With a focus on smaller producers and making wine more accessible, siblings Paul and Jess Ghaie first opened Blackhearts & Sparrows in Melbourne 12 years ago.

Both are endlessly fascinated by wine - Paul has owned a liquor store for 21 years, and Jess worked in restaurants and wine shops in the UK before returning to Australia to go into business with her brother - and they have now expanded to seven stores, with Canberra to make eight.

"We want to be a shop where anyone can come in regardless of their knowledge or budget and walk away with a good bottle of wine. It's just about trying to make the world of interesting wine more accessible," said Paul.

As part of their Canberra expansion the siblings have brought on board new partner Tony Richardson, former head winemaker at Witchmount Estate. Tony will run the store in Canberra, and has already been getting well aquainted with the Canberra region wine scene, helping out this vintage at Clonakilla .

A visit to Canberra five years ago first set the wheels in motion for an expansion up north, with Paul impressed by the way the hospitality scene was heading.

"I think from what we've seen, we'll really complement what's going on up there. Our offering will be like the wines that are being poured at Bar Rochford or Italian and Sons and those sorts of places. It's for people who like going out and trying interesting things at a bar or restaurant," he said.

The store's offering will focus on, "small producers and people doing interesting and innovative things with wine," and there will also be a strong international selection.

"We want our shops to be little places of wonder and discovery so people can come in and not have to drink the same thing every night," said Paul.

"We like to think our long term customers go on a real journey of discovery with us in the world of wine, which is never ending."

While it's primarily a wine store, the Braddon Blackhearts and Sparrows will also stock some craft beer and smaller craft spirits.

Blackhearts & Sparrows will open in early June. Shop 15, 27 Lonsdale St, Braddon.