Great wine and great food. Is there anything more satisfying? Richard Harvey, owner and founder of specialty wine shop Metrovino and a veritable Calgary wine ambassador, simply says no. His vino store is located, in the back of The Cookbook Co., a specialty food and cookbook store in Calgary’s Design District. It’s a copacetic arrangement if there ever was one. “It’s not a coincidence that we’re next to them,” says manager Al Drinkle. Both establishments take a European approach, combining food and wine as inseparable components of cuisine culture. “They are separate businesses with separate goals, but we play a large role in what they do with food and vice versa,” says Al, adding that the shop often supplies wine for use in its neighbour’s culinary classes.
2016 marks Metrovino’s 20th year of business. The little shop, located in the back room of The Cookbook Co. Cooks, has expanded to include a wine tasting and education centre. The wine and food pairing collaborations between the two businesses are unique within Calgary and generally sell out months in advance. Book customized tastings for 12 to 50 people, have a special bottle appraised or have Metrovino help plan and stock your personal cellar.