Kelly Josephson
Wine Growers British Columbia has launched Pour More BC, a hospitality program developed to support and promote B.C. restaurants with B.C.-focused wine lists.
The program is designed to benefit everyone involved: from the B.C. wineries crafting premium wines, to the restaurants serving by the glass or bottle, and finally to the consumers who enjoy them.
“At its core, the Pour More BC program connects people with great local restaurants,” says Kimberley Barnes, marketing director of the Wine Growers British Columbia.
“More than that, it makes it easy for people who value supporting local, and delight in discovering a B.C. wine they may otherwise not have had the chance to try, to easily find restaurants delivering that experience.”
Wine Growers British Columbia keeps a directory of Pour More BC restaurants on their website, with atmosphere and cuisine descriptions, and ‘book now’ links, making it easy for B.C. wine lovers to plan the perfect night on the town.
The Pour More BC program has also been built into the award-winning Wines of BC Explorer app, the go-to digital tool for trip planning to wine country.
The app can now be used to find restaurants nearby who offer B.C. wine features.
Through this partnership, restaurants receive complimentary access to valuable staff training opportunities, as well as a library of high-quality print and digital marketing materials to connect with their B.C. wine loving guests in person and online.
Exciting recognition came to the program when Vancouver Magazine announced the winner of the ‘Best BC Wine List’ at their 34th annual Restaurant Awards as a Pour More BC restaurant, Water St. Café in Vancouver.
“We focus on the ‘best of BC’ as our core value,” says general manager Sandy Grant. “This is reflected in our B.C.-forward wine list with over 90 B.C. labels supported. We look to focus on unique varietals and wineries to showcase the diversity of what B.C. can offer from so many wonderful regions.
“When we support B.C. businesses we make BC and our communities strong.”
All five finalists named for the award were Pour More BC partners.
“Congratulations to Water St. Café on this new accolade,” says Barnes. “Their restaurant values align perfectly with the ambition of the Pour More BC program to bring B.C. wine country to the table.”
Plan your local wine and food adventures at WineBC.com on the Wines of BC Explorer App. Be sure to follow @WinesofBC and #PourMoreBC.
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Sonetto restaurant at Play Winery in Penticton is one of the restaurants participating in the Pour More BC wine program.