From BBQs to Burgundy: Meet Stuart Hoole, The Reserve Cellar Wilston

As Wilston Shop Manager at The Reserve Cellar, Stuart doesn’t just sell wine — he shares it, lives it, and makes it accessible to everyone who walks through the door. After stepping away from the industry to focus on family, the opportunity to lead this new space came at the perfect moment.

“When I saw the space and met the team, it wasn’t even a decision. I think I said ‘sounds good’ before the phone even rang.”

Whether he’s recommending a bottle for a Sunday roast or curating the perfect six-pack of offbeat varietals, Stuart brings a calm confidence and contagious enthusiasm to every interaction.

We sat down with Stuart for a candid Q&A about wine, life, and everything in between:

“With a toddler in the house, it depends what's left from Friday! If the BBQ or pizza oven has been fired up, there’s always a Pinot Noir on the table. But if it’s a quiet one on the couch, a Chardonnay with some oomph usually gets poured. It’s all about the mood, not the varietal.”

“A lineup of Pinot Noirs from around the world. I expected to love the Burgundy — and I did — but the Mount Mary Pinot and Picardy Tête de Cuvée really stayed with me. Growing up with rivers of Shiraz, it was an eye-opener to taste wines that had power and finesse.”

“There’s no such thing as one. Try everything — even the bad ones. What matters is what you enjoy. If you can tell me that, I’ll show you five others you’ll love. Keep your palate open.”

“No single answer — they all have their time in the sun. That’s the beauty of it.”

“A bit of everything. Shiraz, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, plus a few funky skin-contact wines my wife loves — even some Georgian gear for grazing boards. Some bottles are for big occasions, others are glass-optional. It’s a mood-based cellar.”

“After 20 years in wine and a pause to be with my family, this just felt right. The potential of the Wilston space, the people behind it — it all just clicked.”

“Spending time with my son — seeing the world through his eyes is incredible. I also enjoy making furniture, cooking, and whenever I can, playing a bit of golf (though that’s more fantasy than reality these days).”

“That’s a trap! They say don’t meet your heroes. Honestly, I’d rather open a great bottle with family and friends — no pressure, no expectations, just good wine and conversation.”

“I started working in wine to pay rent during uni, and I never left. The world of wine pulled me in — it’s vast, vibrant, and full of discovery.”

Whether you’re a seasoned collector or just dipping your toe into the world of wine, Stuart Hoole is your go-to at The Reserve Cellar Wilston. With a no-nonsense approach, an open mind, and a deep respect for the stories behind the bottle, Stuart is helping shape a space that’s as welcoming as it is refined — one conversation, one pour, one vintage at a time.