Wine cellar shop with private storage

Local wine drinkers, collectors without cellar space at home, gift buyers, and restaurants and venues that buy from you.

Bottle and case sales, plus recurring storage fees. Tastings and events can add extra income and bring in new customers.

• Strong wine knowledge and tasting ability
• Buying and stock control
• Talking to customers and building regulars
• Managing a small shop or a few staff

• Liquor licensing is set by each state and territory, and approval can take time and may involve community notice, check with your licensing body
• Lease terms and council zoning for a licensed shop
• Cooling costs and the risk of stock spoiling if the cellar fails, so check insurance for stock and equipment
• Public liability, and workers compensation if you hire staff
• Wine equalisation tax and GST, check with the ATO or an accountant
• Responsible service of alcohol training for you and any staff, check your state's rules

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $30,000 to $150,000, depending on the premises, fit-out, cellar cooling and opening stock. Treat this as a rough estimate and get quotes for your own location before you commit.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $12,000 to $60,000, depending on location, range, restaurant accounts and how many storage clients you sign up. That is revenue, not profit, so work out your running costs as well.

Check liquor licensing with your state or territory body, as approval can take time and may involve community notice. Also check lease terms, council zoning, insurance, wine equalisation tax and GST with the ATO, and responsible service of alcohol training.