Tristan Jallais and Joyce Chua opened Natural Science Wine & Liquor four years ago – a first all-Australian wine store and bottle shop in Blackburn, in Melbourne’s eastern suburbs.
It’s here they showcase a curated range of exceptional drinks – alcoholic and non-alcoholic; with a focus on family-owned Australian producers. The shop doubles as a neighbourhood bar that heroes the same philosophy when it comes to the quality pours you’ll find here.
Tristan spoke to The Write Drop for our At The Bar series.
MY CITY
Having lived in Melbourne most of my life, the evolution has been a thing to behold. It has grown into a big bunch of everything, great food, drinks, culture and sport but physically it’s the green spaces that make it truly special for me.
FAVOURITE FOOD MEMORY
So many of my favourite food memories aren’t really about the food at all, they’re about the people around the table. Duck was the first thing my dad asked for when he got his appetite back after treatment, so taking him for a family dinner at Simon’s Peiking Duck felt incredibly special. As did celebrating my mum’s 70th at Sosta Cucina, the year before she got sick. And my first date with my now wife, at the sadly closed Host Dining, is something I’ll never forget. For me, the food and the place are just the scene. The real memory is the people in it.
FAVOURITE BAR
I still have a deep soft spot for City Wine Shop. Sitting at the bar with a quick glass of Chardonnay or picking something special off the wall and grabbing some snacks just feels so comfortable.
BEST HANGOVER CURE
It’s been a while but I always used to love some couch time, a hydralyte and a thick-based, cheese-laden pizza from whichever local pizzeria can bring it out. Pair it with an action movie I can fall asleep to and I’m back on top.
BEST INTERSTATE BAR
Tom McHugo’s Hotel in Hobart (RIP) The epitome of an excellent pub that is considerate in every aspect from what’s on the plate to what’s in the glass. I would head straight to the taps to find something we’re not seeing on the mainland and pick a couple small plates, then just settle in.
FAVOURITE WIN AT THE MOMENT
This is so hard. I hate playing favourites plus I’ve tasted so many impressive wines recently. I am about to gift a bottle of Georgia Dale Blanc de Blancs to someone some maybe that. Stunning Yarra Valley bubbles filled with energy, fragrance, and complexity.
A WINERY YOU RECOMMEND
I like Fin Wines in Dixon Creek. The boys have done a great job creating something that is low key, welcoming and approachable, which in the realm of helicopter pads and high-end architecture – it’s exactly what the Yarra needs. Cellar doors need a bit of fun and to not take things too seriously.
NEXT DESTINATION
It was meant to be Mexico to celebrate the wedding anniversary of friends, but given the state of the world we might pause that for a little. Mexico has been on my list for a long time, the history, the culture, the food, there’s just so much to dive into.
A DINNER PARTY WITH THREE GUESTS – WHO ARE THEY
- Neil Peart for the insight [the late Canadian drummer from band Rush]
- Minnie Riperton for the voice. American singer/songwriter best known for her song Lovin’ You in 1974
- Prince for the stories. One of the greatest of his generation!
BEST THING ABOUT YOUR JOB
Being able to support exceptional Australian producers and share them with our customers. It’s such a great time to be drinking Australian and I’m fortunate enough to witnes firsthand much of what is out there and showcase it.
EVENTS AT NATURAL SCIENCE WINE & LIQUOR
- 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). -
