The Somm Series Edition 6: Emma Ferguson
07|11|2024
Welcome back to The Somm Series, a celebration of food pairings with Idée Fixe from iconic restaurants, as selected by leading sommeliers around Australia. In our 6th edition, we catch up with Emma Ferguson at Fremantle’s Vin Populi.
If you haven’t experienced all that Vin Populi has to offer, think ‘La Dolce Vita’. Located in the iconic Owston Buildings on High Street, this Italian-inspired haven offers a selection of irresistible antipasti, handmade pastas, and a wine list that spans Italy from north to south, complemented by local Western Australian favourites.
“It was so exciting to see such a beautiful Margaret River Sparkling. Idée Fixe really shows the world how delightful wines from the South West can be.“
– Emma Ferguson, Vin Populi
Vin Populi, brought to life by Emma and her partner Dan (also of Balthazar and No Mafia fame), radiates Italian charm and effortless warmth, made even richer with thoughtful design touches by local Fremantle studio Rezen. The restaurant is a feast for the senses, with vibrant finishes and materials that add character to the warm, inviting space. It’s the perfect setting for anything from leisurely weekend lunches to intimate dinners or celebratory gatherings with friends and family.
“Blanc de Blanc – Agnolotti. A match made in heaven. Beautiful buttery flavours combine to sing perfectly in your mouth. Our house made Agnolotti is a signature at Vin Pop – made with a mouth-watering combination of cheese and potato. Perfect pillows bursting with flavour washed down with a crisp and flinty glass of Idée Fixe Premier Brut.”
– Emma Ferguson, Vin Populi
When it comes to food and wine pairing Emma suggests, “Be adventurous – if your heart says yes then let your mouth and nose explore it!” For The Somm Series, Emma chose two special pairings from Vin Populi’s menu to enjoy with Idée Fixe. Emma recommends the Brut Rosé with the Wagyu Breasola and the Premier Brut to pair with the Agnolotti.
“Brut Rosé – Wagyu Breasola. This match is so delightful! Think summer afternoons & seaside southern Italy. This beautiful air dried West Aussie Wagyu Beef is made specially for Vin Populi. Divine in the afternoon whilst sipping a gorgeous glass of Idée Fixe Brut Rosé.”
– Emma Ferguson, Vin Populi
Dive into our full interview with Emma Ferguson as she shares her journey in hospitality, the inspiration behind Vin Populi, and insights into crafting the perfect food and wine pairings with Idée Fixe.
Discover our full interview with Emma Ferguson.
You and your partner Dan have three incredibly unique and successful venues dotted throughout Perth – have you always wanted to work in hospitality – how did you get here and where did it all begin for you Emma?
Thank you, I’ve always loved working with people. I’ve been in hospitality since I was 14 and naturally always gravitated towards working with people and training. My first real hospo gig was making cocktails in Edinburgh, I loved it! Creating and inspiring people with drinks. As I got older, my love for wine really started to take over and I headed south to Margs for a couple of years, then eventually back to Perth where I worked at Il Lido back in the day, when there were only a few really great wine venues.
Vin Populi is an incredible space, so much thought has gone into creating distinct spaces within the one venue using different materials, textures, finishes and details. What it was like working with Rezen Studio from the initial idea/ concept to actualisation?
Working with Rezen was a real pleasure. We all had the same vision and were so fortunate to be working with a beautiful space and restaurant that had been there for so long (previously Roma Cucina).
What are 3 words you would use to describe Vin Populi in a nutshell to someone who has never been before?
La Dolce Vita
How would you describe food offering at Vin Populi?
Classic Italian favourites, sexy antipasti and great pasta dishes
Can you tell us a little bit more about the Vin Populi winelist.
A love letter to Italy, all the regions from North to South. West Aussie favs.
Has Vin Populi provided you with new opportunities from a food and beverage point of view compared to your other venues?
Vin Populi was so fun, I love Italian Wines, from all 20 regions, so it was a delight! It was also so much fun writing the list with Dan (my partner) and Sil (our amazing venue manager) because we had all worked together for so many years, we all had the same ideas for the list and had a great time putting it together.
Can you recall your first encounter with Idée Fixe – what was your initial impression of the wine?
It was so exciting to see such a beautiful Margaret River Sparkling. Idée Fixe really shows the world how delightful wines from the South West can be.
What have you chosen to pair with Idée Fixe – tell us in a few words why you chose these two pairings and how they work together?
Brut Rosé – Wagyu Breasola. This match is so delightful! Think summer afternoons & seaside southern Italy. This Beautiful Air Dried West Aussie Wagyu Beef is made specially for Vin Populi. Divine in the afternoon whilst sipping a gorgeous glass of Idée Fixe Brut Rosé.
Blanc de Blanc – Agnolotti. A match made in heaven. Beautiful buttery flavours combine to sing perfectly in your mouth. Our house made Agnolotti is a signature at Vin Pop – made with a mouthwatering combination of Cheese and Potato. Perfect pillows bursting with flavour washed down with a crisp and flinty glass of Idée Fixe Premier Brut.
Do you have any general tips when choosing food and wine pairings?
Be adventurous – if your heart says yes then let your mouth and nose explore it!
What do you love most about working in the hospo/wine/food industry?
People! And flavours and combing the two – showcasing exciting new flavours to people looking to explore in culinary delights.
If you could give one piece of advice to someone starting out in the industry, what would it be?
Do whatever it takes to stay positive. Try not to focus on the bad vibes and spend all of your energy focusing on the good vibes!
Outside of your venues, where will you be eating and drinking this summer?
Madelenas, Il Lido, Vinotto, Wines of While, Mayfair Lane, Monstarella, Besk
VIN POPULI is located at 9 – 13 High Street, Fremantle. For bookings and more, visit vinpopuli.com.au or @vinpopuli