Whether you’re looking for that perfect accompaniment for a special dinner on the town, or wanting to stock up your cellar with samples from some of Canada’s best wineries, these wine boutiques offer extensive selections and friendly staff to guide you along your way.

Vancouver

Located right in the heart of the Athletes’ Village from the 2010 Winter Games, Legacy Liquor is BC’s largest privately owned vendor. Not sure which wine to choose from the hundreds available? Try one at the tasting bar or take part in a winemaker tasting. While you’re in the shop, also check out the huge selection of spirits, beer and sake.

Whistler

Whistler’s wine aficionados head to Blackcomb Liquor Store, which is run by a local sommelier. The shop stocks hard-to-find vintages from the Okanagan, as well as wine, beer and spirits from all around the world.

Halifax

Just off the waterfront boardwalk on Lower Water Street, The Bishop’s Cellar is one of Halifax’s favourite wine boutiques. The upscale wine, spirits and beer store specializes in varieties and vintages that you just won’t find elsewhere in the province. From made-in-Nova Scotia wines to rare imported vintages, there is a tremendous variety to choose from.

Winnipeg

La Boutique del Vino, located in specialty food and wine centre Piazza di Nardi, beautifully displays and carries more than 1,300 wines from around the world.  The knowledgeable staff are also able to suggest ideal food and cheese pairings conveniently found in the adjacent La Grotta Mediterranean Market.

Toronto

Throughout Ontario, the vast majority of retail wine sales occur at Liquor Control Board of Ontario stores, for the greatest selection, head to the LCBOs at 10 Scrivener Square or 2 Cooper Street, these flagship outlets stock an admirable variety of both affordable and premium vintages from winemakers in Niagara to Australia and everywhere in between.

Ottawa

Located in Little Italy, DiVino Wine Studio is a combination wine store, wine cellar, and restaurant. Small plates are complemented by an extensive Italian wine selection that serves to both educate and enhance appreciation. Try wines by the glass in tasting size, half glass, or full glass for a well-rounded experience.

Edmonton

Simply walking into deVine Wine & Spirits in its historic building in Edmonton’s Warehouse District is an experience in itself. With knowledgeable, upbeat staff, warm ambiance with dark wood fixtures, Spanish sconces and cozy lighting, deVine is known for carrying unique selections from all over the world as well as hard-to-find vintage port and single malt scotch. They also offer weekly in-store wine tastings and seminars, as well as free tastings of new products on weekends.

Calgary

What started out as a modest neighbourhood corner store, the Kensington Wine Market is now the preferred refuge for Calgary’s oenophiles. In business for nearly 20 years, the shop is stocked with exclusive labels and rare vintages, with prices that match any budget. Knowledgeable and unintimidating staff help you find what ever you need to make your dinner party a smash-hit. The shop also hosts regular tasting events and has one of the most extensive collections of single malt scotch in the city.

Canadian Rockies

Each Canadian Rockies’ town has wine boutiques with knowledgeable staff to help assist with picking the perfect wine. The Banff Wine Store has a temperature controlled specialty wine room. Jasper Liquor & Wine Store features a large selection of quality Canadian wines including Niagara reds, Okanagan whites and ice wine. Canmore Wine Merchants preview all of their wine before selling and have free Saturday tastings.