When looking for a place to grab a drink before and near our dance fitness class, we stumbled on this little-known winery in Mount Pleasant. Truth be told, my guest wanted cocktails to the left of the studio, but we were already going there after class for dinner, and I wanted a new place I have never been to and could review for this blog. So, after pulling out my phone and zooming in on the area, this was what my search yielded.
If you had not taken the time to use the map, like I did, you may not find it. Passing by the building, it looks abandoned and not in use. A Grecian, marble-like statue stands on guard outside on the street corner. A while back I recall making note of it, but not really thinking much of it other than someone must have left it there. So today walking past it and to the threshold of the all black painted building, I could see glowing yellow lights within and a handwritten list of upcoming events on the window and hours of operation on the door, plus their name spelled out in an acronym.
Even then when you enter, you still cannot be certain you are at the right place. Moving past the foyer you can see light at the end of the hall. This is where the space opens up. To the right, is a sealed off room where they keep their casts. To the left is the bar where you order drinks from. And further towards the back, a collection of tables and couches for patrons to seat themselves. We would claim the comfiest spot by the fire.
The room is decorated minimally, with rustic furnishings that match its cement walls and floors. A postmodern warehouse vibe made more homey with a piano in the corner, stripped throw pillows and a series of shelves hosting a collection of clay and ceramic decor pieces. It had such a unique look to it and is one I have not seen anywhere else in Vancouver. That alone is reason enough to visit.
They only pour their own wines: 8 options between sparkling, rose, white, and a red. Plus, a cider. Most are available on tap, and the best way to get a feel for what you like is by ordering a flight of 4. I did just that today to be able to try it all, especially considering you won’t be able find their wines anywhere else.
Ordering is easy with their knowledge staff and well written wine menu that includes expected tasting notes. And if you know what you like and want to commit, pours are available in an 8oz glass, by the bottle or as a shareable half and full litre. So good that my guest took her favourite red home. The pricing is on the steeper side as it reflects the small batch, artisan nature of the brand. A label on a plain bottle that is elegant in its single-minded simplicity.
If you end up spending more time than anticipated, they also have snacks you can purchase. Bags of artisan chips, gourment crackers to pair with small batch spreads and preserves, as well as a handsome selection of meat and cheeses that you can build your own charcuterie board with. They even have a collection of wood and marble boards you can use in this endeavour.
This is such a unique spot and one that I have not seen advertised anywhere else. So be sure to check them out and enjoy this hidden gem, before every one catches wind that Vancouver has its own winery worth discovering.
La Fabrique St-George Winery
7 E 7th Ave, Vancouver, BC V5T 1M4, Canada
+1 778-945-1677
fabriquestgeorge.com
