Until now, it was a world-class resort in the making, but one with an asterisk: a thin layer of construction dust on most surfaces.
As I sat down with Rockford Wok Bar and Grill general manager Chris van der Linden at his newly-opened wine bar, Wino, workers put the finishing touches on the third condo/hotel building at Revelstoke Mountain Resort. The city is nearing final sign-off on the building, meaning the power tools will soon fall silent.
The interior of Wino was designed by Daniel Meloche, a Vancouver-based in-house designer for Northland Properties. It’s a contemporary, upmarket take on the Interior ski lodge. One wall is inspired by the backside of a logging truck; uneven logs jut out into the room. The bar stools and lounge are all black leather. The showpiece bar features aged wooden planks tinged with neon lighting. The centrepiece is a carved wooden elk mount. It’s all tied together with lighting. Custom blinds featuring wildlife scenes blend the bright exterior light with exposed raw bulbs, cabinet lights, LEDs infused in the bar and white antler chandeliers adorned with Christmas bulbs. A faux fireplace display warms the darkened lounge area.
The overall effect is upmarket and unique, which is the experience van der Linden is seeking to create.
“We wanted something for some of the clientele that are looking for something a little more special that the Rockford can offer,” he says. “Our focus is food over there, more so than the wine. We thought there was a demand for it.” With owners and guests now moving into the luxury condos above the building, the resort can now say it has a complete high-end experience at its base.
The wine menu features 40 wines, 17 of them from B.C. There’s also an off-list selection for clients looking for something very unique. Van der Linden tells me this week clients flew in from San Francisco on a private jet for just one day of skiing, then indulged in the off-list.
The food menu features what van der Linden calls “light bites,” although it leans towards the caloric needs of skiers. The ‘Real Deal’ No Bean Chili is $6.50; the Fruit & Cheese Platter is enough for two or more; $16. Wings, pizzas and other hearty fare are also featured. Comparatively, the prices are slightly higher than similar offerings in town, but not by much.
While I was there, the main floor was open, but decorators were putting finishing touches on the lower level. It will be the late night party location, featuring DJs and other musicians. It’s available for private parties. It should be open by the time you read this. All in, the venue can hold about 110 people.
Van der Linden says Wino is a one-off. The Revelstoke-based general manager opened and test marketed Rockford Wok Bar Grill here in Revelstoke before expanding to locations in North Vancouver, Vancouver, Langley and Prince George. However, Wino will only have the one location in Revelstoke.
While there, The Sutton Place Hotel general manager Peter Nielsen dropped in for a bite. Wino helps him complete their luxury brand. They’re now offering receptions for incoming guests, encouraging them to slow down on their arrival and take advantage of the full array of amenities the resort can now offer.
Wino will be open for the ski season, but for now it’s not certain what will happen in the summer.Sunday–Thursday, 11 a.m. to midnight. Fridays & Saturdays 11 a.m. to 1 a.m. Wino is liquor-primary, so no minors allowed.