Issue link: http://digital.canadawide.com/i/678192
TVAN/VANCOUVER URBAN WINERY, CHRISTINE MCAVOY, VINE & HOPS WINE 26 W H AT T O E AT, D R I N K A N D TA S T E W ith more than 270 wineries (and counting) B.C.'s flourishing wine scene has earned international awards and a catchy nickname: Napa North. Five distinctive growing regions yield more than 60 varietals ranging from Chardonnay to Zweigelt. Luckily, you don't need to take a trip to the Island or the interior to taste the terroir. Here are five ways to get grapes in your glass. By Janet Gyenes Super sippers Five ways to sample B.C.'s award-winning wines The Boathouse Restaurant goes big with a selection of 50-plus B.C. bottles while newcomer Latab Wine Bar showcases smaller wineries like Bartier Bros. and Orofino. Head to Brix & Mortar for by-the-glass tastings or red and white flights. B.C. bubbles? Find a flight at UVA Wine & Cocktail Bar. 1 BELLY UP TO THE (WINE) BAR 2 DRINK FROM THE TAP Who says wine shouldn't flow freely from the tap? It does at Forage and Tap & Barrel, which pioneered the sustainable wine-on-tap service in B.C. Visit The Belgard Kitchen, where you can sample tasty taps from Vancouver Urban Winery, its Settlement Building neighbour. No corkscrew required. 4 STOCK THE CELLAR Shops such as Village Wines and Swirl Wine Store sell B.C. VQA Wines exclusively and offer free in-store tastings, often from new or little-known wineries. 3 ATTEND A FESTIVAL Compare B.C. wines to international offerings at the Vancouver International Wine Festival, one of the oldest and biggest wine events worldwide. GOOD TO KNOW: B.C. wines with the VQA (Vintners Quality Alliance) designation meet quality standards and characteristics. Plus they're 100 per cent from B.C. 1. Okanagan Crush Pad "Narrative" (red blend) 2. Summerhill "Alive" (organic white) 3. Haywire "The Bub" (sparkling) taps to try right now 3 Get the grapes-to-glass experience at Lulu Island Winery in Richmond, starting in the vineyard and finishing up with tastings of decadent ice wine. Vine & Hops Wine and Craft Beer Tours takes budding oenophiles behind the scenes at four Fraser Valley wineries. 5 TAKE A TOUR