Beer & Wine

Vancouver’s “Greenest City 2020” initiative is a great idea. Our city leaders have started us on a path to becoming the world’s greenest city. In as little as seven years, we have a big task ahead of us and we’ve all got to pitch in if it’s going to be a reality. We’ve got to think globally and act locally, reduce our carbon footprint, reuse what we can and recycle the rest. Sustainability is the key.

As we’ve previously pointed out, Vancouver is undergoing something of a beer renaissance with 20 or so craft breweries pouring their finest suds. With so many choices out there it naturally begs the question: where can you drink the stuff??

The fourth annual Vancouver Craft Beer Week is returning from May 31 to June 8 with this year’s theme celebrating the risks and rewards of opening new craft breweries in Vancouver.

With a strong group of ingenious mixologists and vibrant restaurant scene it’s no surprise that one of Europe’s most regal brands finds Vancouver a market of interest. In fact, us British Columbians seemingly enjoy our cognac, as our provincial sales of Hennessy products at the XO level or higher is 19 per cent, which is three times the national level.

A few weeks ago we listed all the new and upcoming craft beer breweries in Vancouver. However, Vancouver isn’t the only area that is seeing explosive growth in craft breweries. In fact, many of the breweries outside of Vancouver have led the charge in craft brewing in B.C. and have won prestigious international awards for their beer.

It’s hard to believe that a little over a year ago Parallel 49 was still just a concept. In such a short time period the brewery has managed to become a household name among Vancouver beer drinkers, and consistently surprises customers with new flavour combinations each season.

At Grain Tasting Bar, the pulse of city life merges with a refined atmosphere to offer a perfect cocktail lounge formula. Rustic reclaimed wood contrasts with the room’s sleek design to craft Vancouver’s latest seasonal open-air lounge. A wall of retractable windows opens on to Burrard Street giving the cocktail crowd an alluring inside-outside mood, perfect for a business lunch or an afternoon gathering with friends.

Campaign for Real Ale Vancouver Chapter President Paddy Treavor recently met up with NPA Councillor George Affleck at Vancouver City Hall to discuss the fact that Vancouver City Council is denying the applications of many local breweries to open ‘beer lounges’ despite the provincial government green-lighting them.

While it’s not quite summer weather here in Vancouver just yet, it is time to plan those summer getaways and patio spots. My favourite wine to sip in the summer is rose: it’s refreshing, light and pairs well with a lot of different foods. This label is just beautiful if you ask me, perfect for setting the patio table on a summer’s day!