Vancouver Urban Winery

In the past, I've written about a few places that weren't really pubs.  Tonight, I'm going to be stretching the definition of pub past it's breaking point.  I don't particularly care, though.  This place is awesome, and I want to write about it.  I'm talking about the Vancouver Urban Winery.  The coolest place you never knew existed.

The Vancouver Urban winery is situated in an often overlooked little neighbourhood just East of Gastown.  Past the boundaries of Vancouver's hippest enclave, and just North of some of the sketchiest parts of the Downtown East Side, is an area no one really explores.  Why should they?  There's nothing but warehouses, and residences.  One of those warehouses has been refurbished as a winery.  They do a little bit of everything wine related.  They make wine for The Roaring Twenties Wine Co.  They sell, and distribute wine for producers all over the province.  They house a company called FreshTAP that's dedicated to bringing on-tap wine to bars and restaurants all across the country.  A lot of people give a look of disgust when they hear the words "wine on tap" but I think that's an old fashioned attitude.  Like corks, (which are finally starting to be phased out,) wine as bottle only product is a result of a misplaced sense of propriety.  The idea that to serve wine any other way would be wrong.  This attitude is changing, and if popular Vancouver area wine writer, Jurgen Gothe can get on board with wine on tap, who am I to argue.

It's wine taps which make this place special.  They have a tasting bar with dozens of taps.  Each of which pours a different, delicious, (and very affordable,) wine.  I was blown away by everything I tasted, and at an average of $5 a glass, it's a good way to over-indulge for the budget conscious.  It's also visually gorgeous.  The whole space is one massive room. Barrels and aluminum tanks line the walls.  There is a big, ornate fireplace, surrounded by a few easy chairs, and long tables for those not lucky enough to grab a softer spot.  

Accessing the bar is a little more difficult.  As this place is primarily a winery, they don't generally cater to the bar-hopping crowd.  A few times a month, they open what they call a pop-up bar, and their big, beautiful room is open to the public for the evening.  When I went it was an open-mic night.  The place was absolutely packed.  There was some real talent too, the audience was treated to some amazing voices (and one terrible rapper).  There is food, but it's mostly small snacks designed to highlight the wine.  Have a proper meal before hitting the winery.  I will most definitely be heading back.

Vancouver Urban Winery