Willows & Wine

“Willows & Wine is your home away from home. I think everyone wants a library like this in their house - and we’re here to make the reading experience even better by bringing you a cheeseboard and pouring you a glass of wine.”

Wander from the hustle and bustle of Victoria Market to the doors of Willows & Wine, where you can get lost in the pages of a good book while enjoying delectable wine and cheeses.

It’s a bookstore and wine bar that offers a selection of books highlighting black and brown, indigenous, female, non-binary and queer authors, as well as popular literary releases and classics.

“I want to encourage people to address the inequalities in our society and to improve their awareness by reading widely and with intention,” explains Amy Poonian, who took over Willows & Wine two years ago. “A lot of the books here are harder to find elsewhere because these voices are under-represented in publishing.”

Raised in New Zealand and immigrating to Australia around eleven years ago, Amy wasn’t a big reader when she was younger and often found bookstores intimidating. She had also worked in hospitality for twenty years and thought it was time to step out into her own business.

Willows & Wine’s combination of books and hospitality is the sort of space that has always been Amy’s dream. As a North Melbourne resident, she aims to provide a welcoming space where locals can read while they enjoy good food and drink or take a book with them.

“The idea is that someone can come in, read a book, and not feel pressured to either wear the right clothes, look the right way, or to be here only for a special event or an occasion. It's more about comfort and accessibility.”

“We are also trialling a library service for borrowing books. For a small membership fee, you can borrow two books for a month and then bring them back to borrow more.”

Amy loves the freedom of having her own creative space where she can curate experiences that are different and interesting for her customers. She currently hosts a music club, book clubs and reading events with authors, with plans to continue to offer more events in the future.

“I’m focused on creating a little community of people and promoting getting back into the arts again. While you’re reading a book or talking about music here you can get a coffee, cake, or a cheeseboard. As for drinks, everything's by the glass so you can try and taste. We have mulled wine in winter that we make to order over a tiny stove - it makes the whole place smell delicious and makes everyone warm and happy.”

Words by Joyce Watts & Photography by Anna Encio