Hosea Gear and Kate Yates open Casita Wine Bar in Mooloolaba

An international rugby star and his partner have brought their dream business to life, and it’s quickly becoming the Sunshine Coast’s hottest social hub. See inside.

Casita Wine Bar owner Kate Yates in Mooloolaba. Picture: Patrick Woods.

A former New Zealand rugby star and his partner have opened a brand new, Instagram-worthy wine bar on the Sunshine Coast.

Casita, which translates from ‘little house’ or ‘little cottage’ in Spanish, is one of the newest social hubs on the Mooloolaba Esplanade after it opened in January.

Owners Kate Yates and Hosea Gear, a former All Blacks player, were inspired to open the boutique wine bar after spending around a decade living in the south of France, near the Spanish border.

Miss Yates said their time in the region led to developing a “sweet spot” for the Mediterranean, something they chose to bring to Mooloolaba after moving to the Sunshine Coast in mid-January 2020.

“We wanted to create something that reflected the Mediterranean vibe we love and miss,” she said.

Miss Yates has brought the couple’s dream business to life. Picture: Patrick Woods.

Miss Yates, who designed and project managed the creation of Casita, said she developed a love for interiors and renovating while living overseas.

After renovating their Mooloolaba house, the couple decided to create a “beautiful space” which “enhances” the Sunshine Coast lifestyle.

“It’s a very small space; it seats 30 people and I wanted it to be really beautiful, but very welcoming and homely,” she said.

Miss Yates said the idea was to create a social space for people to gather and enjoy themselves without having to sit down for a big meal.

Hosea Gear in full flight for the All Blacks. Pics Adam Head

She said she had always wanted to open a business, but the timing was never right. The couple finally decided to pursue their dream in August 2023, after feeling they and their young family had settled into the community.

Casita’s menu features Mediterranean tapas including bruschetta, fresh oysters, cheese and charcuterie boards, as well as a small curated wine list of Australian and French wines.

Soft drinks and basic spirits are also available, along with Italian coffee options and a cocktail list.

The wine bar is open Wednesday to Saturday from 2pm to 10pm, and Sunday from 1pm to 9pm.

Casita is open Wednesday-Sunday. Picture: Patrick Woods.