Our Story

Decanters by the Bay first opened their doors in 2001 and have been serving the community of Port Melbourne ever since. Having both come from liquor retail backgrounds, Anne and Glenn realised the value in a true customer service focus, which serves as the cornerstone of the Decanters by the Bay experience. Every day, our head office is behind the counters serving the people, and we wouldn’t have it any other way.
Since then, the liquor industry has seen a changing face, with the Australian wine industry growing into itself, as well as the recent explosion of craft beer and spirits.
A picture of the staff our at a distillery
Anne – Owner
Glenn – Operations Manager
Gavin – Honourary Member
Val – *NOT* a somm
Mack – Return of the
With such an intimate connection to the local community, we are able to follow the latest trends and make sure that we always have the best and brightest new products on our shelves to suit all tastes. The Decanters team also works hard to maintain great relationships with the great men and women who bring us the fantastic bespoke products we are lucky to get access to. We pride ourselves on our large and varied range, including many highly limited offerings.

Our Team

Anne

Owner

Anne has been with Decanters by the Bay since it’s beginning in 2001; being one of the founding members. She has worked every day harder for the last 18years to create a truly single store with a unique shop experience; thanks to her exceptional customer service standards and hands-on operations. Growing up in country New South Wales gave Anne strong work ethics; with a can-do attitude and a mantra of “if it needs to be done: let’s do it now”. Through the years, she developed her palate and a strong obsession for Chardonnay of all provenance and Champagne. Not so much of a Sauvignon Blanc fan yet she will still try them to find the best gems for the shelves! As the years went by her wine knowledge increased and she remembers countless vintages from producers. Every year she helps countless customers through their wines, beers and spirits purchases and gets many requests for her stunning occasion hampers. All three of her kids did many hours at the shop whilst babies either in a bouncer, beer box or in a Baby Bjorn carrier. Her and Glenn secretly hope that soon the eldest son, William, will take an interest in learning their art. If you ask her about her lightbulb wine moment, it would have been when she was younger, completing a wine course at William Angliss. She smelt a glass of Craiglee Shiraz and thought "wow, this smells like pepper!"

Glenn

Operations Manager

If you walk by Decanters by the Bay, you may sometimes notice some delicious cooking smells coming from the warehouse; Chef Glenn may be cooking some South Melbourne market bangers with an IPA reduction. Beer, food, wine and surf lover you can pretty much get advice on any topic from Glenn’s wheel of knowledge. Travelling in Europe a decade ago, was a great revelation for Glenn; discovering all things good about life; especially the food & wine culture…You may have wondered why Decanters by the Bay has such an array of goodies such as jars of Beans, Jalapenos, mustard, packets of chocolate; all tested and approved by Glenn! With his years of experience in the alcohol industry, he has seen the evolution of many wine brands and the indisputable craft beer and spirits revolution.
But sometimes all you need is a Coopers Sparkling Ale.

Val

*NOT* a somm

Born in it and moulded by it, Val has always been a wino. According to the legend she was even baptised using a succulent bottle of Domaine Bru-Bache Jurancon…
#frenchpeople

Whilst working several years in the beautiful Yarra Valley and studying at Swinburne University, she felt in love with the Australian wine industry and decided to stay in once Le most liveable city on Earth. In 2017 she joined the team at Decanters by the Bay and found two new hobbies: Craft beers and shelves Tetris; which she now masters.
Currently completing her WSET Diploma (nerd), she is relentless to find you the perfect bottle for any occasion.
Whether you are looking for a cheap and cheerful Tuesday night drop, a Champagne to propose, a bottle of SAVYB to impress your mother in law, a funky low intervention wine for your hipster mate, a pairing for Dumpling night, a flashy Burgundian Grand Cru or, even a bottle a Viognier (her Archenemy), she will take the challenge and help you the best she can.
She also writes, with help of Shiraz Prince Jack M, the weekly campaign; letting you know our tasting guests and drinks recommendation.
Bonus: You can also practice your French!

Jack

Shiraz Prince

The combination of Jack’s curious mind and love of wine probably explains how his personal collection is now over 200 bottles large - in fact so big, he has collated an Excel spreadsheet just so he can keep track of them all. It’s this literal thirst for knowledge alongside an appreciation for the fun side of wine that give him an intimate knowledge of the red wine selection, though he’s known to stray to the white side from time to time as he strives to learn and try new things.

Working at Decanters has also kindled his love of all things craft beer - from hop-laden IPAs to dark winter warmers. He keeps regular tabs on what’s new and cool in the craft beer scene, and loves to get around to the myriad of local breweries in his spare time.

While he appreciates the serious side of wine, Jack, like Bacchus reincarnated, believes that above all wine should be fun, and sees Decanters as a playground of possibilities - particularly at our weekly Friday night tastings! He also possesses a degree in psychology, meaning he can offer tips on both food-pairing and mood-pairing when selecting your beverage!

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Cautious may contain some dad jokes!

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