The Dan Murphy's Story
"Dan Murphy's was founded not only to enable you to obtain your liquor more cheaply but also to help you enjoy life in an atmosphere mainly concerned with wine; to instruct, to advise and to co-operate with you in any way you wish."
- Dan Murphy, September 1958
The business began when the young, ambitious Dan Murphy leased a licensed grocery store at 290 Chapel Street, Prahran, Melbourne, in 1952. It was less than a kilometre from, and deliberately in competition with, the business run by Dan’s father, Timothy, known as T.J. or Ted Murphy, on Commercial Road. Dan Murphy claimed the Murphy name has been synonymous with liquor retailing since his grandfather, Daniel Murphy, established a business in 1878 and, using that date in the marketing of his new venture, he began trading his life’s passion—fine wine.
Dan immediately began doing things differently. He bought in bulk and sourced many of his wines directly from overseas. He wrote stories and reviews about his wines, he held social functions and started a wine club. Dan Murphy’s retail concept was simple: offer the most extensive range at the lowest prices possible; add a passionate enthusiasm for what you sell, and you’ve got an unbeatable offer.
That's the Dan Murphy tradition that continues today in over 200 stores around Australia.
If you have never been to a Dan Murphy’s store, you are in for a rewarding experience. Simply, you will find the largest liquor range in Australia. Over 4000 different wines: local, imported, old, and rare... we cater for all tastes. We also have more varieties of beers, including craft and international, and spirits than most bottle shops. And to top it all off, we offer Australia’s Lowest Liquor Price Guarantee.
Our history
As far back as 1878, the Murphy name had been synonymous with liquor retailing in Victoria. Now it is a name known for revolutionising the way liquor is sold in Australia.
Dan Murphy's passion for wine was all-consuming. His many roles in the wine industry included wine journalist, vigneron and founder of Australia’s earliest wine club. Mr. Murphy was one of the first importers of wine to Australia and a great supporter of our growing wine industry. He was also a friend to many industry figures who have now assumed legendary status such as Maurice O’Shea and Max Schubert, the father of Grange.
If we don't stock it, who does?
Each of our stores carries over 3,500 products including hundreds of spirits and beers, and of course, thousands of wines as well as over 7,500 products available here online. We stock cellar release wines and directly import wines and other liquor products from around the globe. Whatever you’re looking for, whether it's tried and true, innovative or unusual, you'll find it at Dan Murphy's.
Customer service par excellence
With such a large liquor range, it is Dan Murphy’s staff that makes your shopping experience easy and enjoyable. It is imperative to have people who are extremely well versed in the whole range of liquor categories with a special emphasis on regional knowledge, food and wine matching, and cellaring. That's why Dan Murphy's has a very knowledgeable team in every store, many with professional winemaking experience, selected for their passion and expertise.
In every store, you will also find an experienced Product Expert, ably supported with dedicated staff, all with the knowledge that they love to share. They are ready to help you find the perfect wine, spirit or beer for every occasion and suited to your budget.
Updated: 28th January 2021
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