hile I admit our local BC government liquor stores have stepped up the service and added some in-store tastings to pull boozy shoppers in for more than just the weekend kegger, there are some serious oversights on the service and selection front. Most savvy shoppers have been heading to the private sector liquor stores for more intimate attention and a chance to pick up those hard to find bottles that the liquor board just doesn’t stock. Just opened in North Vancouver is BC’s biggest wine store ever - Everything Wines. Wine lovers may never return to the government shops.

Everything Wines is a 12,000 square foot private shop with a selection of over 3,000 different wines; the largest of its type in Canada. While you may find half of these wines at the BC government shops, the other half are all speculative listings that are only available through private stores and restaurants. Think of BC brands such as Blue Mountain and Burrowing Owl and those hard to find international selections that make perfect gifts for any wine enthusiast.

Everything Wine doesn’t skimp on the service and is designed with the customer in mind. Wines are all arranged smartly by country and then by price, and there is a chance to try wines every day from 2 pm until 6 pm. Specially designed shopping carts have been sourced so your arms don’t get sore when buying in bulk (there’s a five percent discount on cases). Ask the store’s staff for assistance, they are both knowledgeable and readily available to help pick out a perfectly acceptable everyday sipper or that special bottle for an evening worth celebrating. There are bottles at every price point, and no one sneers at you for grabbing a few below the 10 dollar mark.

The 12,000 square feet also include a specialty wine section towards the rear of the store with a tasting table in the center, and a classroom where students can learn the ins and outs of wine growing, making, and tasting. There’s also a stock of wine accessories, books and glasses that even a real wine geek will love, as well as tasteful gift bags for the more generous.