If you spent any time wandering around New York City pre-pandemic, it’s pretty likely that you stumbled upon a bodega. Usually Spanish owner-operated, the neighbourhood nooks could loosely be described as ‘convenience stores with wine’. The shelves are lined with an assortment of life essentials, from deli meats to pantry staples and, of course, vino. The range varies from place to place, but one thing they all have in common is that they are widely adored by their regular clientele. Flor Wine and Grocer is based loosely around this concept and signals a return to the days when you would have your local baker, fruit shop and bar all in close proximity. Flor is all of those things in one convenient package. Nestled along Park Avenue (next door to Erva nail spa), the bright-red tiled exterior is your first hint that the Flor crew do things differently. Once you step foot inside, that notion is firmly cemented once you spy the incredible inventory.
Authenticity underpins Flor’s operations from its ethos to its offering, with a strong focus on showcasing spray-free produce from the Gold Coast and northern New South Wales, handmade small foods, and a seriously impressive line-up of natural, minimal-intervention and new-wave wines. The solid selection features predominantly Australian boutique producers, however there are a handful of drops from Austria, France, Italy and Spain, to name a few. Observant oenophiles should keep an eye out for Project Seventy Six – Flor’s own in-house wine label that is blended right here in Queensland. At present, there’s a sauvignon blanc, a rosé and a chilled red to tickle your tastebuds. The great thing about Flor is that you needn’t be a total wine nerd – or even know your chardonnay from your chablis – because the team is always on-hand and happy to help. Once you’ve perused the grape juice, take a peek at the cold cabinet that is brimming with picnic essentials – from fancy fromage to portions of cured meat, shelves of pickles, preserves and pantry staples. Freshly baked baguettes from Burleigh Baker round out the ultimate picnic offering.
Flor Wine and Grocer is open now! Skip over to our Stumble Guide for opening times, or shop anytime online. Hot tip, there’s free local delivery to Burleigh and surrounding suburbs.
