Meet Pierre Stock of PS Wine Selections in Camberwell Junction

Pierre Stock has a passion for wine – and he loves to share it.

The main arm of PS Wine Selections is wholesale importation, but an unusual new offering is creating a buzz in the hospitality world.

Mr Stock’s appointment-only bespoke wine service is part social, part educational and all-things French wine.

It’s a personal sommelier business that is growing in popularity.

A wine club with a difference

This destination business in Camberwell Junction isn’t easy to describe. It isn’t a store but a place to come to talk about wine, learn about wine and figure out what type of wine you want in your life.

Only then you might buy some wine.

“I have a space that is like a cosy living room,” Mr Stock said.

“You come and we talk about various wines. I figure out what you like and want and you learn about wines and what you like.”

Mr Stock said the experience isn’t only for wine connoisseurs but for people who are curious about wine or those who know wine but aren’t necessarily educated in wine and want to find out more.

“Or those who are keen to learn about French wine,” he said.

“I get a variety of people coming. Some couples even come on a date.”

Company and conversation

The meeting with Mr Stock is a discussion and enjoyment of French wine. Following that, the clients may buy online or sign up to a flexible subscription at PS Wine Selections.

The sommelier will build a palate profile and pick wines to suit a client’s taste.

“A membership gives you a chance to explore our large catalogue of French (wine) and we ensure you only get wines you love, by building up a detailed palate profile of you,” Mr Stock said.

Members choose the number of bottles and frequency of delivery – 2, 3, 6 or 12 bottles per delivery at weekly, fortnightly or monthly intervals. There are no lock-in contracts.

Styling a special space

Mr Stock came across his venue in Camberwell Junction via a suggestion from a friend who already runs a business there.

“The space is great and there is plenty of foot traffic and parking,” Mr Stock said.

“A lot of clients live in Camberwell or surrounding suburbs, so it’s a good fit for the business.”

The space was designed by Melbourne interior designers Hunter & Richards and is filled with greenery by South Yarra’s Kimberley Mannix.

“They created the perfect ambience for what I do here. The place has the relaxed comfortable vibe I was looking for,” Mr Stock said.

Old-fashioned hospitality

Mr Stock’s love of wine is matched by his love of engaging with people which he indulged during many years in hospitality.

He was the sommelier and wine buyer at South Yarra’s France-Soir for ten years and worked in many other top-end European and Australian restaurants, including Vue de Monde and Michelin-starred Paul Bocuse in France.

“While wine importing is a big part of my business, I missed the interaction with people, talking about wine, sharing my knowledge and passion,” Mr Stock said.

“That is why I began the wine-tailoring sessions. They’re about sharing knowledge and engaging with other people.

“It’s that hospitable side of the business and I love it. You can’t beat a personal service and that is being lost by growing online enterprises.”

The bespoke wine service is about connection and personalised customer experience.

“That is what I wanted to add into my wholesale business. I wanted to return to the traditional idea of customer service where you know your customers and they know you,” Mr Stock said.

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