FROM OUR ARCHIVES …
Due to a seasonal bad cold (not COVID!) our editor is way behind schedule for the January, 2023 issue and so we offer some articles from our archives, updated with new information,
that we think are definitely worth repeating.
Like this “Business Spotlight” feature about Marquis Wines.

MARQUIS WINES
One Glass At A Time

John Clerides grew up listening to stories about his father’s childhood in a Cypriot mountainside village. He heard about how his grandfather looked after his family of nine by raising an assortment of animals, and growing fruits and vegetables, also tending their vines and making wine.

And thus were the seeds were planted for his interest in food and wine, leading to the eventual establishment of what has become Vancouver's premier wine outlet — changing the way people think about wine, one glass at a time.

In 1977, John’s career began like many other Greek Canadians, in the family restaurant. Ten years of that gave John a strong foundation for working with people and listening to his customers, and John jumped at the opportunity to open Marquis Wine Cellars, at 1034 Davie in 1986.

John travels extensively, including to places as diverse as BC’s Okanagan, and Italy, Spain, and France sourcing flavorful, undiscovered wines. Even after 30 years, his quest remains unabated. You will most likely find John in one of three places, at Marquis Wine Cellars assisting his clients, in a vineyard or cellar somewhere in the wine world, or his most preferred location: at the local ice rink playing hockey.

Two years ago John purchased the next-door Numbers Cabaret, a forty-year-old gay landmark, and things there are certainly changing! Upgrades and renovations and, as you might imagine, a whole new wine and beverage list, are creating a relaxed lounge-like atmosphere. After a COVID hiaitus there is now live entertainment, including drag shows — which has been great news for the drag community that has lost so many venues recently.