Victoria restaurant wins prestigious award for wine program for second year in a row

Wine connoisseurs and lovers of fine dining, if you’ve been looking for an excuse to check out The Courtney Room in downtown Victoria, this is it!

They’re raising a glass to another major accomplishment—for the second year in a row, they’ve earned Platinum for their Wine Program Excellence.

This prestigious award was announced at the Vancouver International Wine Festival last week, solidifying The Courtney Room as the only restaurant in Victoria to ever achieve the highest-tier recognition.

This feat is a testament to Wine Director Colin Davidson and his team, whose curated wine list features a diverse range of selections from both renowned and emerging wine regions around the world. 

“Together with our sommeliers Jack Snyder and Mira Engelbrecht, we are truly honored to receive the Platinum Award again this year,” said Davidson. 

“Being the only restaurant on Vancouver Island to achieve this prestigious recognition is incredibly special.”

Guests can enjoy a fantastic selection of wines by the glass, including classic favourites, local gems, and some unexpected surprises. 

Current offerings they wanted to highlight include the Tibaldi 2022 Langhe Nebbiolo from Italy’s Piedmont, Valmiñor 2022 Albariño from Rías Baixas, Spain, and Unsworth Vineyards 2023 Sunnydale Vineyard Rosé from Vancouver Island.

As described, The Courtney Room’s wine list was built to complement Chef Brian Tesolin’s menus—which focus on locally-sourced ingredients from the island’s farms and fields.

“Our goal has always been to offer a dynamic and accessible wine list that is equally enjoyable for seasoned wine connoisseurs and newcomers alike,” Davidson added.

“This award reinforces our commitment to delivering an exceptional wine experience to every guest.”

To learn more about The Courtney Room’s award-winning wine program, or to make a reservation, visit their website.