Where’s Nick: Where Wine Meets Artistry, Crafted by Sommelier Bridget Raffal

Bridget Raffal embodies the essence of expertise and dedication in the world of wine. With over 15 years of experience as a restaurant and wine consultant, sommelier, and esteemed wine judge, her journey reflects a profound commitment to excellence and innovation. Currently serving as the Vice President of Sommelier’s Australia, Bridget is deeply involved in shaping the future of the industry, advocating for inclusivity and equality. In 2021, she co-founded Women and Revolution, a charity dedicated to breaking down barriers to gender equality in the wine world, showcasing her passion for social change and community empowerment. Bridget's accolades speak volumes about her skill and leadership. As a two-time recipient of the Sommelier’s Choice Award and the former Head Sommelier of Sixpenny, where she played a pivotal role in securing the venue's prestigious third hat, her contributions to the wine scene are undeniable. In 2023, she was honoured as Sommelier of the Year by the esteemed Good Food Guide, further solidifying her reputation as a trailblazer in her field. Today, Bridget continues her journey as the proud owner and operator of Where’s Nick Wine Bar in Marrickville, Sydney, where her expertise and passion for wine shine through in every pour. With a relentless drive for excellence and a commitment to pushing boundaries, Bridget is a true luminary in the world of wine. Bridget Raffal infuses her passion for wine with deep-rooted family traditions and culinary expertise. “I grew up in a family home that was very much centred on the kitchen and at the dinner table. Wine was a huge part of that,” she says. Excelling academically Bridget also saw wine as a subject that was “multifaceted, encompassing science, geography, culture, history and international business.” Restaurant management was her initial career choice, but she was drawn into the world of wine curation following a one-year stint in France, working in Provence. Bridget sees winemaking as an inherent art form.

“Winemaking is an expression of creativity and it’s an aesthetic experience. Artists communicate their ideas and their values through their work. And winemakers do the same. They translate their expression of the vineyard and the vintage into something beautiful to be enjoyed and appreciated for pleasure.”

She is drawn to the vision of winemaker Rick Kinzbrunner, creator of the Giaconda vineyard in Victoria’s Beechworth wine region and also appreciates that like artists, these winemakers need to balance adaptability with their creativity.

“Most winemakers will tell you that ninety per cent of wine making is done in the vineyard. Many of them are farmers first and foremost that need to be adaptable to the land as well as be creative with their vintage. And with that comes also a sensitivity to detail.”

A glance at the wine list at Where’s Nick does not throw up known brands you would find from the local Bottle ‘O but Bridget does not want to make the wine menu intimidating for people. “Our wine offering is so eclectic, that most people wouldn't recognise the names on the board.” However, through building trust with her patrons, people now feel comfortable asking for recommendations. “They know it’s fine to say if they haven’t heard of a particular grape or producer and no one’s going to make them feel silly if they don't know a wine. We have created a very safe environment to learn in. It is a space where you can have an open mind and a sense of curiosity.” It’s an attitude which has made Where’s Nick among the go-to places for locals, not only for its impressive wine selection but also atmosphere of intimacy. “We're not trying to be sleek or sexy or a special occasion place. We want to be part of the fabric of the community - warm and comfortable and deliberately casual.” Keeping prices affordable, has the regulars coming in more than once a week, a deliberate intention of Where’s Nick. “For me, a wine bar should be a neighbourhood watering hole,” Bridget says. It is also a supportive watering hole for artists. “Artists are such an important part of the Inner West community,” says Bridget highlighting that artisan studios, music, theatre and cinema are just a “stone’s throw” away from each other. Acknowledging that Where’s Nick also benefits economically from the activity that artists bring to the area, Bridget also sees the space as a hub for artists to connect.

Deepening this connection is the creation of a theatre menu inspired by people she encountered in the bar who were in a rush but were reluctant to say they had a show to get to. “We thought, let’s just design a theatre menu for people short on time and then they can then be on their way without the added stress of being late.” This theatre menu is offered to bookings between 5:00pm to 5:45 pm all through the week with an out-by of 7pm. It consists of shared antipasti from the bar’s seasonally based menu followed by shared mains for $50 per person. In keeping with her mantra of making wine accessible, Bridget has deliberately steered away from wine pairings for the theatre menu encouraging people to choose their own wine instead. Wine pairings feel overly prescriptive to me. We’re always happy to recommend a glass or craft a journey based on the individual's preferences, but we prefer to keep the conversation open and encourage a sense of curiosity and an open mind.”

Bridget Raffal's commitment to championing women in the wine industry goes beyond her professional achievements; it's a personal mission that she lives and breathes every day. Through her Instagram platform, @thelittlewinemonster, she fearlessly tackles patriarchal norms, aiming to "destroy the patriarchy" one post at a time. Her passion for gender equality led her to establish Women and Revolution in 2021, a response to the sense of isolation many women felt following the upheaval of the Covid pandemic. At the heart of Women and Revolution is a coaching program designed to equip women with the skills they need to thrive in a male-dominated industry. Bridget recognizes the importance of not just opening doors for women but also empowering them to claim their rightful place at the table. This means giving them the confidence to speak up in a crowd, advocate for themselves, and, importantly, to say no when necessary. It's about reshaping the culture of the wine industry to prioritize inclusivity and support for women at every level. Central to Bridget's vision is the belief that community and solidarity among women are essential for breaking down barriers. By bringing together women from all sectors of the wine industry – from viticulturalists to sommeliers to writers – Women and Revolution creates a supportive community where women can share experiences, learn from one another, and amplify each other's voices. Education is also a key pillar of Bridget's advocacy. She recognises that access to educational opportunities is crucial for women to succeed in the wine industry. However, she emphasises that education alone is not enough; women need to be empowered to assert themselves too. By encouraging women to speak up and be heard in male-dominated spaces, Bridget hopes to drive meaningful change and create a more equitable future for women in the wine world. Through her tireless efforts with Women and Revolution, Bridget Raffal is not only transforming the wine industry but also inspiring women everywhere to claim their power and reshape the narrative of what it means to be a woman in a traditionally male-dominated field. Website: Where’s Nick

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BUSINESS SUPPORTER POST "We're thrilled to announce Where’s Nick as our very first Supporting Partner, marking a significant milestone for the Inner West Creative Network. This partnership not only amplifies Where’s Nick's commitment to supporting the arts but also opens up exciting avenues for hospitality businesses to engage with our vibrant community. With logo placement on our website, newsletter adverts, and a profile organisational article, this membership tier offers unparalleled visibility and networking opportunities within the Inner West arts scene. We look forward to fostering mutually beneficial connections and driving collaborative endeavours that enrich both our local businesses and the arts community at large."

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Written by Priyanka Smithfield Priyanka Smithfield is a creative writer and former journalist. She lives in the inner west and enjoys the myriad of cuisine on offer as well as the vibrancy of her neighbourhood. Photo: Bridget Raffal (supplied)