Meet The Man Behind Wineism, Albion’s Cult-Favourite Spot To Sip, Learn & Lounge

Pouring passion

By Bianca Licina | 3rd June 2025

For many, lockdown meant doom-scrolling and random hobbies. For Ian Trinkle? It meant finally doing the thing. He (‘the glitter’) and his wife Liz (‘the glue’) had long fantasised about building something together. At the time, Ian was deep in a dream gig as wine director at Howard Smith Wharves – but the pandemic cracked open a door. “The uncertainty of the pandemic pushed us to reimagine what was possible.”

Cue Wineism. A stylish, down-to-earth wine bar, shop, and school rolled into one, nestled in Brisbane’s Albion. It’s as much about connection as it is about Chablis. “We built it as a space that reflects our values for hospitality, our love of great wine, and our desire to share it in a way that feels community-driven.”

wineism brisbane

The wine bug bit early for Ian. “A friend and mentor invited me to his wine club,” he recalls. “It wasn’t formal, but I was sitting with industry legends, totally intimidated. Then someone opened a 2001 Soldera Brunello di Montalcino. The energy and detail of that wine still stick with me.” It wasn’t long before his love for hospo outgrew his part-time gigs in Philly bars and history studies. Growing up with his grandfather – an ex-restaurateur with a soft spot for wine – probably didn’t hurt either.

Wineism’s shelves now house around 800 bottles, but each one has to earn its place. “Curation is everything. We focus on small, artisanal producers who are deeply connected to their land. We want wines with a sense of place and intention behind them – not just something that tastes good, but something that feels good too.”

The space itself feels like a cross between your effortlessly stylish friend’s living room and a world-class wine studio. Warm, elegant, homely.

wineism brisbane

It’s also a hub for learning. Every Monday, Wineism hosts WSET education classes. “During Covid, I started teaching and realised how much people crave meaningful engagement with wine,” he says.

Their slogan – ‘a community for the curious’ – isn’t just clever branding. It’s the heart of what they do. “It’s about creating a space where people feel comfortable to explore. Where they trust us to guide them to something new that they’ll love.”

As for what’s next? Think collaborations, tastings, and some seriously exciting events. “We’re always dreaming up new things,” he says. “But no matter what, it all comes back to community. That’s our heartbeat.”

So next time you’re craving a crisp Chardy or a punchy Pinot, pull up a stool at Wineism.

wineism brisbane