Photo: Sunshine Coast News
Rugby legend Hosea Gear has a new passion: wine, which is on show at his new Sunshine Coast wine bar, Casita.
Known to most for his time in the black jersey, former All Black Hosea Gear has now directed his attention from rugby to hospitality. The suburb of Mooloolaba along Queensland’s Sunshine Coast became the ideal setting for Gear, his partner Kate, and their new wine bar, Casita.
Translated to ‘little house’ in Spanish, Casita is located only 100 metres from the beach, surrounded by curved arches, limewashed walls, and small tables with wrought-iron seats. Since opening in January this year, Casita has quickly become one of the most popular watering holes for locals and tourists alike.
Since growing up in Gisborne, Gear donned the black jersey 14 times between 2008 and 2012, before switching to the Toulouse club in France. He knew that he would eventually settle down in Australia, which happened in 2020. Gear said he wanted to bring with him everything the couple loved about the Mediterranean.
Initially focussed on Sydney, the pair took a road trip from the hustle and bustle of New South Wales’ metro area to Queensland’s south-east coast line, stopping off at most of the beach communities along the way.
In search for the perfect location, the pair eventually decided that Mooloolaba was the ideal spot for them.
Since then, the couple have enjoyed the transition from rugby to wine. While Gear’s career change has been vastly different, he still remains in touch with his passion for rugby, having taken on the role of coach for Sunshine Coast Grammar School’s team.
To make sure their menu was authentic, the couple sought advice from an Italian chef who fueled inspiration through artisanal Mediterranean charcuterie boards. A selection of Mediterranean, New Zealand and Australian wines are showcased on the menu, offering a range of styles and flavours.
Although small, Casita already has plans for expansion. The couple purchased the next-door property with an outlined plan to introduce a Mediterranean restaurant to pair with the wine bar.
More news here.
