OUR STORY
History
The business was established in 1978 as a commission agency operation representing pioneering "Southern Vales" wineries.
Since October 2000, the business has traded as Empire Liquor and proudly operates as a privately owned South Australian wholesale beverage distributor and importer under owner and Managing Director Brenton Quirini. As a small family-owned business, we value long-term relationships with our customers, brand owners and employees. We are very proud of our long-term partnerships with many of our brand's wineries, like d'Arenberg, which has existed since 1978, and Paulett Wines, which has existed since 1987. We have a long history in wine, but since 1995, we have been developing our imported and boutique beer range to add interest and value to our product offering. Our enthusiastic and passionate team provide us with many years of experience in our field.
The Owner
Brenton Quirini has worked in hospitality, wholesale distribution, importing, sales and brand management since 1973.
Joining the business in 1993, Brenton has served on many industry associations, including Wholesale Liquor Merchants of S.A. Inc (two terms as President and Executive Committee member since 1995), Past President of the Wine Press Club of S.A., Past Vice President of Wine Communicators of Australia (S.A. Division), past Executive Board Director and Life Member of Wine Communicators of Australia (National). Contributing writer of beer and wine articles in various national publications and guest judge of wine and beer publications, amateur wine, and brewing organisations.
Accolades
In an industry known for its competitive nature, we have been acknowledged as a leader in our market by twice winning the Restaurant & Catering S.A. Award for Best Product Supplier to the industry.
Brands - Wine
Our portfolio comprises Highly Acclaimed and future 'Super Star' wine brands. Our wines consistently receive high praise from wine writers and critics and award recognition in wine shows and expositions worldwide. Our wine brands are predominantly family-owned and are the essence of tradition and innovation. Many are estate-grown and hand-crafted and include wines from the following premium growing regions:
AUSTRALIA - McLaren Vale, Barossa Valley, Clare Valley, Adelaide Hills, Langhorne Creek, Fleurieu Peninsula, Coonawarra, and Trentham Cliffs.
Brands - Beer
Our beer portfolio comprises the best premium and artisan, imported and domestic craft beers.
Our 'Local Hero' is Rehn Bier, brewed in the beautiful Barossa Valley at Tanunda. Rehn uses its unique recipes to produce a range of artisan brews, which follow a 'Germanic' style as a tribute to the family's heritage as the first settlers back in 1837.
Our international beers adhere to one specific criterion. All beers must be brewed and sourced from the country of origin; therefore, products made under license are not considered for our range. This has proved the most successful decision, as our reputation for specialty beers is now highly regarded by our loyal beer customers.
Since 2002, we have proudly offered the 'Brew of Bavarian Kings'—Hofbräu. It is brewed in Munich, Germany, the home of the most fantastic beer festival in the world—Oktoberfest!
Since 2007, we have been carving out a new niche and have built an enviable range of U.K. brewers. We aim to establish Empire Liquor as the 'Home of Iconic British Ales, Porters and Stouts'.
Our beer range has grown further with the addition of well-recognised family-owned breweries, including Theakston's, St Austell, Badger Brewery and Timothy Taylor's.
We also work closely with a select group of like-minded importers to offer beers from around the globe.
Our Team
Supported by a dedicated administration and warehousing team, Empire Liquor's sales representatives service all licenced venues, including restaurants, cafes, bistros, clubs, hotels, motels, and liquor stores throughout Australia. They are constantly striving to exceed expectations with quality products and first-class service.
The Empire Liquor sales team includes four sales professionals with extensive beverage and business knowledge gained through many years of industry experience. They can assist in staff training and education sessions, and with our own in-house desktop publishing services, we can develop and print wine lists, wine of the month, and special beer promotions.
Our Vision
"To be sought out as the wholesale beverage distributor of choice by leading wine and beer brands."