Welcome to Tourist Wine Bar
Welcome to Tourist Wine Bar, a vibrant new addition to Victoria's culinary scene, located at 1002 Blanshard St. This hip, Japandi-inspired wine bar offers a carefully curated selection of natural wines from around the globe, ensuring something for every wine enthusiast. Guests can enjoy innovative dishes influenced by Japanese cuisine, like the tantalizing chawanmushi and fish collars, crafted by guest chefs like Josh Blumenthal. The atmosphere is lively and welcoming, making it a perfect spot for both locals and tourists. Whether you're savoring unique wine gems or fresh, flavorful dishes, Tourist Wine Bar promises an unforgettable dining experience.
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1002 Blanshard St, Victoria, BC V8W 2H5, Canada Hotline:
Welcome to the Tourist Wine Bar, a vibrant new addition to Victoria's culinary landscape. Nestled in the heart of downtown at 1002 Blanshard St, this wine bar stands out with its distinctive approach to both food and drink, earning accolades from local foodies and connoisseurs alike.
At Tourist Wine Bar, the experience begins with an impressive selection of wines that reflects its commitment to showcasing natural and unique labels. Guests rave about their offerings, from lesser-known gems like a charming Weiss No 12 from Austria to delightful options from Italy's Lazio. Whether you're a seasoned sommelier or a casual wine enthusiast, you're sure to discover something intriguing and refreshing.
The culinary experience here is nothing short of remarkable. Under the inventive guidance of guest chefs like Josh Blumenthal, dishes such as the exquisite chawanmushi and flavorful fish collars reinterpret Japanese cuisine with a modern twist. Frequent visitors note the freshness and creativity that permeate the menu, making each meal feel special and thoughtfully prepared.
The bar’s atmosphere is an eclectic blend of hipster minimalist design and Japandi aesthetics, framed by a Provence-style green and white striped awning. Customers describe it as funky yet warm, a perfect backdrop for savoring exquisite food and drink. The lively ambiance draws both tourists and locals, creating an inviting environment where anyone can unwind and enjoy quality time with friends over a glass (or two) of wine.
Service at Tourist Wine Bar is consistently highlighted for its attentiveness and friendliness. The staff's warmth and knowledge enhance the overall experience, making guests feel welcome even as they navigate a diverse menu and wine list. Whether enjoying a casual drink at the bar or indulging in a leisurely meal, the vibe here encourages patrons to settle in and savor each moment.
In essence, Tourist Wine Bar isn't just a place to enjoy exceptional wine and food — it's a community hub that celebrates the joys of eating and drinking together. If you find yourself in Victoria, be sure to stop by and explore this culinary treasure; it's a stop that promises delightful surprises and memorable experiences in every sip and bite.
--Josh Blumenthal's weekend-- I've noticed this newly opened wine bar for a while and this weekend's guest chef gives me a perfect reason to pay a visit. I'm very impressed by the food, especially the chawanmushi and fish collars. They are inspired by Japanese cuisine, and Josh reinvented them to a new height. I like the food so much that I'll go there again tomorrow evening. As for the wine, I'm also quite happy with it. Usually I do not drink natural wines, but I did enjoy this Weiss No 12 from Austria. It showed very charming characters upon opening but unfortunately did not really develop well. I guess it's something to drink fresh and fast. Overall, I'm glad to see this new place opening in the downtown area.
Just had an amazing dinner at Tourist Wine Bar in Victoria last night. Seriously one of the best meals I've had in ages! The wine list is fantastic, especially loved the bottle from Lazio. And the service? Absolutely top-notch from the moment we walked in. Even though there was a bit of a wait for a table, the bar next door was perfect for a pre-dinner drink. Totally worth the wait – highly recommend checking this place out!
Hipster minimalist meets japandi natural wine bar, oddly with green and white stripe( very Provence) awning that DELIVERS a super experience for all wine drinkers. As a sommelier, I seek out wine gems and Guy, the owner had them, which is so refreshing given how challenging (aka boring) the wine market in Canada can be. Knowledgeable & welcoming with tasty drops from around the world, definitely worth stopping into!
I love it here, the food is always so fresh and delicious. The wine selection is pushing limits for Victoria bringing in interesting, complex, and lots of juicy wines. Every time we come here we feel welcome and well taken care of! To many more.
Visited Victoria with my partner and his family and at night we snuck away to try some natural wines and have dessert! Their wine and apertivo selection was vast and I am sure anybody who visits will find something they like. The staff were incredibly friendly and allowed my partner and I to even take photos of the bottles of wine we liked. The strawberry cake we had was delicious and not too sweet. I truly enjoyed the atmosphere as well, it was a Saturday night and the kitchen closed later too (1 am!!).
Great little “local” spot for tourists and Vic residents alike. Funky and modern, simplistic yet warm and elegant. Great selection of local and import wines. Lovely food from scratch to pair.
Who said best bar in Victoria? Me every-time I go here. Decent food, always options for just a drink. Maybe the wait staff isn’t the most endearing but you never feel pressured to leave. Grab a glass and sit for an hour or two. Awesome hangout with friends. Need more of this.
This bar is absolutely amazing! It's always lively and full of energy, with a great crowd and a vibrant atmosphere. The place looks beautiful, and the vibes are just right for a fun night out. The staff are incredibly friendly and welcoming, which makes the experience even better. Highly recommended!