Big Taste of Christmas coming to Farrah’s Liquor Collective

Posted on 4 December, 2020

Are you gearing up for an indulgent Christmas after a year we would rather all put behind us? Are you combing the net for recipes and planning an indulgent feast?

If so, what’s on the drinks menu? Matt Farrah is here to help. The man behind Farrah’s Liquor Collective is planning Canberra’s ultimate pre-Christmas tasting experience.

On Saturday 5 December, Matt will be throwing open the doors of his massive Fyshwick warehouse from 9-6 pm for a pre-Christmas tasting featuring over 200 wines, spirits and beers.

Not only will you be able to work out exactly what Prosecco is going to pair best with your seafood entrée, what Riesling will set off your glazed ham main to greatest effect and what dessert wine will wash the pavlova down perfectly, but you can stock up on all of your Christmas season alcohol requirements in one go.

When we say there is a lot of alcohol to gaze at, we mean it. It might take a while to make your way around the shop. An electric scooter might also help.

Given that Farrah’s Liquor Collective is 2400 square metres of wine, spirits and beers piled in a cavernous industrial space, there’s not much Matt won’t have on hand.

There’s also a high probability you might discover something new and exciting to indulge in—or gift to friends and family—such as the great drops from Maverick Winery from the Barossa which are high in quality but low in price.

Matt has also decided he is going to make something of a party of it (in a completely COVID-safe manner, of course) by offering catering from Eat Your Words between 12-4 pm.

Since opening 18 months ago, Matt has disrupted the traditional concept of liquor retailing by going directly to producers—selling small-batch vintages and representing boutique producers at a reduced price. His “collective approach” cuts out the middleman and avoids expensive shop fit-outs.

“It’s a farm gate approach that supports the producer and passes on savings directly to the customer,” says Matt.

Farrah’s Liquor Collective sells labels you won’t find at the big grog shops, from the tiny organic vineyard Tasmanian Organic Wines—which cannot produce enough to satisfy the big commercial contracts—to small boutique breweries such Wilson’s Brewing, Matso, Stomping Ground, BeerFarm, Wild Polly, and Willie the Boatman to name a few.

Matt Farrah of Farrah’s Liquor Collective.

But he also loves local. There will also be many familiar labels on offer such as The Canberra Distillery, Lake George Winery, Surveyors Hill and Barton Estate. The whole concept has resonated with Canberra customers, particularly during the COVID lockdown, when Matt offered free delivery with orders.

“I am so grateful for the support we have had this year, I want to give back with this event,” he said. He is also conscious that many producers have had a tough year. “I also want to get income into their hands as quickly as possible.”

With 30 pallets of new stock due to arrive in the shop for the event, and new beer fridges on order, the full warehouse space will now hold floor stock rather than just half the warehouse which was how the store started.

The curtain is coming down and pallets of alcohol will fill out the final space of the warehouse.

“I always knew we would fill this place up with bargains,” Matt joked.

“I really want people to come in, wander around and taste some products that are new to them. They may find some great new favourites and people know that my prices will beat anyone else’s so they are going to walk out with bargains whatever they choose.”

All straight and mixed cases of wine receive an extra 10 per cent off.