If you are looking for a unique wining and dining experience, look no further than the Settlement Building in Railtown. Built in 1923, this converted 7,700 sq-ft warehouse has been transformed into a winery, brewery and eatery, in a brand collective known as the Vancouver Urban Winery.
The company opened in 2012, and has seen huge success since. Starting out as a wine producer, they now boast a full restaurant called the Belgard Kitchen and a brewery to boot, making it the only business of its kind in the city.
“We are the only manufacturer that has an on-premise production brewery and on-premise production winery,” explains Kate Marshall, the general manager. “When you come here you drink wine from Vancouver Urban Winery, you eat food from Belgard Kitchen and you drink beer from Postmark Brewing.”
Kate thinks the uniqueness of the building is another reason for its popularity. With 24-ft ceilings, exposed wood beams, a stone fireplace and 12-ft hand-carved doors, the space definitely offers you a feast for your eyes. Add to that a well-rounded menu designed by veteran chef/partner, Reuben Major, and it’s no wonder they have become a neighbourhood favourite.
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Railtown’s resident winery’s taps flow with more than 30 different wines – some in-house brands, and others hailing from throughout the province. Known for their educated staff as much as their artfully shabby-chic decor, this boutique winery shares space with Belgard Kitchen and Postmark Brewing in the historic Settlement Building, which means their tasting room triples as an all-purpose pub; one can order wines by the glass as well as craft beer, brunch, lunch and dinner, all under one roof.
View this Smart ListVancouver Urban Winery’s Sunday school is nothing like the Sunday school of your childhood. Join fellow grape enthusiasts for a laidback-but-informative instructional session on all things vino. Hosted by sommeliers David Stansfield and Lisa Cook, these two-hour classes include "a little education and a lot of wine." Workshops are offered once a month and are $40 per person to attend.
View this Smart ListHip, sophisticated and set in a gorgeous heritage building, Vancouver Urban Winery is the perfect place to test your culinary compatibility. Small plates are ideal for sharing, so embark on your first round of mutual decision-making and opt for four or five plates between the two of you. Their FreshTap system of wines means wines by the glass are ripe for the tasting (try a flight or just go glass by glass), always a good lubricant for the first-date jitters.
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