Cheers to Piva Modern Italian restaurant for its big win at the recent Vancouver International Wine Festival.
The awards, which honour professionals who contributes to the region’s wine and food culture, took place at the Vancouver Convention Centre. Restaurants throughout B.C. and Alberta were recognized for creating wine lists that complement their establishment’s unique menu and concept, with the top restaurants being awarded Platinum, Gold, Silver and Bronze medals or Honourable Mentions.
Piva, located in Anvil Centre at 777 Columbia St., received a Bronze medal. In a submission to the Vancouver International Wine Festival judges, the restaurant’s managing partner and wine director said Piva has been taking a modern approach to traditional Italian fare and has created a wine program that brings the two into harmony.
“Our list represents ‘who we are and what we are’ – Canadian owners sharing an Italian restaurant that is focused on becoming part of the fabric of the community and creating a community for our patrons,” wrote Christopher McFadden. “Our list is represented by 150 selections from B.C. and Italy, and it covers geography from East to West and North to South of both B.C. and Italy. The focus of our program is boutique wines, wines of small production and artisan creation indicative of terroir and place.”
McFadden said the intention of Piva’s wine list is to be accessible and approachable for guests. It aims to showcase some recognizable quality producers, as well as a number of smaller more unique artisan selections and varietals so it provides a new and unique tasting experience that’s guided by Piva’s trained staff and sommelier.
“My desire was to create a list simple in layout; as such I have chosen to represent our offerings by varietal category,” he said. “Our by-the-glass list showcases a preview of what our overall list has to offer and is available in five-ounce and eight-ounce pours.”
McFadden said he holds weekly tastings with the service team and monthly sit-down education seminars.
