Things to do in Vancouver: The Salt Cellar Series

Many Vancouverites are familiar with Salt Tasting Room, located in Gastown‘s Blood Alley. But have you been to the private Salt Cellar where the Salt Cellar Series is held several times a month? There, guests cozy up along a 30′ communal table in the brick-lined room. They are then offered an array of local BC wines, paired with select artisanal cheeses, charcuterie, and house-made condiments.

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The Salt Cellar 30′ long communal dining table

On November 13, Vancouver Food Tour had the pleasure of attending a Salt Cellar Series event that featured wines from Tinhorn Creek Vineyards. Winemaker and CEO of Tinhorn Creek, Sandra Oldfield, shared her wine making expereince and her enthusiasm for the local BC wine industry.

These were the pairings for round one of the tasting:

Gewurtztraminer with Humboldt Fog and fig and nut bread
2Bench Rose with chicken liver parfait and cherry and beer jelly
Chardonnay with pancetta and Picker Shack pears

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From left to right: Gewurtztraminer pairing, 2Bench Rose pairing, Chardonnay pairing

After enjoying the first round and having the opportunity to get to know our fellow guests, the second round was introduced:

Cabernet Franc with smoked pork and cipollini onions
‘Oldfield” Merlot with Comte and Mostarda
Kerner Icewine and Le Rustique and honey and dried cherries

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From left to right: Cabernet Franc pairing, ‘Oldfield” Merlot pairing, Kerner Icewine pairing

One of the crowd’s favourite combinations of the evening was the Tinhorn Creek ‘Oldfield’ Merlot, paired with Comté (a type of Gruyere cheese) and Mostarda (an Italian fruit and mustard syrup condiment).

Overall, the event was an excellent experience. The casual communal environment made it impossible not to make new friends.

The next Salt Cellar Series being held is on November 27 and will feature wines from Gray Monk Estate Winery. Tickets can be purchased online for $40 + tax and the event starts at 7 pm sharp.

Salt Tasting Room is one of the destinations on our Gastown Tasting Tour. Come check them out on our tour when you have a chance. We hope to see you soon.

Maren Walker works in Communications and Relations for Vancouver Food Tour. Originally from California, living in Vancouver, BC via Texas. Lover of culinary adventures, food trucks, beer, travel, hiking and design.

Follow her on twitter @marenw