Easy drinking in Sai Kung

^{Andy and Marrian Konrad}

The husband-and-wife team on a mission to simplify wine

Winerack’s brand-new flagship store with its blue-and-white frontage anchors the Man Nin St. side of Sai Kung’s central square. Run by husband-and-wife team Andy and Marrian Konrad, who are long-time Sai Kung residents, the Winerack name has been an institution since the first store opened its doors in 2014. Since then, the couple have successfully expanded the business and now own four stores in key neighbourhoods across Hong Kong, though Sai Kung has always remained home. 

^{The new Sai Kung store}

Tall and pony-tailed, Andy is a familiar face around town. His reason for opening shop was clear: to simplify wine. “The idea was to build a business that made wine accessible: To lower the price point and cut the frills. We wanted anyone to feel welcome and comfortable walking into a Winerack store, whether they are a connoisseur or new to wine.” He partnered with Rob Knightsbridge and James Bradshaw, who set up the Winerack brand and website back in 2010. Andy then brought the selection into its first brick-and-mortar location seven years ago. 

^{The striking mural by Alex Croft (on left with Andy) in the new store}

This past year has been a big one for the brand, with the opening of store number four on St. Francis Street in Wanchai and the move of their flagship shop from Hoi Pong Square to Man Nin Street. “By moving into the new location, we gained the extra space and exposure that also gives our customers a better shopping experience” says Andy. Catching the eye of passers-by is the flagship’s 13-meter outdoor mural, a brand-new original artwork by well-known street artist and fellow Sai Kung local Alex Croft. Titled ’10 Degrees’, the mural was designed to capture Alex and the Konrads’ mutual love for Sai Kung and has already proven a popular photo spot. 

^{Winerack has a wide range of wines at large discounts – Wanchai store}

At Winerack, you will find wines at a large discount to those in conventional stores, because Winerack is stocking and buying in a way that allows low prices to be passed on to customers. From refreshing celebratory bubbles via crisp New Zealand Sauvignon Blancs to deep red Shiraz as the perfect company for a BBQ, you can find plenty of quality wines at under $100. Some of our favourites include: 

1. Russian Jack Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough, New Zealand (Gold – NZ International Wine Show, 93 Points Wine Orbit) @HKD95
2. MAN Skaapveld Shiraz, South Africa @HKD78
3. Piazza del Castello Rosso Toscana, Italy @HKD90
4. Dashwood Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough, New Zealand (Gold Medal – NZ International Wine Show, Gold Medal – Marlborough Wine show) @HKD95
5. Botter Prosecco Spumante, Veneto, Italy (IWA – Gold Medal) @HKD85

This no-frills attitude is reflected in the stores themselves: with a fuss-free approach to design, each Winerack store is bright, friendly and unpretentious while exhibiting an  attention to detail that’s all Andy. What truly sets Winerack apart is the service: Staff are kind, knowledgable and always keen to help customers find that perfect bottle for any occasion and to suit both their taste and budget. 

The Winerack stores also sell a wide range of other beverages including craft beers, ciders, spirits and a selection of high-quality non-alcoholic drinks. Just as tasty as the real thing, these allow you to still drive (and wake up hangover-free). For those who know exactly what they want, Winerack also offer a home delivery service. Simply call the shop or visit our website winerack.com.hk.

Visit the stores at:  1 Sha Tsui Path, Sai Kung (9728 5665) 33 St. Francis Street, Wanchai (9728 3301) 9 Bristol Avenue, Tsim Sha Tsui (5196 9000) 25A High Street, Sai Ying Pun (9728 2252).

Opening times vary between stores; for details, please click here. Stay up to date with Winerack’s news on LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram by following @winerackstores.