Zoe and Luke Brummell’s first date was spent eating picnic food off the top of an esky lid, with nowhere to place their wine glasses and Champagne bottle.
While the setting was romantic – and good enough that the NSW-based pair are now married with two children – this conundrum propelled them to make a portable grazing board they could transport on the go.
‘I asked Luke to design and make me a grazing platter board with a bottle holder and glass holders. After posting photos to social media, friends and family wanted to buy one from us,’ Zoe, 38, told FEMAIL.
Zoe and Luke Brummell run Sip ‘n Graze, which provides grazing boards and tables to lovers of camping and picnics in Australia and overseas
In April 2018 the unique idea became a business called Sip ‘n Graze, with Zoe taking the helm as chief woodwork operator, despite never having worked with timber before
In April 2018 the unique idea became a business called Sip ‘n Graze, with Zoe taking the helm as chief woodwork operator, despite never having worked with timber before.
Luke, 40, is a fitter machinist and Zoe’s father is a builder who has all the necessary equipment required to build a sturdy board, so they were able to teach the mother-of-two how to make the products herself.
‘It’s pretty cool a woman with no woodwork experience has learnt to make all these products, be successful and run a business selling handcrafted timber products,’ she mused.
While grazing tables are fast becoming a popular commodity, Sip ‘n Graze sets themselves apart by offering personalised engravings and messages for the boards
They sell different boards for various needs, like the ‘entertainer’ with two beer slots, two wine glass holders and a bottle holder for $120 and even a bath caddy for $95
While grazing tables are fast becoming a popular commodity, Sip ‘n Graze sets themselves apart by offering personalised engravings and messages for the boards, providing room for beer holders and offering custom made services.
They sell different boards for various needs, like the ‘entertainer’ with two beer slots, two wine glass holders and a bottle holder for $120 and even a bath caddy for $95.
There is also the choice of a 1.8m table which can be pulled apart into three separate sections for easy transport.
‘The “camper” we invented is our best seller,’ Zoe said of the foldable table that holds four wine glasses, a bottle and two beer cans, along with snacks and treats.
While Luke still works full-time he does help assemble the tables where needed, while Zoe takes enquiries, makes the products and posts them off while juggling her growing family
There is also a choice of 1.8m table which can be pulled apart into three separate sections for easy transport
‘We launched it in November 2018 and its been very popular, especially among caravaners and campers. We’ve sold hundreds Australia wide with tables going to Denmark and even a winery in France.’
While Luke still works full-time he does help assemble the tables where needed, while Zoe takes enquiries, makes the products and posts them off while juggling her growing family.
When it comes to making a delicious grazing board she recommends decking out your space with cheeses, shaved meats, biscuits, breadsticks, nuts, dried fruit, fresh fruit, dips and even chocolate for some added sweetness.
‘To stop the flies from getting to it we sell food cover throws as well,’ Zoe said
‘To stop the flies from getting to it we sell food cover throws as well,’ Zoe said.
Customers are leaving five-star reviews on the company website, and constantly talking about how stable and beautifully made they are.
‘We have numerous customers who just keep buying them as gifts. It’s lovely to know our products are so popular and well received,’ she said.
You can find out more by visiting the Sip ‘n Graze website and Instagram page.