Unwind with a glass of vino at these Victoria wine bars

From the Okanagan vineyards of B.C. to the rolling hills of France, sip your way around the wine regions of the world at these local hot spots. Whether it’s Chardonnay or Pinot Noir that you prefer, you’re sure to find a wine that you won’t soon forget.

By Jessica Doyle

Stage Wine Bar Ltd

1

1307 Gladstone Ave, Victoria, BC V8R 1R9

• Phone Number
  • 250-388-4222Primary
• Directions

Nestled in the heart of Fernwood, just steps away from the historic Belfry Theater, Stage is an intimate small-plates wine bar that has truly mastered the pairing of regional and international wines with local dishes made for sharing. Friendly and knowledgeable staff will help you build your own wine flight to match your menu choices.

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Zambri's

2

820 Yates St, Victoria, BC V8W 1L8

• Phone Number
  • 250-360-1171Primary
• Directions
• Menu

Arguably the best Italian restaurant on Vancouver Island, Zambri’s is as much about the wine as it is about the pasta. Their in-house sommelier has created an award-winning wine program that celebrates each unique region of Italy, and the educated staff are well-equipped to make the perfect recommendation.

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Perro Negro

3

536 Yates St, Victoria, BC V8W 1K8

• Phone Number
  • 250-382-2344Primary
• Directions

Tucked away on the top floor of a rustic heritage building, Perro Negro is the perfect escape. Unwind with friends over a bottle of your favourite red and a tasty spread of inventive Spanish tapas plates. On Thursdays, glasses of wine are just $4 all night long. At that price, it’d be crime not to indulge.

This business is featured in the following Smart Lists:

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Veneto Tapa Lounge

4

1450 Douglas St, Victoria, BC V8W 2G1

• Phone Number
  • 250-383-7310Primary
• Directions
• Menu

Sleek and sophisticated, this downtown bar houses large tables, cozy booths and a live DJ. The perfect destination for girl’s night out, Vento offers a variety of wines from around the world and is one of the only bars to serve wine flights. Explore your palate as you sip your way from a dry white to a bold red.

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Little Jumbo Restaurant & Bar

5

102-506 Fort St, Victoria, BC V8W 1E6

• Phone Number
  • 778-433-5535Primary
• Directions
• Menu

Reminiscent of a 1920s speakeasy, Little Jumbo is a dark and elegant hideaway serving the best that B.C. vineyards have to offer. Bring your colleagues for post-work happy hour (daily from 4:00 to 5:30 pm) or tuck away at the bar for a romantic late-night sip with a date.

This business is featured in the following Smart Lists:

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Canoe Brewpub

6

450 Swift St, Victoria, BC V8W 1S3

• Reserve
• Phone Number
  • 250-361-1940Primary
• Directions

In 1894 it housed generators for the city’s electric street lighting. Today, the magnificent brick building on Victoria’s waterfront is a popular brewpub known for its charismatic staff, live music and local food. Wine-lovers won’t want to miss Tuesdays at Canoe, when wine is $3 off when ordered by the glass, $6 off by the half-litre and $9 off by the bottle.

This business is featured in the following Smart Lists:

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Catalano Restaurant & Cicchetti Bar

7

619 Courtney St, Victoria, BC V8W 1B7

• Phone Number
  • 250-480-1824Primary
• Directions

Located in the beautiful Magnolia Hotel just steps away from the bustling inner harbour, this Venetian inspired bar boasts a sophisticated wine list primarily featuring European bottles to be enjoyed with an array of cicchetti. Celebrating a special occasion? There’s an impressive international list of bubbly just waiting to be popped.

This business is featured in the following Smart Lists:

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Tapa Bar

8

616 Trounce Alley, Victoria, BC V8W 1K3

• Phone Number
  • 250-383-0013Primary
• Directions
• Menu

Located in historic Trounce Alley, this Mediterranean gem is a favourite with locals for its energetic atmosphere. Wines are mostly Spanish or local, and pair well with the delicious small plates on offer. Enjoy bottles of wine at a discount on Wine Wednesdays, or stop in for Sangria Sunday to share a pitcher of fruit-filled wine with friends.

This business is featured in the following Smart Lists:

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Brasserie L'Ecole

9

1715 Government St, Victoria, BC V8W 1Z4

• Phone Number
  • 250-475-6260Primary
• Directions
• Menu

Fans of Bordeaux, Burgundy, Beaujolais and Champagne will love the expansive wine list at this award-winning bistro. Pull a stool up to the candlelit bar and drink your way through the world-renowned wine regions of France. The experienced staff will happily share their impeccable recommendations.

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Bodega

10

1210 Broad St, Victoria, BC V8W 2A5

• Phone Number
  • 778-406-1210Primary
• Directions

It’s a centuries-old Spanish tradition to drink sherry with small bites (or pintxos) and so naturally it’s the wine of choice at this authentic tapas joint. Bodega offers an extensive list of sherry wines and a creative assortment of sherry cocktails perfect for pairing with prawn ceviche or stuffed piquillo peppers and braised short ribs. If sherry is not your thing, there’s plenty of red and white to be had.

This business is featured in the following Smart Lists:

• Tapas time: Small bites and sharing plates shine in Victoria

More from Jessica Doyle

Jessica is a content marketing specialist living in Victoria where she covers the city’s best eats, drinks, and shops on her lifestyle blog {OH} Victoria. Her weekends are spent in pursuit of good coffee and farm-to-table brunch, and almost always include yoga and a bike ride to the beach.

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