O'Briens Branches Out

At a swanky lunch held in Peacock Alley recently for award-winning Australian winemaker Michael Fragos of Tatachilla, O'Briens Fine Wines came across as a company that's going places. The owners plan to open five new retail outlets in Dublin soon, bringing the total to 18. Most of the existing premises have already been given a rejuvenating facelift. The next step will be to go countrywide. And O'Briens has appointed Tom Whelehan, one of the best palates in the country, as director of wine. No better man to identify quality at every price level. Keep an eye out for interesting new bottles - and new shops.