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SHELF
by janet davie
Pick your poison and enjoy a well-crafted drink at
one of Calgary’s atmospheric bars and lounges
Choose a bold red at Kensington Wine Bar
50
THE ESSENTIAL CALGARY 2015/16
PHOTOGRAPHS: BY JANET DAVIE
Wine
If wine is your vice, head over to Vin Room at either of their two locations. Vin Room
offers more than 111 varieties of wine by the glass, and ten percent of their wines are
exclusive and cannot be found anywhere else in the city—ask for a Paul and Philippe Zinck
Pinot Grois or Penfolds St. Henri Shiraz if you want something unique. “We seek boutique,
small-batch wineries,” says proprietor Pheobe Fung, “We look for the best wines of the best
regions. One can travel the world by coming in and trying our selection.” If you’re feeling
overwhelmed by the selection, Fung recommends the Wine Flight, which consists of three
2 oz varieties of wine and is tailor made for each customers’ specific tastes.
Vin Room offers the luxurious experience of renting out their wine cellar for anything
from an intimate, romantic dinner for two to a party for 24 people, led by a sommelier.
You needn’t worry about having too much to drink to get home safely, as Vin Room
has partnered with We DD, a local company that will drive you and your car home
at the end of the night. “I want people to come here and enjoy,” says Fung, “when you
come to the Vin Room, you come to have a good time.”
Another good spot to sip is Kensington Wine Bar, a cozy spot that has been a
neighborhood favourite for years. They are, of course, known for their thoughtfully curated
selection of wines. “We seek to find great wine from lesser known, boutique-style places,”
says general manager Sara Corbeil. “We like to work with farmers who are making an effort
to maintain sustainable wineries.” Unique labels include Ochota Barrels, a surf-inspired
wine hailing from Adelaide Hills in Australia. If you’re looking to get cozy over a glass of
wine —and we recommend sitting in front of the flickering fireplace—choose the Clos
de Tafall, a Spanish Priorat Red, which is full-bodied, perfect for the cooler months. If
you’re not sure what you want, Kensington Wine Bar’s staff is both knowledgeable and
approachable, catering to different tastes and desires.