First Choice Liquor Market will open its first-ever store in Tasmania on 9 February, with the retailer set to feature more than 350 craft and boutique wines, beers and spirits from over 80 local Tassie winemakers, brewers and distillers.
Located in Launceston and a stone’s throw from one of Tasmania’s premier wine regions, the brand-new store features a tailored selection of local favourites and offers a range of great value, premium drops including Handpicked Wines, House of Arras and Pirie Tasmania, all produced in the iconic Tamar Valley.
In addition to supporting local producers, the store will create 15 new jobs in Launceston, helping to support the local economy and promote growth in the region.
Tasmania’s Deputy Premier, the Hon Michael Ferguson MP, attending the opening of First Choice Liquor Market says he was pleased the new store would support the growth of the Tasmanian liquor industry and increase local employment opportunities.
“We are spoilt for choice in Tasmania when it comes to quality wine, beer and spirits, and it is particularly fantastic to see our producers, many of which are family owned and operated businesses, front and centre at Tasmania’s first-ever First Choice Liquor Market,” Mr Ferguson said.
“The opening of the new store also brings job creation for our community and demonstrates Coles Liquor’s commitment to enhancing the region’s economic growth in a sector that is ripe with opportunity.”
First Choice Liquor Market Launceston Store Manager Aaron Huisman says the opening of the first Tasmanian store was an exciting day for customers and the state’s local producers alike. “First Choice Liquor Market is set to host an extensive range of customer-favourite wines, beers and spirits, and we are passionate about supporting local producers and promoting their signature drinks at fantastic prices for our new customers,” Mr Huisman said.
“Our new team is eager to welcome Launceston locals — from brew beginners to wine aficionados and everyone in between — and provide them with incredible choice, convenience and value.”
Renowned Tamar Valley wine producer, Pirie Tasmania — owned by the Brown Family Wine Group which has been a trusted Coles Liquor supplier since the 1980s — is one of Australia’s most celebrated wineries for its outstanding sparkling wines.
Brown Family Wine Group National Business Manager Ally Barron welcomes another opportunity to showcase the producer’s award-winning wines and tap further into the Australian wine market.
“Our partnerships with retailers are absolutely essential to our success. Our long history with First Choice Liquor Market demonstrates how they understand the value in supporting local suppliers,” Mr Barron said.
“Having recently won Wine of Show at the 2023 Global Fine Wine Challenge, we feel we have made a significant impact in Australia’s wine market and our partnership with First Choice Liquor Market has played a key role in our ongoing success.”
Handpicked Wines has been supplying First Choice Liquor Market for more than a decade and Sales & Marketing Director Derek Raney says he is looking forward to seeing Handpicked Wines celebrated at this new store.
“We have two vineyards in the Tamar Valley and pride ourselves on exceptional quality selections — including Sparkling Cuvée, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Riesling — and the opening of First Choice Liquor Market represents an opportunity to further drive our growth,” Mr Raney said.
First Choice Liquor Market Launceston marks a new chapter for Coles Liquor in Tasmania and provides locals with seamless access to delicious Tasmanian drinks in one convenient location.
To celebrate the opening, Chilli FM will be broadcasting live from First Choice Liquor Market Launceston on Saturday, 10 February between 1pm – 4pm. Customers will be treated to tastings from local producers Callington Mill Distillery, Spreyton Cider Co and White Label Distillery, a pop-up food truck, and a spin-and-win wheel for their chance to score vouchers to spend in store.
