Dan Murphy’s returns to its spiritual home at 282 Chapel St, Prahran
We don't know of anything else like this in Australia. This is wine heaven. Australia’s leading drinks retailer is returning to its roots with the opening of Dan Murphy’s Cellar right where it all began in the 1950s in the iconic Prahran Arcade at 282 Chapel Street. With an astonishing collection of wines for sale, special spaces to explore, a dedicated team of product experts, and bespoke events planned, Dan Murphy's Cellar hits the high notes in wine retailing. A place The World Loves Melbourne plans to return to...
David from The World Loves Melbourne (right) pictured with Mark La Bozzetta (left) wine lover and businessman extraordinaire.
Originally built in 1890, it was here that Daniel Francis Murphy realised his dream of running his own wine and liquor store. Dan Murphy leased the building from the 1950s through to the 1980s and on 1 September 2016, the basement of the historic site has re-opened once again as Dan Murphy’s Cellar.
True to Dan’s vision, the Cellar is a destination retail experience housing the finest wines and spirits sourced from all over the world.
The journey through Dan Murphy’s Cellar is revelatory – like walking through one of the world’s best wine and whisky libraries. We were treated to premium tastings by wine experts. Spending an afternoon drinking Penfolds Grange, Mount Mary and Sullivan's Cove whisky (among others!) - no words!
At first glance customers will spot a rare 1959 Dom Perignon Oenothèque and Sullivans Cove Double Cask Whisky. To the left they’ll spot a collection of Para Liqueur Port dating back to 1885, and to the right a Remy Martin Louis XIII Cognac. Down at basement level a full set of Penfolds Grange is there to discover, as well as rare vintages such as the 1971 Penfolds Bin 333 and a 1983 Cyril Henschke Cabernet Sauvignon.
The Cellar is a beautiful and breathtaking space. The heritage listed building retains many of its original features including exposed brick walls, masonry piers, and some of the earliest surviving examples of prismatic pavement lights that give the basement level a touch of natural light.
It was amazing that some of Dan Murphy's original wine books were passed around.
“There is something very special about taking our business back to its roots,” said Campbell Stott, General Manager of Dan Murphy’s.
“Dan Murphy’s Cellar reflects the very essence of what Dan built this business on: offering customers the very best in both knowledge and range of wines from Australia and around the world. We’re very excited to make the Cellar a showcase for wine and spirits producers – large and small – taking the industry and retail experience into the next era,” he said.
The World Loves Melbourne (left) with Fuji camera at the ready...
In much the same way that Dan Murphy ran his own store, the Cellar will be a place of exploration and education with wines poured for tasting every day and several tasting events each month giving customers the opportunity to meet with winemakers and distillers from all corners of the globe.
Drinking Penfolds Grange (above) and Sullivans Cove (below) finest was a highlight.
The Cellar’s highly personalised services include rare product sourcing, cellar management advice, Langton’s auction services and private consultations suitable for wine novices right through to connoisseurs.
Dan Murphy’s Cellar will host a range tastings and events at its 14-seat private tasting table all year round for My Dan Murphy’s members. Bookings can be made directly with the Cellar staff by dropping in or contacting the store.
September’s exclusive My Dan Murphy’s member events include:
Presti Champagne: The fascinating world of Dom Perignon & Krug Champagnes
Louis Roederer Champagne Event: details to come
‘Meet the Maker': David Vitale from Starward Whisky
'Journey of Chandon' with winemaker Dan Buckle
Dan Murphy’s Cellar is located at 282 Chapel St, Prahran.
Opening hours:
Monday-Wednesday 10am-8pm
Thursday-Friday 10am-9pm
Saturday 10am-8pm
Sunday 10am-6pm