Twenty-five Years in the Making 

Vancouver's Marquis Wine Cellars was established on November 19, 1986. At the time of opening, owner John Clerides and his father where severely limited in what they could sell (BC only, and from one specific producer), so it wasn't until two years later when the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) and the General Agreement of Tariffs and Treaties (GATT) were passed, that things got interesting.

Needless to say, twenty-five years has passed and Marquis Wine Cellars has been at the forefront of bringing unique and highly desirable wines to Vancouverites. John's determination to find hidden gems is as well noted as his outspokenness of bureaucracy. But, at the end of the day you are guaranteed to discover a new wine, or learn a thing or two when you visit his store at 1034 Davie Street.

2012 promises to be a big one for Marquis Wine Cellars. Expansion is taking place to make room for... well for more wine. And earlier this yea,r Marquis launched a very palatable new addition to his full service wine store - a Wine Club.

The Marquis Wine Cellars now offers clients in British Columbia subscriptions to their Wine Club, on-line. John and his team source tasty, unique wines, which offer great value and will deliver them to your home or office each month. There is no commitment, no cancellation fee and no minimum purchase. You can even sign up for a one-time gift delivery - think weddings, birthdays or Christmas! These wines are not available elsewhere - usually not even in the Marquis store.

You pick where you want the wines to be shipped to (there are three zones in British Columbia and delivery prices vary) then choose your package. Options include: a two bottle sampler (one red and one white), a red sampler (three red wines), a dinner party sampler (three reds and one white) and the ultimate sampler (four reds and two whites). The prices range from $63 to about $170 depending on where you live. Marquis plans on adding a 12 bottle sampler later this year and prices will be published on their site at that time.

Personally I think this is a great idea. Not only for those of you who live in rural areas and have limited access to fine wines, but for those living in the city as well. It gives newly hatched wine lovers an opportunity to expand their palate and wine knowledge by receiving a couple new
bottles per month and seasoned drinkers a chance to get out of a rut and explore new regions and varieties without
leaving the comfort of their own home.

Win-win

Recently I tasted a couple of delicious offerings, which are part of an upcoming package. One, a decadent 2007 Petite Sirah from Marietta in Alexander Valley, California. For about $25 this plush red oozes ripe black raspberries, spiced cherries and rich chocolate. Similarly priced Pfaff Gentil from Pfaffenheim in Alsace is a multi-variety white Alsatian blend, which is both tangy and creamy and offers pristine orchard fruits, Meyer lemon, honey and apricot jelly. Also, the highly regarded Saviah Cellers in Walla Walla, Washington, makes a more affordable label, the attractive "Jack" Cabernet Sauvignon is spicy and savoury with liberal dark fruit and earthy undertones.  
                                                                                                                                                                                                                    
All three would be welcome in any wine subscription package.

Marquis Wine Cellars Wine Club