This is my first time, but the second year for GranVino. An event inviting participants to walk up and down South Granville, while drinking wine. It is a great way to bring attention to the community and participating businesses.
This is a ticketed event and each $95 pass comes with a map and passport. The goal is to use both to hit up all the stops and try what they have to offer. There are multiple pours at each store, but your passport only allows for 15 tasters. So you need be selective. Some vendors were more generous than others varying from 0.5-1.5oz pours. Not all pouring were wine vendors or brand reps, so that inconsistency makes sense.
Your ticket also includes a branded tote bag with miscellaneous goodies from certain vendors, as a bonus freebie for purchasing. On top of coupons for discounts and free future wine tastings, I got a scrunchy set from Latest Scoop, eye glass cleaning kit, a deck of cards to to help me choose my next book read from Indigo, etc.
You are given a plastic wine glass to take along with you and drink all your samples out of. The event was inspired “by the art of the aperitivo—where slow sips, stylish discoveries, and late-summer magic effortlessly intertwine”. As per the ticket website.
On top of the excuse to explore select premier boutiques, art galleries, and designer showrooms of South Granville, you get to discover a curated selection of exceptional wines and ciders poured at every stop. Some even have exclusive neighbourhood promotions and discounts, giveaway draws, and unexpected prizes.
Other locations had small bites to enjoy with your multiple sips. Vegetables and dip, cheese charcuterie, even gourmet appetizer bites from local restaurants. But if you are looking for something more substantial there is a bevy of South Granville restaurants that you could dip into and grab at bite at. It is just a shame that only a few of them offered discounts to do so; considering the extra traffic, the six hour long event, and the need to eat something in conjunction with all the drinking being done.
There was also a pasta food truck to consider, parked at one of South Granville’s public plazas. Each plaza transformed into a vibrant, sunlit social hub; that included live DJ, lawn games, and wine-garden vibes for the occasion.
Our walking territory ran from Granville Bridge to 16th avenue. We started on 16th avenue and worked our way down hill, zig zagging from left to right side, as our map led. Check-in was at the 13th avenue plaza so this made sense. We found ourselves entertained the full extent of the event from 12-6pm.
On top of the main agenda, we found ourselves shopping, stopping for small cafe bites, making like minded friends, trying on glasses, and taking advantage of seating to rest in between sips.
I won’t be reviewing each wine taster that we had or everything that we saw and did, you will have to attend next year and see it for yourself. However, be warned each year will be different as different businesses opt to participate. And given how successful this year’s event was, I can see them expanding from the 15 stops this year.
The following are the participating vendors and their offerings, as listed by the map.
URBANITY
2412 Granville Street
Snag delicious nibbles and enjoy a massive 40% off all spring and summer collections during the wine walk!
PLEASANT MOUNTAIN
MUSIC SCHOOL
2435A Granville Street
Unleash your inner musician at their interactive “Instrument Petting Zoo” featuring quick mini-lessons on a variety of instruments.
THERAPY X
1578W Broadway
Test your luck at the Therapy X challenge! Guests can win Therapy X swag, a $25 initial assessment discount, try a quick movement challenge, or score a mini treatment/massage experience right in-clinic.
INDIGO
2505 Granville Street
Browse a curated selection of wine-themed books and gifts, perfect for every wine lover. To make your stop even sweeter, Mazahr Lebanese will be serving up their delicious, authentic baklava.
JAK’S BEER WINE SPIRITS
2658 Granville Street
Test your palate! Correctly guess the dominant grape varietal in their mystery blend and walk away with a $10 JAK’s gift card.
NICHE EYEWEAR BOUTIQUE
1493 W 12th Avenue
Explore their incredible selection of independently sourced, unique frames and enter their giveaway to win a free pair of prescription lenses.
BAILEY NELSON
2814 Granville Street
Pop in for complimentary popcorn served in custom Bailey Nelson bags while you sip! Plus, enter their exclusive giveaway for a chance to win one of two stylish pairs of Bailey Nelson frames.
FABLE
2871 Granville Street
Step into Fable to admire their gorgeous, elevated wine glass collection, the ultimate glassware inspiration for your home bar.
THE LATEST SCOOP
2899 Granville Street
Treat yourself to delicious small bites while you browse the latest summer fashion trends.
STABLE HOUSE BISTRO
1520 W 13th Avenue
Stop by for a taste of the neighbourhood! The team at Stable House Bistro will be serving up delicious, artisanal tasting bites.
DIANE LINGERIE
2950 Granville Street
Enjoy 15% off all Anita Bras and take a turn on their “Spin to Win” wheel for additional discounts and prizes.
While you shop, savour gourmet pulled duck on scallion pancakes with crispy onions and hoisin canapés, lovingly catered by Breakfast Table.
KINGDOM JEWELRY
2956 Granville Street
Put your gem knowledge to the test! Play their “Name That Gemstone” challenge for a chance to take home sparkly prizes.
SERENITY WEST
3057 Granville Street
Drop in to enter a draw for a $50 gift card and take advantage of special event discounts on select in-store items.
JEI & CO. OPTICS
3065 Granville Street
Keep the high-energy vibes going with fun, wine-themed games for your chance to win exciting prizes while you sip.
TURNABOUT
3101 Granville Street
Enjoy yummy nibbles while you hunt for designer resale treasures. plus score an extra 10% off everything in-store (some exclusions apply).
SUKI’S
3157 Granville Street
Suki’s is turning up the party! Enjoy a live DJ spinning tunes, charcuterie, an Oribe styling station for complimentary quick hair touch-ups, a free gift with any Oribe purchase, and a $20 voucher for your next service.
