Beer, Wine & Spirits in Ottawa

With its well-stocked wine racks and rich wood panelling, Vineyards Wine Bar & Bistro cultivates the softly lit ambience of an Old-World bistro. As manager Bill Gordon claims on the bistro's website, "we want [customers] to feel they've had an experience…that they would maybe find if they were in Europe, but you don't have to go to Europe to find it."

This international influence also appears in the menu of fusion-tinged comfort foods. Although crab-stuffed halibut fillets and three-cheese tortellini pasta in a gorgonzola cream sauce exhibit a commitment to homey flavours, the chefs demonstrate their culinary range by spooning red curry sauce over grilled lamb chops and creating Cajun-style jambalaya. Echoing this same multinational inclination, the wine list features more than 300 bottles from New- and Old-World producers, which helped Vineyards Wine Bar & Bistro earn Wine Spectator's Award of Excellence.

Though their flavours can range across the globe, chefs source many ingredients locally, seeking out seasonal vegetables as well as artisanal cheeses from Quebec's iconic brie mines. Nightly entertainment also draws on local talent—the eatery invites area jazz bands to perform on select evenings.

Wineries are often found far down country roads, shrouded by the curling tendrils of their vineyards. At The Wine Garden, though, the entire winemaking experience can be had without setting foot outside of the city.

Yeast bubbles busily in stainless-steel fermentation vessels, transforming the juices of grapes from wine regions around the world. The fermentation process yields wines that range from crisp chardonnay to heady cabernet franc, the progenitor of cabernet sauvignon, and oak barrels bestow some of the elixirs with a rich maze of tannins. Patrons play a major role in the entire process, selecting varietals and bottling finished wine. The Wine Garden's gourmets also brew craft beers and stock hot sauces with humourous names such as Blair's Chipotle Death Rain.

Wineries are often found far down country roads, shrouded by the curling tendrils of their vineyards. At The Wine Garden, though, the entire winemaking experience can be had without setting foot outside of the city.

Yeast bubbles busily in stainless-steel fermentation vessels, transforming the juices of grapes from fertile regions of Chile, Argentina, and California. The fermentation process yields wines that range from crisp chardonnay to heady cabernet franc, the progenitor of cabernet sauvignon, and oak barrels bestow some of the elixirs with a rich maze of tannins. Fruit wines made with peaches, cranberries, or strawberries make refreshing summertime drinks and help work friends mingle with hummingbird friends at parties. Patrons play a major role in the entire process, selecting grapes and siphoning finished wine into bottles. The Wine Garden's gourmets also brew craft beers and stock hot sauces with humourous names such as Blair's Chipotle Death Rain.

Attitudes and Wine crafts red and white wines from fresh grape juices sourced from Spain, California, and Chile, rather than relying on concentrates. Hues of gold, burgundy, and translucent pear shine forth from the bottles of pinot gris, merlot, pinot noir, or riesling that line the walls. Many wines are also available in 5- or 10-litre bags, all the easier for planning juggling routines or boozy games of beanbags.