September 9, 2010 [Vancouver, BC]
Do you have a beer budget but Burgundian taste? Well, you're not alone. Nor are you not buying good wine.
Despite economic downturn, wine retailers enjoy growth as the wine culture thrives at shops such as Vancouver’s Marquis Wine Cellars.
Tough times call for tough measures, but in this economy consumers aren't cutting corners on the price and quality of what they drink. Retail figures show that while the sales of beer and coolers are down, B.C. consumers are markedly buying more wine and spirits. Sales statistics released by the BCLDB (June 2009 – June 2010) indicate a 1.6 per cent rise in wine consumption despite a reduction in alcoholic beverage sales in the overall B.C. market.
At Vancouver`s leading private wine store, Marquis Wine Cellars, owner John Clerides reports that in the same time period (June 2009 – June 2010), his store’s sales grew by 12.2 per cent. Also, he reports that overall sales in 2010 have been growing an average of 11 per cent per month.
These figures illustrate that even in tough times, people are investing in wine, and British Columbia’s wine culture is alive and well.
“Our store has been embraced by wine lovers because of the hands-on service and unique selection,” says Clerides. “I think we have been able to weather the economic storm because we are advocates for the customer, not selling agents for the supplier.”
Highlighting this approach is the upcoming visit of international wine critic Allen Meadows. He is a superstar in the wine community for his knowledge on Burgundy. Affectionately called "the Burghound,” Meadows will be in Vancouver to host special tastings focusing on Burgundy with Marquis Wine Cellars. Because of his relationship with Clerides, Meadows has chosen to visit Vancouver’s wine-savvy community.
Clerides visits Burgundy each year and has cultivated strong relationships with many of the vintners of the region. Marquis Wine Cellars has become known as the premier Burgundy wine retailer in Western Canada, offering wines of exceptional quality from the latest stars of the region, long before they are discovered by the mainstream press.
Only a few tickets remain for two of the five tasting events with Meadows. To order tickets, call the store at 604-684-0445.
Burgundy 101 Seminar A sit-down tasting with Allen featuring classic examples of all the major appellations of Burgundy, with a few hidden gems thrown in for good measure. Allen will guide you through each wine as he speaks about the appellation, producer and recent trends and developments affecting Burgundy.
Date: Saturday, Sept. 18, 2010, 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Location: Terminal City Club, 837 W. Hastings, Vancouver (business-casual attire, please)
Cost: $99 per person
Bistro Pastis Lunch Start your Sunday in a leisurely fashion by joining Allen for lunch at John Blakely's Fourth Avenue fixture, Bistro Pastis. This meal will feature the wines from some of the lesser known Burgundy appellations with a sprinkling of more recognizable names included for good measure. As you happily eat and drink away, Allen will discuss each wine and grower, while providing an overview of Burgundy.
Date: Sunday, Sept. 19, 2010, 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Location: Bistro Pastis, 2153 W. 4th Ave., Vancouver
Cost: $99 per person (all inclusive)
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To interview John Clerides to discuss the growth of wine in British Columbia, the visit of Allen Meadows, or the unique challenges of being a private wine retailer in B.C., please contact Leeann Froese, Coletta & Associates, [email protected].
Click here to read the BCLDB Quarterly Market Review.
