The Ultimate Vancouver Wine Guide: Showing Off B.C.’s Best

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 royalty comes knocking.

The Situation

You’re working at a restaurant when your boss tells you that the owner of a famous Bordeaux chateau is coming for dinner and hears B.C.’s wine is surprisingly good. What do you serve her?

Sommeliers Say…

Similkameen Collective Consensus ($60)

One of the better Bordeaux blends in B.C.—Sam Jonnery, Gotham

Tantalus Old Vines Riesling ($31)

Riesling. The Bordelais do not love being challenged by outsiders, so I’m sidestepping the issue completely and picking this.—Kelcie Jones, Chambar

Painted Rock Cabernet Franc 2015 ($40) & Culmina Hypothesis 2014 ($46) 

Both are wonderful portrayals of Bordeaux from exceptional B.C. producers.—Colin Ross, Tuc Craft Kitchen

Osoyoos Larose “Le Grand Vin” 2007 (current release, $48)

Like a notable Bordeaux, this wine needs time and will absolutely reward your patience. It will offer that owner of a famous Bordeaux chateau a few hints of the familiar flavours and a few new notes to taste.—Jason Yamasaki, Joey

Blue Mountain Blanc de Blancs Reserve 2010 ($40)

The 2008 vintage of this wine stands out as possibly the single greatest B.C. wine I’ve tasted. Some very skilled grape-growing and winemaking go into this every year, and the patience shown in its release is a rarity in our market. Long live B.C. bub!—Kieran Fanning, Pepino’s

Carson Pinot Noir ($35)

I wouldn’t try to compete with Bordeaux by showing anything from B.C. made from Bordeaux varieties. Rather, I’d present her with a wine that showcases our unique terroir in a way that will knock her socks off: This pinot noir from the Naramata Bench is my go-to wine for show-off purposes.—Mireille Sauvé, Wine Umbrella