Have you ever found yourself standing baffled in a wine shop, or in the wine aisle of the liquor store, trying to figure out which bottle to pick up for dinner? Wish you could have an impromptu wine tasting before you commit to buying one? Or maybe you sampled some great wines during a winery tour on your last trip to the Okanagan Valley, but you just can’t remember what the name of it was again?

Wine Tasting with a Difference

If this sounds familiar, Firefly Fine Wines and Ales in Vancouver has the answer for you: a wine tasting machine. The wine shop offers up to eight different wines in their Enomatic for you to taste for free at your leisure. Just ask for a glass and the staff will activate the machine for you.

If you still don’t find what you’re looking for after your do-it-yourself wine tasting, just ask! The staff are very knowledgeable and always willing to offer advice if needed. And you may need it: Firefly’s selection of wines is second to none, and they stock a wide range of vintages that are not available in government liquor stores. This is truly a wine-lover’s wine shop.

For Beer-Lovers

If beer is your drink, Firefly’s got you covered. They stock hundreds of labels from all over the world, including a huge selection from Belgium. Don’t just reach for your favourite local micro brew when you enter their giant walk-in refrigerator. Experiment with a tart Belgian lambic or a hoppy Czech pilsener or a rich British porter. And their stock is always evolving, so there will likely be something new and interesting next time you visit.

If you’ve got time for a more traditional wine or beer tasting, Firefly hosts regular events. The next one is the Tour de France Wine and Cheese Tasting on August 25 from 7:00-9:00pm. For $35 you can tour various regions of France with eight different wine and cheese pairings, guided by Firefly’s sommelier Sheila, and Pekka of Benton Brothers Fine Cheese on Cambie Street. You’ll also find many more upcoming events on their website.

Firefly is located on Cambie at 12th, in the lower level of the Plaza 500 Hotel. There’s street parking only for the moment, as their regular lot is closed due to renovations at the hotel. They’re open seven days a week until 11:00pm.

Firefly Fine Wines and Ales

www.fireflyfinewinesandales.com | Twitter | Facebook
2857 Cambie Street, Vancouver

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About the Author: Lisa Corriveau

Lisa Corriveau is our East Side Contributor. When not writing, she can often be found at the park chasing her little boy, sewing clothing, cycling, reading just about anything, performing on stilts, eating chocolate or drinking craft beer. (Sometimes several of the above simultaneously.) Lisa lives car-free in East Van, with toddler, husband and a few bikes. You can also find her on her blog, The Sprog.

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