Wine

The Ultimate Vancouver Wine Guide: What To Buy For Your Office’s ‘White Elephant’ Xmas Gift Exchange

We asked a dozen-plus of the city's top sommeliers to share their picks with us for some very specific scenarios...including this annual seasonal challenge.

By Neal McLennan /

We asked a dozen-plus of the city’s top sommeliers to share their picks with us for some very specific scenarios…including this annual seasonal challenge.

The Scenario

It’s the office White Elephant gift exchange. The limit is $15, there’s a random BCLDB a block away and you have 10 minutes.

Sommeliers Say…

Borsao Garnacha ($15)

This bottle is from Spain. Great value, and grenache is hot right now.—Sam Jonnery, Gotham

This situation feels uncomfortably familiar. I’m making a beeline for the Spain section and grabbing Campo de Borja Borsao Garnacha for $15. Labels definitely matter in ruthless trading-and-stealing gift exchanges, and this bottle has a cool one.—Kelcie Jones, Chambar

Campo Viejo Tempranillo Rosé ($15)

Desperate times call for rosé: this one from Rioja ought to keep those jingle bells ringing.—Mireille Sauvé, Wine Umbrella

Codorniu Brut Clasico ($15)

Sparkling wine from Spain, from the Penedès region: a cava by Codorniu Brut Clasico.—Sebastien Le Goff, Cactus Club

Protea Cabernet Sauvignon ($15).

People love cabernet sauvignon. And people love repurposing wine bottles into stylish flower vases. Double-gift. You’ll be the hit of the party.—Jason Yamasaki, JOEY

Cono Sur Pinot Noir Rosé ($13 for a one-litre bottle)

Definitely won’t be regifted!—Shane Taylor, CinCin

Jaume Serra Cristalino Brut ($14)

This is one of my favourite traditional method sparkling wines. Slightly toasty with a fine, persistent bubble.—Lisa Cook, Savio Volpe

Barone Ricasoli Campo Ceni Toscana ($15).

Your coworkers will think you overspent and know so much about wine.—Colin Ross, Tuc Craft Kitchen

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