- Restaurants |
- Nightlife |
- Shopping |
- Coffee & Tea |
- All
Marquis Wine Cellars
Category: Food Beer, Wine & Spirits Beer, Wine & Spirits [Edit]
1034 Davie StVancouver, BC V6E 1M3
Neighbourhood: West End
(604) 684-0445
- Hours:
Mon-Sun 11 am - 9 pm
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
15 reviews for Marquis Wine Cellars
Review Highlights
"...hard to find and often not seen in wine specialty stores."
(in 6 reviews)
"Their newsletter is really informative and includes "staff..."
(in 3 reviews)
"The sales staff really knows their wines and they love a..."
(in 4 reviews)
Loading...
15 reviews in English
-
Review from Evilyn T.
12/12/2011 1 Check-in Here
Sunday bloody Sunday. Why the heck are all the liquor stores closed on Sundays? Does the government not understand our need for red wine at communion? How am I to soak up the body of Christ without a slurp of red to wash it down? Somebody needs to write a letter about this atrocity.
After failing at finding a liquor store in the West End that WAS open, I decided to use my trust iphone Yelp app to search the neighbourhood. I discovered there was a wine store just blocks away from my home that was open till 9pm! Amazing Grace, how sweet the taste! I headed over to check out the wine selection. I wandered around the store looking for the Germany section unable to find it, as I was looking specifically for a riesling, and have discovered most of the ones I like are German. One of the men working at the store asked me if I needed any help, so I told him I what I was looking for. He asked me my price range without hestitating, which made me a little nervous, but I was also flattered since most liquor stores treat me like a boozin burgler, and give me the stink eye if I reach for a bottle over $50 (and I love a good amarone so this has happened in the past.)
I ended up with two bottles, one from Germany and one from France, and each was about $20. I enjoyed both of them, and I will totally be back to try some more wines, and even take some recommendations from the staff since they totally know what they are talking about when it comes to wines (unline the minimum wage staff at the liquored store.) -
Review from Melissa E.
Vancouver, BC
12/11/2011
Last time my dad was in town we went to Marquis to pick up a few west coast Oregon/WA/BC bottles he couldn't get in Montreal. Let me just say that he was in BLISS at Marquis and this is saying a lot as he is wine snob extraordinaire and member of the Opimium Society for 40 years.
Since then this has been my spot for harder to find wines and sunday night runs (like i'll have to do this pm) when I forget to get to the liquor store on saturday. Usually I don't opt for my usuals and ask the experts for a suggestion. They are bang on every time!
They also have great free wine tastings and more pricey paid ones if you swing that way. So if you're in the West End needing some libations check it out. It will be well worth your while.Listed in: Places to take Papas
-
Review from Robin M.
5/23/2011
I love wine, but buying it can sometimes be tricky. Constantly on the lookout for a new kind to try, I find asking for wine recommendations at most BC Liquor stores about as useful as asking the busker outside The Bay what espresso machine he'd recommend. It just doesn't make sense.
But private wine stores are tricky as well -- the prices are sometimes waay out of my range, and the staff can occasionally come off as slightly intimidating wine-snobs. Not so with Marquis. Specializing in hard-to-find vintages and smaller vineyards, this shop is amazing when it comes to selection. Also, the staff are super sweet and up for any challenge I throw at them. I don't think anything I ask could be too silly or far-fetched for them to not take seriously -- this is a feat in itself, but in a private wine store? Now that is pure professionalism at its finest.
Also, I should mention, I love me a cheap bottle o' wine. Yeah, Marquis' got my back. -
Review from Annika R.
Vancouver, BC
1/23/2011
I am going to be honest. I am not a big fan of private wine stores. But then I am also not a huge fan of BC Liquor Stores but you got to get your booze from somewhere, right?
With wine stores I often feel that the staff looks at me weird if I don't buy the expensive $50 bottle or if I don't know what I want because really, my wine knowledge is still limited.
That's why I was so pleased to move 2 blocks away from Marquis, a wine store many of my friends were raving about.
