The unlikely cure for burnout? Ruby's Wine Shop, a dog-friendly wine store in Brisbane's Albion

For 14 years, Tamara Husler's life was sterile hospital corridors and the relentless pressure of emergency nursing. It was a noble calling, but one that was, in her words, "slowly killing" her. The antidote wasn't an escape to the country but something more ambitious. Enter Ruby's Wine Shop, Albion's new local, a cosy, 20-seat haven that feels less like a bottle shop and more like the living room of your most interesting friend. It's a place for locals to connect over truly interesting wine.

The shop, which opened in late November in a century-old heritage building on Sandgate Road, is already turning heads in the inner-north suburb. It's a stone's throw from the local pub but a world away in spirit. This isn't a place for optics or pretence. Instead, Ruby's is built on a simple, brilliant concept Tamara imported from her time living in Bendigo and growing up in Switzerland: a casual space where discovering wine is an adventure, not an exam.

"I wanted to create a local hub that's not the pub or an upscale wine bar," Husler explains. "Somewhere comfortable that takes away the pressure”. The intimidation factor vanishes here. At Ruby's, you can try a glass before you commit to a bottle. It's simple but rare. Tamara's WSET (Wine & Spirit Education Trust) level 2 study allows her to guide customers through a selection that ranges from Queensland's Granite Belt to the Canary Islands. She mentions that in Brisbane's heat, "people are loving the chilled reds. I keep having to restock."

This hands-on approach extends to winemaking itself. Husler has already collaborated with Sam Cook of cult and low-intervention winery Konpira Maru to create her own pet-nat, a crisp, summery blend of Verdelho and Viognier using grapes from the Dear Vincent vineyard in the Granite Belt. It's this level of detail and genuine passion that sets Ruby's apart.

Ruby

The real heart of the shop, though, is its effortless integration into the neighbourhood. Ruby's Wine Shop is dog-friendly and BYO food, a deliberate choice to keep things relaxed. Locals can wander in post-walk with their furry companions (the shop is named after Husler's border collie, Ruby), order something from the Olive and Thyme restaurant next door, and settle in. It's a place designed for living in, not just visiting.

Insider's Tip:

While the current collection is impressive, the real story lies in what's coming next. Husler is leveraging her Swiss heritage to build a specialisation you won't find elsewhere. "The Swiss only export between one and two per cent of their wine," she reveals. Soon, Ruby's will be pouring unique Alpine varietals from her hometown region of Schaffhausen and further afield. There will be Pinot Noirs, crisp Rieslings, and under-appreciated Chasselas wines. It's destined to be a spot for high-altitude wines that will give Brisbane a taste of something truly unique. Ruby's isn't just a shop; it's a chance to discover.

Ruby's Wine Shop - 297 Sandgate Rd, Albion QLD

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