batch, independent beer to the regions, highlighting some of the best craft beer makers," he said.

"These are complemented by the growing non-alcoholic segment."

Albury store manager Chris Brown, who had worked with Clonakilla and Thirsty Crow Brewing, said he was buoyed by the public feedback.

"People are coming in to look at the beer and finding we have Scion rose, which is in every restaurant but harder to find retail," he said.

The Lane Cellars will offer deliveries soon.

Situated at 558 Olive Street, The Lane Cellars opens Monday to Saturday, 10am to 6pm and Sunday, 10am to 3pm.

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