I can roll in there with the silliest request - last time I said I needed to buy a wine for a guy who really is more of a beer drinker but who I'd like to convince that a delicious red is just a way better match for a roasted duck. And guess, what, Paul, my fav sale person, looked at me and said "That's an interesting one but I can def. help you with that." The sales staff really knows their wines and they love a good challenge.
Plus, you won't break your bank account at Marquis. Their wines of the weekend (which I buy a lot) are often marked at $12.50 and they are great.
John, the owner, also holds wine tastings pretty much every Friday which is fantastic way to try some new and interesting wines.
I really don't remember the last time I've been to the liquor store to buy wine as I'd rather support a great company in my neighbourhood that knows me and their wines. -
Review from Anthony C.
12/6/2009 ROTD 12/24/2009
Marc D. is right - Vancouver is a difficult place for wine, but Marquis is the best we've got. And they're pretty darn good.
Doing the the best they can what with the BCLC and all, Marquis brings excellent wines to Vancouver at great prices. They've got a great top-end selection (like serious on the Chateuneuf du Pape) but also the best affordable varieties I've seen in the city.
The most compelling aspect: super knowledgeable and friendly staff into helping customers with whatever they want, from the cheap to the chic. The first time I went in a couple years ago I told the guy who was in there (turned out to be the owner) that I was looking to get into wines but didn't really know my way around, and could he help me buy at a good starting point and guide me in the right direction to learn. He spent an hour giving me an intro to the store and what I could start with to get my palate going. Ever since, I trust the recommendations of the staff at all price points (try the 1 litre Tollo white for like $18 - definitely a best buy!).
Don't miss Marquis! -
Review from Marc D.
Vancouver, BC
12/29/2008
Vancouver constantly is rated as one of the most livable cities in the world to live. For many aspects of living here that is true. But wine is a sore spot for me here in Vancouver.
There generally is a limited selection at most stores, and the prices are highly inflated. It kills me to see the pricing and selection differences here in Vancouver vs. someplace like the Bay Area.
Most livable city. Ha. Get the wine prices and selection in line and perhaps we can talk!
Given the regulatory constraints, Marquis is one of the better spots in Vancouver to get a nice variety from knowledgeable staff. They have one of the better selections I have found in Vancouver from value wines through premiums.
I still much prefer the pricing and selection south of the border though, and make sure to bring back my limit on every trip!
But unfortunately that just isn't enough (no, I'm not a lush - but I do enjoy wine with food).
Tip: Marquis does offer a nice series of themed wine tastings on a fairly regular basis so that you can sample their offerings before purchasing. Check their newsletter for details as they don't publicize them much beyond that. -
Review from Russel M.
8/7/2010
SIX STARS!
We bought some nice bottles a few days ago and unfortunately one of them was corked. Being from the Mainland I didn't know that it's important in Canada to return the bottle with 75 percent of the bad wine still in it.
The powers to be replaced my bottle which was really nice and above the call of duty. We will be customers for life. BTW the selection is great and prices are reasonable. -
Review from Sheila W.
BC
1/7/2009
Marquis really does have a wonderful selection of wine and personnel who know about the stuff. The shop is well-stocked, bright, welcoming and offers wine from BC and much further afield.
Their newsletter is really informative and includes "staff picks" that are often great value wines that drink way above the price. So it's definitely worthwhile to sign up for their email updates to stay on top of what they're bringing in and when they have specials on.
They also go above wine sales and host some special events that allow you to embrace wine, food and winemaking. An upcoming event features a French winemaker with lunch and wine tasting. Drinking and learning, together at last!!Listed in: Cheers to wine
-
Review from Kreag S.
Vancouver, BC
1/8/2009
IN my quest to Yelp all things booze I am SHOCKED that I over looked Marquis..
I used to frequent Marquis a few years back when I lived in the West End..since moving I haven't been back in a while..but now that I think of the great selection and service I had..I just may have to make the trek across the bridge and go back!
They carry a variety of wines from regions around the world..some of the wines are hard to find and often not seen in wine specialty stores..they staff are all super knowledgeable and I always feel confident that they will help me find what I need..or want...no need:) -
Review from Reena M.
