Local People: Corey Warner

by James Marsten

Everyone needs a good wine and drinks aficionado in their lives – introducing Corey, your new wine guy and hot chip expert.

Where did you grow up and where do you live now?

I grew up in East Geelong. We now live in sunny South Hobart.

What do you do for work?

I co-own and run a little wine shop, Blackhearts & Sparrows, on Elizabeth Street, North Hobart.

How did you get into wine and drinks?

Like all good things, I fell into it. I saw a job advertised for a junior sommelier and gave it a go; 20 years later, after stints in Melbourne and London, I’m still slinging bottles. It’s been a wonderful ride so far.

As a business owner, how do you decide what to stock?

Blackhearts’ motto is “no bad bottles,” so we take the time to try wines from a wide range of wineries, importers, and other distribution companies to find wines that we love and are excited by. This means we have a wine selection ranging from amazing local Tasmanian producers and classic South Australian reds, to an eclectic mix of European white and red varietals. We try to base our range on what we and our amazing regulars enjoy drinking while always looking for something new and interesting.

What is your favourite wine to drink with food? And without?

Without food, I love to have a glass of crisp, dry and mineral white. Think dry Tassie Sparkling, Riesling, Muscadet or Sicilian white varieties like Cataratto. With food, I think Italian Reds like Sangiovese or Nebbiolo have such wonderful food application, from mid-week pizza/pasta to slow-roasted meats or a weekend barbecue.

*Blackhearts & Sparrows specialty wine store*

Is there a drink in the store that has stopped you in your tracks?

I love vermouth, and the Saison Aperitifs Fallen Quinces Vermouth is an incredible example from chef Dave Verheul. It can be used classically in a spritz or negroni, but I highly recommend having it on its own with ice and a slice of orange. Seriously good!!

What’s something you wish more people knew about what you do?

Wine doesn’t need to be pretentious or intimidating. We’re just here to help you enjoy your drinking more and you can definitely do it at a price that suits you. Also while food and wine pairing is a wonderful thing, it shouldn’t prevent you from enjoying your favourite bottle. Rose with steak. Pinot Noir with fish. You do you! No judgement here.

Who do you admire?

My mum. She’s a legend. She’s been through a lot in her life but always sees the good in the world.

Favourite podcast or tv show?

The Blindboy Podcast. You never know what you’ll get. A good balance of big laughs and insightful takes on the world.

Secret vice?

Chippies (not much of a secret). I used to be a pack a day but I’m cutting down.

What are you reading now?

I just started The Southern Reach series by Jeff Vandermeer. A bit creepier than my usual read.

What was your first job?

The Candy Bar at Village Cinema in Geelong. Sooo much popcorn.

What are your daily news/social media habits?

Pretend to read The Guardian then doom scroll for five minutes (or 10, or who knows).

Your favourite place for…

Breakfast: Sunbear.

Lunch: Cyclo.

Dinner: Ogee.

Dream holiday destination?

We’d love to do a family trip to Japan to find a Totoro.

Favourite Tasmanian secret?

Ari’s Take Away on Elizabeth St. Ham Salad roll of your dreams and a sneaky potato cake while you’re at it.

Parting words?

Drink for the weather you want, not the weather you have!

Love this

Extras

Hobart Happenings

by James Marten

Bits and Pieces – August 2026

Hobart Happenings

by Steph Williams

Bits And Pieces – July 2026

Stay up to date with everything happening at the Hobart Magazine.

Worker shortage is currently universal, there isn’t an industry that’s exempt. For Kelvin Smith, four years ago he decided there was a very obvious solution to the shortage facing the construction industry, and all that was needed was a little time, empathy and a helping hand. Integrate Workforce is a Hobart-based labour company with one requirement: a refugee/ migrant background. He’s also the outdoor piano man in his free time.

Landscape artist and creative Elliott Nimmo is enjoying discovering Hobart’s vibrant art scene and local environment after relocating here from London to pursue his art.

Even though Tasmania is known for its mild summers, it doesn’t take much to get sunburnt. Tasmania experiences extreme ultraviolet (UV) levels, but contrary to popular belief this isn’t due to the hole in the ozone layer, which is actually south of the continent.While higher UV levels often occur at the same time as higher temperatures, the two are not linked. Instead, UV levels are determined by the angle of the sun in the sky: the higher the sun, the higher the UV. In December and January, the position of the sun over Tasmania gives the state a UV index of 11 or more on most days, which is classified as “extreme” on the UV index. Tasmania’s lack of humidity and generally clear skies contribute to the stinging feeling of the sun. UV can reflect off buildings and water, making it possible to get a higher dose of UV from these reflected rays, even in the shade.

Setting up shop during a pandemic was a risky move, but if the crowd at Dāna Eating House (Dāna) on a Friday night is anything to go by, it’s one that’s paid off. With tables of diners chatting and laughing over drinks, the music and conversation buzzes off the monstera-leaf-green walls. Low-hanging rattan lights and worn wooden floorboards give the newly opened South-East Asian fusion venue in Hobart’s CBD a relaxed vibe.

A Holyman flagged ship hasn’t steamed up the River Derwent since 1984 but the company’s name still proudly adorns its former offices at 5 Morrison Street, Hobart.

Widening the Tasman Bridge to allow 3.5 metres on each side is a big win for walkers and cyclists.

Need a laugh? Check out @theinspiredunemployed feed on Instagram.

Rain, hail and shine, the school crossing guards are always there to help with a smile on their face.

It’s hard to believe it’s not standard practice to have a working phone in every aged care room - shared phones make private conversations impossible and increase the risk of spreading COVID-19.

Just when you think your cousins are alright. NZ Opposition Leader Judith Collins took aim at Tassie during her recent (unsuccessful) campaign, calling us Australia’s “poor cousin.” She also seems worried about us nabbing tech businesses, “It’s a lovely part of the world but do you necessarily want to go there with your high- tech business? Possibly not,” she said. We beg to differ!