Another one bites the dust - today Union Street Wine Bar has announced the closure of its Geelong CBD location after 10 years.
The flagship store location of Union Street Wine Bar has today announced it final trading day on 15 June, closing its doors after 10 years in business. Co-owners Lewis Phiddian and Andy Leigh made the announcement today via social media, citing a moved focus to their Minerva Road Herne Hill location.
Keep up with the latest food and booze news across the region here.
The statement reads, “OUR JOURNEY AT UNION ST. WINE BAR IS COMING TO AN END!! After an incredible 10 years at Union Street Bar in Geelong CBD, we would like to announce that we will be wrapping up our Geelong City venues. Our final service will be on the 15th of June. With the closure of the Union St venues, our focus will shift entirely to our beloved Herne Hill store, which will continue to operate as usual.”
“As the bar needs a proper send-off, we encourage everyone to join us over the next few weeks! In the lead-up to our last day of service on the 15th of June, we would love to have you in for a drink and reminisce on all the great times and memories we’ve had together. We will both be behind the bar from the 5th of June for the final two weeks. Hopefully, there’s time there to call in and share a glass or two.”
“We’re excited to announce that the venue will live on as a bar under new ownership, with details to follow soon.”
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Located down one of Geelong’s great alleyways marked by a sign simply reading WINE, Union Street Wine fast became the crème de la crème of the wine world, as a serious retreat for local wine lovers since opening in early 2014 after Geelong local Andy Leigh – who’d worked for several wine retailers – decided to use his house deposit to follow his dreams instead. The dedication to the craft led to the retailer and bar becoming a favourite for wine lovers thanks to their intimate setting and unparallel knowledge of wine. Their partnering with cheese and meat platters only elevated the experience, with this announcement a huge loss for the Geelong CBD bar scene.
The duo continue to thank their loyal customers and supporters, staff and friends and family, saying, “This has been a significant part of our lives, and we want to thank each and every one of you who has supported us and our little bar over the years. You have embraced us and our venue with open arms, and we’ve been privileged to meet incredible people from Geelong and beyond. We feel privileged to have shared many stories and forged lasting friendships along the way. For us, the true essence of hospitality lies in the relationships built, and we’re immensely grateful for each one.”
“To our past and present staff, you are the heart and soul of this venue. Your unique personalities, unwavering professionalism, and genuine humanity have shaped it into what it is today. We couldn’t be prouder of the team we’ve had, and it continues to be a privilege to work alongside you guys! Finally, to our families and close friends, who’ve been our rock throughout this adventure, we owe you everything. Your unwavering support and love have got us through the highs and lows.”
Thankfully their Minerva Road location in Herne Hill will still be operating. Since their mid-pandemic 2020 opening, Union Cellars has become a local hotspot.
The final day of trading will be 15 June, with the owners encouraging everyone to pop in, share a drink and a story.
To keep up to date with Union Cellars, head here.
