As the ongoing Fremantle Traffic Bridge works continue to impact local businesses, one of WA’s most respected independent bottle shops is finding a new way to connect with wine lovers beyond Fremantle.
Old Bridge Cellars has announced the launch of “Old Bridge Cellars on Tour”, a new collaborative dining series designed to bring its signature wine experience across Perth through partnerships with leading hospitality venues.
Sneakers & Jeans venues Varnish on King and Pirate Life Perth will be the first to host the series, kicking things off with two immersive dining experiences centred around wine, storytelling and hospitality.

“The bridge closure is having an impact, foot traffic is down around 30% but we anticipated this and developed contingency plans early,” said Jay Beeson, Owner of Old Bridge Cellars.
“Old Bridge Cellars on Tour is something we’ve wanted to do for a long time but never really had the capacity for. Ironically, the bridge closure created the space to finally make it happen. We’re connection creatures by nature, so we’re excited to get out there and collaborate with great venues, meet new people and proudly fly the Fremantle flag in the process.”
The first event in the series “Old Bridge Cellars on Tour: Stateside at Varnish on King”, will take place June 17, pairing premium American wines with a curated four-course menu inspired by Varnish’s Americana identity. Hosted within the venueโs underground surrounds, the evening will feature a menu by Head Chef Mariana Hoff paired with wines from Americaโs most exciting wine regions.

Several wines featured throughout the evening, will be landing in Australia for the very first time, such as the Bonny Doon โPicpoulโ Picpoul | Vermentino 2024 and the Lapis Luna Chardonnay 2024.
The series will then continue at Pirate Life Perth in August with an Italian-inspired dinner celebrating regional wines, sharedstyle dishes and the warmth of Italian hospitality. Pirate Life Perth Head Chef Sofie Firman will lead the menu, bringing a little slice of Italy to the Perth CBD.
“The Hospitality industry is a very tight-knit community here in WA, so when a member of our community is going through a tough time and there’s something we can do to support, then we’re all in,” said Lachlan Howarth, General Manager at Sneakers & Jeans. “These events are much more than a wine dinner, they’re about the hospitality industry showing up for its own and doing it the best way we know how: sharing great food and a few good bottles with friends.”
Howarth said both venues had approached the collaboration with their own distinct personality and dining experiences in mind.

“Our Head Chefs, Mariana Hoff and Sofie Firman, have each designed unique menus specifically crafted to pair with some of the best wines our friends at Old Bridge Cellars have access to,” he said.
“In true Varnish form, we’re leaning into wines sourced from across the USA, while Pirate Life Perth will be embracing the Italian way of dining, where wine flows with conversation, food is served with love, and every table feels like family.โ
OLD BRIDGE CELLARS ON TOUR: STATESIDE AT VARNISH ON KING
Wednesday 17 June | 6:30pm arrival | $140pp
For more info and booking details: https://varnishonking.com/2026/05/old-bridge-on-tour-stateside/
OLD BRIDGE CELLARS ON TOUR: ITALIAN EDITION AT PIRATE LIFE PERTH
Wednesday 12 August
For more info and booking details: TBA. See socials for Old Bridge Cellars & Pirate Life Perth.
(images : supplied)



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