Meet the Buyer

What does it really take to get your spirits listed, poured and reordered?

Join us for the first in our new series of quarterly member events. Meet the Buyer: a practical conversation about what buyers are looking for, what turns them off, how to get listed, stay competitive and build stronger commercial relationships.

Moderated by Sarah Andrew - Sommelier, Consultant & Educator, the panel will feature buyers and industry experts including Jay Bessell, Educator & Sommelier at Spring St Events and Jose Dymenstein, Owner and Director, Casa de Vinos, sharing insights from the other side of the floor. 

Event Details

5:30pm - Arrival

5:45pm - Welcome from James Omond, President Spirits Victoria 

5:45pm - 6:30pm - Panel Session moderated by Sarah Andrews 

6:30pm -6:45pm - Q & A 

6:45pm -7:30pm - Networking, drinks can be purchased at bar prices 

7:30pm - Guests depart 

Guest Bios

Sarah Andrew | Founder, Beverage Industry Advisor & Curator

Working across spirits, NoLo and hospitality, Sarah is a respected industry advisor, curator and educator. A Certified Sommelier, DipWSET and WSET Certified Educator, she brings a wealth of industry and commercial insight to the conversation  

Jay Bessell | Educator & Sommelier, Spring Street Events

Jay Bessell is a Melbourne-based sommelier, educator and founder of Glass Half Full Wine Consulting. Currently Head Sommelier at The European and formerly co-owner of Carlton Wine Room, Jay brings extensive experience in beverage buying, list development, hospitality operations and staff education.

Jay offers valuable insight into the on-premise decision-making process, what buyers look for when assessing a new product, how price and margin influence ranging decisions, and the importance of having a clear story, occasion and serve. His experience working directly with hospitality teams also provides a practical perspective on how producers can engage buyers, educate venue staff and build advocacy that ultimately drives products off the back bar and into consumers’ hands.

Known for his approachable, “without pretence” style, Jay brings a useful perspective on turning a great product and producer story into something that works commercially in the on-premise.

Jose Dymenstein | Owner, Casa de Vinos

Jose Dymenstein is the owner and founder of Casa de Vinos, a specialist spirits retailer, importer, distributor and lounge in South Melbourne. With a background as a winemaker, Jose established Casa de Vinos in 2010, initially as a wine retailer before evolving the business to focus on rare, premium and niche spirits.

Today, Casa de Vinos imports and distributes an extensive portfolio of premium spirits, including whisky, tequila, mezcal, rum and Cognac, and supplies bars, restaurants and independent retailers across Australia. The business works directly with producers and supports trade customers through tastings, staff training and events. Jose is also behind Whisky Abbey, Casa de Vinos’ annual whisky festival.

With experience spanning retail, wholesale, importing, distribution and hospitality, Jose brings a useful buyer perspective on what makes a spirits brand commercially compelling, how producers can successfully approach the independent trade, and what it takes to move from simply securing a listing to building genuine demand.