6/4/2009
Where do you go for a bottle of wine when all you are alotted is 5 minutes and you're with a friend who doesn't drink? Marquis Wine Cellar!
Helpful Sales guy: "Can I help you?"
Me: "Umm... yeah.. I need a wine for a dinner where I'm going to be having a pasta with pancetta and another pasta with rabbit. Preferably a white wine? or a Rose? Do they even have local roses? And also inexpensive.. like under $15."
HSG: "I have just the thing. Do you need it chilled? I have it chilled." *walks over to wine cooler, pulls out a pretty pink bottle that says in French "the old farm"*
Me: "Okay!"
HSG: "Oh and it's exactly $15"
Me: "Sweet! Thanks!"
Friend: "Oh yay! we can go! that was quick!"
******few days later @ Social Bites*******
Me: "mmmmmm this wine is tasty!"
****** few hours and 1 bottle of La Vieille Ferme rose later *********
Me: :-D :-D :-D :-D hee hee heeeeeeeeeeeeeeee :-D :-D :-D I'm so happy! And food was delicious! :-D :-D :-D
******* Next morning **********
Me: "mmm.... I should have drank water before sleeping... ugh.. But that was one amazing meal and a great tasting wine."Listed in: Get y'er drank on!, Sip & Grub in Downtown…
-
Review from Steve L.
Victoria, BC
6/13/2010 6 Check-ins Here
Now let me start by saying that I'm not really a wine type of guy, not because I don't enjoy wine, I don't care for all the pretentious attitude and snobbery that often goes along with the whole wine community. Marquis on the other hand bucks this trend of pompous, arrogant wine stores.
Marquis staff are extremely friendly and knowledgeable, and have no qualms spending time to help you find the right type of wine for your personal tastes, and more importantly, your personal price point. Every time I have been in the store, after sheepishly admitting I really didn't know what I was looking for, the sales person helped me to find just what I needed for the right price without any of attitude I would expect from a store of their caliber.
I was also pleasantly surprised to be invited to join a free wine tasting when I stopped in on the store this past weekend. Again, without any attitude or judgmental feeling, I was able to try a variety of wines and ever so slowly expand my wine knowledge for free. -
Review from Lee N.
Vancouver, BC
7/6/2009
Very Knowledgeable staff
Very eclectic selection of Euro heavy on French wine
Fair parking, not so great at busy times.
Someplace I go to for something specific not to browse, wine lovers like book lovers browse.Listed in: Wine
-
Review from Alex D.
Vancouver, BC
3/12/2010
It is great to have a wine store that is so passionate and committed to their product. With an excellent selection across a large price range this is the best wine store I have been to in Vancouver.
Instead of browsing through suppliers listings or purchasing of wine reps Marquis travels to the locations and visits the wine makers. Each time they return from travel they release a outline of what they have discovered with excellent tasting notes.
Now if only I had the money to drink my way through their selection.Listed in: Davie Street
-
Review from Victoria R.
BC
12/1/2008
If you are the hostess with the most-ess and want to throw an exclusive party with wines that people will talk about for moths to come you have to visit Marquis. John Clerides as the rest of his staff, eat, drink (of course) live and breathe wine and everything to do with wine. The wines are very unique and encompass a world variety. From Italian San Giovese to Barbaresco, Brunello to local BC made varietals (Joie is my favourite) you can never not leave with something in your brown wine bag. Fine champagnes and sparkling wines are also stocked. I actually saw Hungarian wines (the good kind) for a reasonable price. You can also find steamware, decanters, wine gifts and all wine associated accessories.
-
Review from J G.
Vancouver, BC
9/5/2008 1 photo
Local, Chilean, Argentinian, Australian, Spanish...if it's wine, Marquis will have it. They really are one of Vancouver's premier wine stores. They make a point of carrying a range of local products, and if you take a look through their newsletter you'll see that they also have wines that range from "avant-garde" to "classic" and "big game". So, whatever your vintage, you will be happy to discover Marquis. They also have periodic wine events, and here's the best thing of all: they deliver! (for a $5 fee and a minimum order of one case.) Cheers!
