Sylvia's Favourite Wine Bars

Stage
1307 Gladstone Ave. (250) 388-4222

Tucked away in the funky Fernwood neighbourhood, Stage is a small, 50-seat wine bar with a contemporary vibe. Their wine list features mainly British Columbia wines, plus a variety of affordable choices from around the world. Seventeen wines are available by glass, including three-ounce tasters that allow diners to match all of their menu choices. Stage also has a full kitchen that produces the most amazing small plates. Each dish is broken down into charcuterie, vegetables, cheese, fish and meats and always incorporates seasonal, sustainable, local produce.

Ferris’ Oyster Bar (Upstairs)
536 Yates St. (250) 382-2344

Ferris’ Oyster Bar is located upstairs, above Ferris’ Grill, in a lounge-style space with couches, rich brick walls and plenty of candlelight. On Sundays, Ferris’ features a creative small plates menu with tapas, raciones and cheese platters. They also have a great selection of wines, both by the bottle and by the glass. Throughout the rest of the week, Ferris’ menu features a smaller selection of sharing plates, plus seafood, pasta, salads and eight styles of fresh, BC-grown oysters.

Vis à Vis
2232 Oak Bay Ave. (250) 590-7424

Vis à Vis is more than a wine bar—it’s an educational experience. They offer diners endless options with a daily selection of 24 tables wines, 4 sparklers, sherry and port served in 1oz, 5oz and 8oz pours. Diners can also sample wine flights, giving them the opportunity to compare, contrast and debate. Vis à Vis’s food menu features a variety of small plates, desserts, charcuterie and cheese.