Dave Verheul

In 2013, with experience garnered in his native New Zealand and overseas, Dave Verheul moved to Melbourne to open The Town Mouse with business partner Christian McCabe, accumulating a loyal local following and widespread critical acclaim.

A second hotly anticipated Melbourne venue, Embla, followed for the duo in December 2015. Located in Melbourne’s CBD, the natural wine bar serves produce-driven small plates from a wood-fired oven and grill, receiving a slew of awards and quickly becoming a Melburnian institution.

Verheul started Saison Aperitifs in 2020. Saison specialises in high-end seasonal vermouth and amari, poured in Australia’s best bars and restaurants, and now distributed in six countries.

Firmly established as a leading chef and winemaker within the Australian culinary world, Verheul’s approach celebrates the integrity of produce, with a distinctive style characterised by thought, detail, balance, and purity of flavour.