Faces of Fish Lane – Eleanor Cappa of Maeve Wine

Our Faces of Fish Lane series gives readers the opportunity to learn more about the people who make Fish Lane the eclectic cultural and foodie hub that it is today!

Maeve Wine opened its doors in 2019, boasting a continental-inspired menu, a focus on diverse European and Australian wines, and a chic fit-out in the heritage-listed Queensland National Bank building on the corner of Melbourne and Grey Streets.

Co-owner Eleanor Cappa had long been a fan of the historic building that Maeve calls home, walking past it frequently as a teenager. Eleanor (literally) has wine in her blood, coming from a family of restaurateurs, winemakers and wine collectors. Her Italian father introduced the first taste of European wine to her mother’s large Irish-Catholic family in the ’70s, and they’ve never looked back! 

When asked what her favourite thing on the menu at Maeve is, Eleanor couldn’t choose just one. “At the moment I’m hankering for our charred giant Skull Island tiger prawn and a glass of the Artium sparkling from the Adelaide Hills. But as it gets colder I feel more and more like a red wine, and love our hanger steak with a glass of Brave New Wine’s structured yet juicy tempranillo shiraz blend from WA.” 

A lover of Fish Lane and its eateries, Eleanor enjoys heading to La Lune Wine Co, not only for its fantastic wines and eats, but for owners Bailee and Paul’s exceptional service. When she feels like a toastie and a sake, you can expect to see Eleanor at Maker, or Hoo Ha Coffee Bar for brew on the go.

When it comes to the artwork of Fish Lane, Eleanor has her head in the clouds! “Something resonates with me about Fintan Magee’s giant mural of a person with their head in a swirl of clothing. I grew up in West End so I’ve seen the de-industrialisation of the South Brisbane area first-hand and I think this captures that transition. I’ve also been known to have my head in the clouds at times!” You can see the artwork for yourself at 70 Hope Street. 

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