The Ultimate Vancouver Wine Guide: Cheap-But-Cool Bottles for a Hipster Wedding

We asked a dozen-plus of the city’s top sommeliers to share their picks with us for some very specific scenarios…including what to do if your friends are broke snobs.

The Situation

Your hipster friends are getting married in a hall in East Van. The theme, as always, is Wes Anderson. And they’re both snobs and broke, and you’re in charge of choosing a red and a white for the reception. You must stay under $17 but not be a sellout.

Sommeliers Say…

Renacer Punto Final Malbec ($15) & Callia Alta Torrontes ($13)

Argentina is one of the better values out there.—Sebastian LeGoff, Cactus Club

Summerhill Pyramid Winery Alive ($18.49)

The only drinks I remember in Wes Anderson films were Campari and Caesars, but barring that, Summerhill Pyramid Winery Alive comes in both red and white and is vegan and organic. I’m slightly over budget at $18.49 a bottle, but I feel like Stephen Cipes (the very on-brand proprietor of the winery) could probably officiate the ceremony and we might be even.—Kelcia Jones, Chambar

Quinta do Ameal Vinho Verde ($17) & Rafael Cambra “Soplo” Garnacha ($16)

There is so much incredible value to be found in Portugal and Spain. Quinta do Ameal Vinho Verde is an exceptional white—very youthful, floral with citrus notes. Rafael Cambra “Soplo” Garnacha is bright with notes of red fruit, dusty earth and vibrant acidity.—Lisa Cook, Savio Volpe

Ormarine Picpoul de Pinet ($17) & Cusumano Nero d’Avola ($16)

I’m so old that I had to look up Wes Anderson. Ormarine Picpoul de Pinet from the Languedoc region of France will wow the hipsters as a white, while Cusumano Nero d’Avola  from Sicily will rock the red.—Mireille Suavé, Wine Umbrella

The Bargain Hipster Champ: Campo de Borja Borsao Garnacha ($15)

Recommended by Sebastien Le Goff, Iori Kataoka (Yuwa), and Jason Yamasaki (JOEY)

We’ll be adding to our Ultimate Vancouver Wine Guide over the next few months… follow along with somms’ top picks here!