Even as the weather begins to cool, there are still plenty of opportunities to enjoy dining al fresco
thanks to several heated patios in the Waterloo Region!
Continue Reading
November 2016
Craft beer and innovative cocktails are hot, but wine always holds its own in the food and beverage scene. The sprightly grape has its fair share of interesting representation amongst Waterloo Region restaurants, so here are just a few venues where in vino there is most certainly veritas.
595 Hespeler Road
Cambridge, Ontario N1R 6J3
Old and new world wines. Approximately 200 labels: 30 percent white; 70 percent red. 18-20 wines by the glass. One of the granddaddies of wine bars in the region. “We really try to be customer-driven in our wine selections,” says owner John Cerny.
1660 Blair Road
Cambridge, Ontario N3H 4R8
New Easy Pour sommelier Jonny Kirwin counts 70 labels covering red and white in the cellar. 60 percent new world; 40 percent old. Flights of wine change regularly in the cozy location in Blair, Ont. “We’re proud to offer many, many wines by the glass,” says owner Nicole Schickler.
20 Hobson Street
Cambridge, Ontario N1S 2M6
Tucked in by the bank of the Grand River with a view to the classic architecture of old Galt, Napa Grille has roughly 75 wines, mostly new world. 17 red and white by the glass.
#102-305 King Street West
Kitchener, Ontario N2G 1B8
Located in the heart of downtown Kitchener, Gilt has roughly 75 wines to choose from. Usually 10-11 wines by the glass, as well as prosecco. “We try to have only one wine from each country, so that there is a wide choice. That includes a couple of VQA selections,” says owner Trella White.
110 Erb Street West
Waterloo, Ontario N2L 1T5
A 46 bottle list breaks down to 22 old world and 24 new world listings with seven Ontario wines. 8 whites and 16 reds by the glass. “Our staff get to taste and explore the wine list at our daily briefings, so that they can answer our guests questions with first-person confidence,” says General Manager Laura Umbrio.
83 Erb Street West
Waterloo, Ontario N2L 6C2
Strong representation from California, Italy, Australia, Canada. Approximately 300 labels: 30 percent white; 70 percent red. 18-20 wines by the glass. Sister location to Cambridge’s Blackshop!
425 King Street North
Waterloo, Ontario N2J 2Z5
The magnificent Wildcraft “wine tower” has about 160 wines, 60 percent red and 40 white. 9 red and 8 whites by the glass. “Because we’re a North American comfort food restaurant, we are predominantly North American driven in our wine portfolio with some Australian, old world and emerging regions,” according to Wildcraft and Bauer Kitchen Regional Beverage Manager Jason Ernst.