Drinks Chat

On this episode of Drinks Chat, we welcome Jamie Burnett and Chris Masten, the dynamic duo behind Top Up Wines.  Top Up revolutionises Western Australian wine by running the first-ever people’s choice wine awards, giving consumers a direct voice in selecting the state’s best drops via a public vote.

In our conversation, Jamie and Chris reveal:

·     How Top Up empowers wine lovers to choose the Top 100 WA wines each year, with over 20,000 votes and 1,600+ entries in the inaugural run. 

·     The origins of Top Up—born from Jamie’s idea with wine veteran Scott Spalding and AFL premiership player-turned-wine-enthusiast Chris Masten. 

·     Their motivations: celebrating WA’s diverse wine styles and regions, breaking downelitism, and ensuring even non-experts have a seat at the table. 

·     Highlights from the Awards: WA’s favourite styles—Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir—and how the format celebrated all nine regions of the state. 

Whether you're a seasoned wine collector or newly exploring WA wine, this episode offers an insider’s insight into disrupting a traditional industry with a refreshing, inclusive, and fun approach 🍷.

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In this episode of Drinks Chat, we sit down with Ruben Storm from Liquor Barons Morley to uncover the passion behind his store and the community he’s built. From rare spirits and boutique wines to the trends shaping WA’s drinking culture, Ruben shares insider tips and stories that every drinks enthusiast will love. Whether you’re chasing something unique or just want to know what’s hot right now, this conversation is packed with local knowledge and personality.

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Andrew Dawson, the mind behind Yeah Wine — a label that’s rewriting the rules and pouring personality into every bottle.

We talk hustle, heritage, and how Yeah Wine is making wine feel fresh again — no fluff, just real talk.

If you love wine, stories, and a bit of rebellion in your glass, this one’s for you.

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Neilo & Jose from Copper & Oak Liquor Merchants join us to share the story behind their award winning independent family owned liquor stores. From wine and artisanal spirits to craft beer and rare finds, they talk about building a trusted brand, curating a diverse selection, and what it takes to keep customers coming back to their stores.

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In this episode, we sit down with Katie Saldaneri, the passionate force behind Bolt Coffee, to explore what it really takes to run a thriving specialty coffee business.

From early morning brews to managing a dynamic team and keeping the community caffeinated, Katie shares the behind-the-scenes of daily operations, the challenges of staying consistent, and the joy of building something meaningful—one cup at a time.

Whether you're a coffee lover, a small business owner, or just curious about what fuels a local café, this conversation offers a grounded and inspiring look at the rhythm of life at Bolt.

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 In this episode, we’re joined by none other than James Gentile, Bar Director at Gibney Cottesloe and 2025’s Bartender of the Year.

James shares his journey from mixing classics to redefining the cocktail experience with Gibney’s signature tableside service. We chat creativity, hospitality, and what makes a drink unforgettable.

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This week, we’re joined by none other than the unofficial mayor of Fremantle — Tim Buckton! With decades of experience as a General Manager in a variety of hotels & venues across Australia & overseas, Tim has become a pillar of the WA hospitality scene. Now co-director of W1 Hospitality, he’s channeling his expertise into building future-forward venues rooted in community, culture, and a whole lot of character. We dive into his journey from the floor to the boardroom, the secrets behind running great venues, and why Fremantle continues to be the soul of WA’s hospitality. Grab a drink and pull up a stool — this one's for the hospo heads and Freo lovers alike.

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Break the Brew Ceiling with Carrie Watson & Mel Jacobs.

In an industry historically dominated by men Carrie Watson and Mel Jacobs are rewriting the script — one pint at a time. From navigating leadership to staying true to the Little Creatures legacy, this episode is all about challenging norms and pushing the boundaries of hospitality.

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Simon Thai- Crafting Success from Bottle Shop to Bar. Simon isn’t just your average business owner. He runs four successful liquor stores across the city and operates Hygge Bar a cozy, up-and-coming bar that's quickly becoming a local favourite. From managing multiple storefronts to navigating the challenges of hospitality, Simon’s journey is all about hustle, smart strategy, and staying ahead in a competitive market.

In this episode, we’ll unpack how he built his liquor empire, what it takes to run multiple businesses at once, and the lessons he’s learned along the way. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur or just love a good business story, this one’s for you.

"Let’s get into it."

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Check out Simon's Bar

https://www.instagram.com/hyggebar.perth/