Fun Stuff

Welcome to Local Good Friends, our series celebrating the people, places and businesses that make Western Australia such a special place to live, work and explore.

This edition takes us to Copper & Oak Liquor Merchants, an independently owned bottle shop that has become one of WA's most respected destinations for craft beer, wine and spirits. Founded by brothers Jose and Nelio Pestana, Copper & Oak has been proudly supporting independent producers, including Eagle Bay Brewing Co., for more than a decade.

We've proudly been stocked by Copper & Oak since 2014, and since 2022 we've collaborated each year on our much-loved Oaked Vienna Lager.

We caught up with Jose and Nelio to learn more about the story behind Copper & Oak and what makes independent retail so special.

A Family Business Built on Passion

For Jose and Nelio, Copper & Oak has always been about more than selling great drinks.

It's about creating a welcoming place where people can discover something new.

Jose has spent more than 30 years working in liquor retail, beginning his career in South Africa before moving to Australia.

When it came time to create their own business, they wanted a name that reflected everything they loved about the industry.

"Copper represents distilling, while oak represents the barrels used for wine and beer. The two just fit perfectly together."

Today, the brothers operate two stores, one in Tuart Hill and the other in Guildford, each known for carefully curated shelves and knowledgeable service.

More Than a Bottle Shop

Walk into Copper & Oak and you'll quickly notice it's different.

Every beer, wine and spirit has been thoughtfully selected and carefully positioned.

Browsing the shelves feels less like visiting a bottle shop and more like wandering through an independent bookshop where every recommendation has been personally chosen.

Jose believes the experience starts the moment someone walks through the door.

"My first job is to welcome people. Everything else comes after that."

Whether customers are searching for something familiar or looking for the perfect gift, the team takes pride in helping people find exactly the right bottle.

Celebrating Independent Producers

Supporting local breweries, wineries and distilleries has always been central to Copper & Oak's philosophy.

The team embraces new producers while continuing to celebrate the classics, creating a range that reflects both tradition and innovation.

One of their greatest rewards comes when customers return to share how much someone loved a recommendation.

"That's the hero moment for us."

Knowing they've helped create a memorable experience is what keeps them passionate about what they do.

A Partnership with Eagle Bay

Copper & Oak has proudly stocked Eagle Bay Brewing Co. since 2014.

Over the years, the relationship has grown beyond simply selling beer.

Since 2022, we've worked together each year to create our collaborative Oaked Vienna Lager, brewed using French oak sourced through Copper & Oak.

For Jose, the connection has always been about the people behind the brewery.

"I always talk about Eagle Bay as a farm. A farm is about people and family."

Meeting the brewing team and spending time together during brew days only strengthened that connection.

"It's those relationships that really bring the brand to life."

Favourite Eagle Bay Beers

When asked to choose a favourite Eagle Bay beer, both brothers smiled.

The answer came quickly.

Jose's pick
The Oaked Vienna Lager, although he admits every Eagle Bay beer has its own moment.

Nelio's pick
The Oaked Vienna Lager is impossible to go past.

From the core range?

"Kolsch every day of the week. It's beautifully clean with just the right amount happening."

Visit Copper & Oak

Whether you're searching for your next favourite craft beer, a special bottle of wine or the perfect gift, Copper & Oak offers one of Western Australia's best independent liquor experiences.

You can find our annual Oaked Vienna Lager in-store at both Copper & Oak locations and, when available, at Eagle Bay Brewing Co.

We're proud to call Jose, Nelio and the Copper & Oak team some of our Local Good Friends.