Natural Science and Wine Liquor is a family-run bottle shop and neighbourhood bar in Blackburn where provenance matters. Known for championing local makers and independent producers, it’s where you’ll find Thick as Thieves winemaker Syd Bradford at the end of the month, talking about urban winemaking and alternative expressions.
Syd Bradford spoke to The Write Drop for our At The Bar series.
MY CITY
I grew up in Sydney – for me it’s the Harbour, the beaches, the Fish Market. What’s not to love?
FAVOURITE FOOD MEMORY
Discovering fresh duck Foie Gras in Antibes, Provence with my new girlfriend (now wife of 23 years).
FAVOURITE BAR
Barrique Wine Bar Healesville (my home away from home) – always start with a Trumer Pils.
BEST HANGOVER CURE
Fancy: Spicy Bloody Mary and Oysters.
Simple: Coca Cola and Wicked Wings.
BEST INTERSTATE BAR
Savile Row, Brisbane has the best cocktails and crazy Mezcal selection. The staff are knowledgeable and welcoming. I usually start with a Four Pillars Olive Leaf Martini then move onto the Mezcals.
FAVOURITE WINERY
Can’t stop thinking about a 2007 Coche-Dury Mersault I had years ago but these days, any decent Chablis that I can afford usually does the trick
A WINERY YOU LOVED
Vietti in Piemonte, Italy – the wines, the value and the setting are hard to equal anywhere in the world
NEXT DESTINATION
Japan with Wine Australia for the Australian Wine Roadshow to sell more Thick as Thieves to my thirsty Japanese friends.
DINNER PARTY WITH THREE FAMOUS PEOPLE – GO!
- Ricky Gervais – for a laugh.
- Barack Obama – for a chat.
- Robert Plant – for a party.
BEST THING ABOUT YOUR JOB
Variety – plants, vineyard, fruit, winery, yeast, wine, science, wine dinners, travel, soils, weather, getting inebriated etc…because I can’t concentrate on one thing for very long.
Natural Science Wine & Liquor’s ‘Discovery Month’ Spotlights Emerging Local Producers.
- Thursday May 7: 36 Short Gin Tasting.
- Sunday May 10: Mother’s Day Fundraiser (The Generosity Collective).
- Thursday May 21: Meet the Maker – Casey Grieves (Sobremesa Brewing).
- Tuesday May 26: Lab Series Launch – Dave Verheul (Saison Aperitifs).
- Thursday May 28: Meet the Maker – Syd Bradford (Thick as Thieves).
