Vancouver
Uncorked
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by Tourism VancouverVancouverites
have had a growing love affair with wine for decades, fuelled by the
ever-increasing quality of regionally produced tipples from the Okanagan, as
well as a clutch of emerging wineries located on Vancouver Island and in the
Fraser Valley. While local liquor stores have worked hard to educate the locals
about the great wines produced on their doorstep, events like the long-standing
Vancouver Playhouse International Wine Festival have fostered a
sophisticated palate among the city's wine quaffers. But wine is not the only
drink of choice in the Lower Mainland - there are several celebrated regional
beer makers here as well as a growing interest in sake sampling.
B.C.'s Burgeoning Wines
The
majority of the province's 131 wineries and 2,000 hectares (5,000 acres) of wine
country is located in the Okanagan Valley, a dry, near-desert region 400
kilometres (250 miles) inland from Vancouver. Initially focussing on
Germanic-style wines, producers such as Quail's Gate, Mission Hill and Sumac
Ridge now focus their energies on popular whites like chardonnay and pinot gris
as well as reds like merlot and pinot noir. Perhaps the region's most famous
libation is Icewine, a sweet dessert wine produced from grapes frozen on the
vine. For more information on the region's wine industry, visit
the BC Wine Institute.
Regional Beers
B.C.
is one of North America's leading craft brewing beer makers, with distinctive,
lip-smacking beverages in production at small facilities across the province -
many of these beers are available at bars throughout Vancouver. Next time you're
in a city pub, ask for a regional brew: you might find yourself enjoying a
concoction from Crannog Ales, Nelson Brewing, Phillips Brewing or Storm Brewing.
For a really local beer, try a Honey Lager or Maple Cream Ale from Granville
Island Brewing. This Vancouver beer maker's products are available on tap around
the city - or you can head to its facility on Granville Island for a brewery
tour. Several city bars also produce their own beer on site, including
Steamworks and
The Yaletown Brewing Company.
Where To Buy
The distribution and sale of alcohol, wine, beer and spirits
in Vancouver is regulated by the B.C. Liquor Distribution Branch, which sells to
consumers through its own stores. There are also a few private wine and beer
shops dotted around the city. The flagship store - one of the largest liquor
outlets in Canada - is at 5555 Cambie Street, a 15-minute drive from the
downtown core. It contains more than 3,000 different choices. For more
information on what's available and where to buy, visit the
BC Liquor Stores website.
