NEW DISTRICT

New District opened its door seven years ago at the south end of Dunbar Street near West 41st Avenue. The business began as a specialty wine shop and has evolved over the years into a full-service liquor store with an amazing selection of wine.

InnHouse Group of Companies purchased New District in 2019. InnHouse’s general manager, Gaven McKenney, comments, “New District’s past reputation focused on rare and unique wines. Although this is still true, in the past few years, we have shifted gears to offer everything our customers are looking for, from Asian spirits to the best local distilleries and craft breweries. We carry all your favourites.”

Our vision is to be the best private liquor store on Vancouver’s westside.

“We are passionately focused on quality and craft products, value, exceptional service, and sustainability,” says Gaven.

The interior of the store is beautiful and takes advantage of the shop’s high ceilings. Wine and spirits are displayed on tall custom shelves, industrial glass pendant lights hang from the ceiling, and richcoloured wood flooring brings to mind wine barrels. Recent renovations created more shelving for the ever-growing demand for products.

The store stocks over a thousand wines and hundreds of beers and spirits. The friendly and knowledgeable staff can assist you, whether you are looking for a hard-to-find limited-release IPA or the funky natural wine you had at your favourite restaurant. Gaven says, “We probably have it, or we can get it for you.”

We have an incredible selection of B.C. wines ranging from very small to larger, more recognizable vineyards. We like to support our province.

Gaven adds, “New District carries many selections you can’t find elsewhere. We also offer many regularly listed products at very competitive prices.”

Top sellers include New Zealand sauvignon blancs, Italian pinot grigios and rosés from numerous countries. Wines from Bordeaux, New World cabernet sauvignons, pinot noirs and California chardonnays are always popular picks. Gaven notes that sparkling wines and Prosecco are gaining in popularity.

“Special orders are always welcome. Whether it’s a backyard get-together or a 1,000-person wedding, our experts are ready to personally curate all our customers’ needs from start to finish. Our goal is to present the guest with a flawless and unique order, including the best possible savings,” says Gaven.

Store manager Cécile Chabirand brings a sharp palate and wealth of experience to her role. She grew up in the famed wine region of Bordeaux, France and came by her love of wine naturally.

After earning a master’s degree in Agronomy, she interned at her family’s Domaine de Baumard. Cécile enjoyed a foreign wine-making experience as a cellar hand in Marlborough, New Zealand, at a huge cooperative winery which produces several different labels. Her final internship was with Andre Lurton at Château de Rochemorin in the Pessac-Léognan appellation of Bordeaux.

Cecile Chabirand

New District offers the best wines for the money from around the globe. Wines are sourced from smaller producers; many are made with organic, biodynamic, and natural practices, with a specific focus on female winemakers and owners.

Cécile tastes every wine before bringing it into the store and shares her knowledge and stories with New District’s staff and customers.

New District’s staff have a vast knowledge of the store’s products. They are always available to answer questions and support requests to improve your experience. Assistant manager Gord is a world traveller who can point you in the right direction for whatever occasion or your preference.

Online orders can be placed through New District’s website, with an option for pick up in-store or delivery. In addition, a new app highlights everything you will find in-store and features drink recipes, savings, and other perks.

Summer is a time to relax, gather with friends and family and dine outdoors. When looking for a refreshing, chilled beverage, head to New District’s cooler, where you will find an impressive variety of single cans of chilled local craft and domestic beer, cider, coolers, and white wine.

New District is open 365 days a year from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.

New District Wine, Beer, and Spirits

5650 Dunbar Street

Vancouver BC V6N 1W7

Phone 604-267-2337

www.newdistrict.ca

Story by Sarah Gordon. June 2023