You are familiar with our team when you are lucky enough to visit our store, scroll below through our staff’s bio’s to delve into their inner desires of ‘Plonk’ and other interests.
Staff
Liz :
I have led the wine buying team during the past 16 years. It’s been interesting to see the shift in trends during this time. The growth in ‘alternate varietals’ and customers willing to try something different gives me great pleasure.
Then the hard part of my job – the tasting!! Every week tasting new wines, some of which earn the tick of approval and make it onto our shelves; every week tasting new vintages so we can explain to customers the change in these vintages.
Plonk prides itself in being ahead of Australian drinking trends. I love tasting something that will blow our minds and introducing our customers to this taste sensation. A customer may be shopping for a white table wine to drink with poached fish and compliment the sale with a bottle of vermouth, just because it’s delicious!
Over the years I have enjoyed working with so many staff members, getting to know them as they became very much part of the ‘plonk family’.
Interests – holidaying.
Ant :
After establishing Plonk with my wife Liz, over 16 years ago, and having worked in liquor retail for over thirty years, I love matching Plonk’s range to amazing dishes when entertaining with family and friends.
One of the best things about our business has been evolving the vast range of liquor products we offer over the years.
Australia’s ‘craft’ industry for beer, cider and spirits has developed recently to complement our wonderful wines from all regions throughout Australia.
Over this time, our three boys have worked in the business and that’s been incredibly rewarding, as is getting to know our team members and their families.
Interests are skiing, bodysurfing entertaining and all things Plonk …especially Japanese Sake, Yuzushu …. hence my photo with a Tokyo Sumo wrestler above.
Damien :
I’ve been in the liquor industry for more than 30 years. I found my passion for wine at an early age and love to explore all parts of the wine world. I really enjoy helping customers find the perfect gift or the best wine to match a special meal. Many holidays have been spent exploring wineries across Australia and Europe.
Kim :
I have worked in hospitality for more than 15 years before making the move to Plonk. I love all things wine and spirits, and love learning new things about all areas of the liquor world.
My time in hospitality has created a passion for pairing food with all kinds of great drinks, be it cocktails, beer, or wine.
When I’m not at Plonk, I’m baking bread or out exploring all the walking tracks around Canberra.
Pat :
I’m Pat, born right here in the ACT. Canberra is my home. It’s the best place to live and work. I love my job at Plonk – my specialty is anything sour and sweet. Mostly beers but also sometimes spirits. I like helping customers choose different products and answering their questions about different things.
Ingrid :
I’m a Canberra local who fell in love with all things beer during my 5+ years working in hospo. I’ve had a blast exploring a huge range of international beers in the time I’ve been at Plonk. I’m also beginning to explore the wonderful world of wine with the help of my expert colleagues.
I’m a huge fan of dark beers, big IPA’s, and pretty much all things beer. I also occasionally enjoy a nice gin and tonic (or two).
My interests are climbing, sewing, and collecting cool beer cans and turning them into lights!
Oscar Oliver :
A born Canberra local, but you won’t find me here on a day off. Whether I’m off in the mountains, swimming in the ocean or just riding around, I’ll always polish off a day of adventure with some beers at an Aussie brewery.
I’ve been working at Plonk since 2020 and have spent that time exploring as many different and strange styles of beer as possible. However, I am still no closer to answering that dreaded question, ‘what is your favourite beer?’ The search continues…
Tom:
Undeniably a sweet tooth, I’ve got a big love for all the sweet malty treats we carry in store here at Plonk. You’ll often catch me loitering by the porters and stouts, or staring wistfully at our great range of whiskeys. In the warmer weather you’ll find me sipping a good crisp lager or settling in with a West Coast IPA. If you’ve got a special request for any beers, be sure to let me know!
Oscar Ricketts:
Hi, I’m Oscar. I’m currently in my final year of a double degree at ACU, after which I hope to find a job by the beach! I’m a huge fan of all beers but especially sours, farmhouse styles, and wild beers. I’ve started exploring my wines as well – I particularly like a lighter red with some spice or a European riesling.
Paul:
I’m a veteran of the hospitality industry. Originally training and working as a chef in Tasmania, New South Wales and the ACT, I specialised in event catering as well as fine dining. I then went on to work in hotel management before a mid career move into the public service. I began working at Plonk in 2018 where I particularly enjoy helping customers match food with wine. My favourite wine style/varieties are Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Nebbiolo. My favourite beer styles are pilsners, Irish reds, and cream ales. My favourite cocktail is a dry martini.
Gus:
Starting work in 2019, I was unfortunate to find myself chipping away at the ‘savings’ account on funky Belgium lambics.
Although its a rare sight to find me in store these days as I oversee the website from Wollongong!