Step into the world of timeless elegance and exclusive indulgence, now under the visionary leadership of CEO Brad Pinnell. Since its founding in 1889, The Vancouver Club has been a cornerstone of the city’s social and cultural fabric, and with Brad at the helm, the club is navigating a new era of modernity while honouring its storied legacy. Seamlessly blending tradition with a forward-thinking approach, the club’s exceptional wine program, along with its celebrated rituals, offers more than just remarkable wines; it is an invitation to a community of connection, conversation, and shared stories. From iconic wine dinners to private labels crafted with purpose, every bottle uncorks a journey of discovery.
Among its many celebrated member benefits, one extraordinary program personifies The Vancouver Club: its exceptional wine program. Rooted in the club’s rich history, this program has grown into a defining feature. Over generations, the club has fostered a vibrant culture around shared sips and meaningful conversation, where wine is more than a beverage—it is a vessel for connection. Under the guidance of the club’s Wine & Spirits Director, Randy Chafe, the program honours the world’s most esteemed wine regions and producers, forging lasting partnerships built on trust, tradition, and taste. The result is a cellar that invites members to savour the extraordinary, and a community built around shared appreciation.
ICONIC WINE DINNERS
The wine program is built on the club’s iconic Wine Dinners, signature evenings where members, winemakers, and culinary talent come together for a gastronomic journey. The club’s impressive lineup of recent features includes Sassicaia, a jewel of the wine realm, Château Pétrus, Pearl of Burgundy, Domaine Faiveley, and Rocca di Montegrossi. These exclusive events offer members the rare opportunity to enjoy these iconic wines with the people who make them and hear the stories behind the labels.
Each evening is a journey of discovery, pairing remarkable wines with thoughtfully crafted dishes designed to elevate their flavours and highlight their complexities. More than just a meal, each dinner reveals the stories behind the bottles and offers an intimate glimpse into the world of these iconic producers.
PRIVATE LABELS WITH PURPOSE
Through long-lasting relationships with producers, the club can secure private labels made for and enjoyed solely by members. Private label bottling extends to all the major wine regions of the world, including Champagne, Bordeaux, Chianti, Sancerre, California, and, of course, British Columbia.
From the delicate bubbles of the VC Champagne to the bold VC Burgundy, each bottle is a testament to the reach of the club. It is not just grapes, sun, and soil; it is a unique experience that creates memorable moments for members. These partnerships do not just enhance the cellar selection; they enrich the club’s identity.
CHOOSING THE BOTTLES
When building the cellar collection, Director Randy’s philosophy is more than just taste; it is alignment. “It is important that we do not just choose the wine; we must align with the producer and the winery. We look for like-minded companies that share our values, history, and passion.” This approach extends well beyond the wine program; it is embedded in every department and every partnership across the club. In a market flooded with options, what sets our selections apart is an unwavering commitment to quality and authenticity. Each bottle in the collection is chosen not only for its flavour, but for its story, the rarity, provenance, and people behind it.
A CELLAR FULL OF STORIES
The club’s impressive cellar holds more than fine wine; it holds memories. Each bottle carries a story, with some selections made by members themselves. These wines have travelled across continents, creating shared moments and enriching the club’s legacy with every pour. VC members have cycled through the rolling hills of Tuscany and France, returning with bottles that capture the spirit of their journey. They have walked the sun-drenched vineyards of Portugal, ensuring that every glass poured back at the club reflects the true essence of their travels. And what is next? An adventure to Argentina, where members will explore bold reds. These journeys are far more than vacations—they are immersive experiences, reserved for Vancouver Club members alone. They embody the spirit of adventure, the strength of community, and a legacy built one sip at a time.
THE CULINARY MASTERMIND: CHEF JEROME NORTON
A fundamental part of club culture is exquisite cuisine, led by Executive Chef Jerome Norton. A visionary in the kitchen and a leader in the club’s commitment to excellence, Chef Jerome works closely with the wine team to design menus that do not just stand alongside the wine but elevate it.
His approach is thoughtful and precise. With every menu, he asks: What is the wine saying? How can the dish respond? The resulting plates are masterclasses in balance and contrast. A bold and smoky aubergine, paired with a dark, brooding Bordeaux, each element crafted to complement each other. Beyond his talent, Chef Jerome’s leadership is part of what makes these experiences unforgettable.
PERFECT PAIRINGS
Where would masterfully selected wine be without masterfully prepared food? The marriage between what is on the plate and what is in the glass is key. Tasting sessions between Executive Chef Jerome Norton and Director Randy are harmonious.
They perfectly pair each course to ensure the flavours complement and enhance one another. Preparing a menu can take one of two routes: the wine comes first or the meal does. For the next signature wine-paired dinner, Chef Jerome will begin with a single standout ingredient. He will build an entire menu around it with exceptional flavours that aim to enhance the main item, each dish preparing the palate for the next. Once the menu is set, Director Chafe carefully selects each wine to complement the flavour profile of the meal, enhancing the experience. In contrast, at the recent Sassicaia dinner, the wines took centre stage. The brand supplied the beverages and Chef Jerome designed each course to bring out the specific expressions.
A CLUB BEYOND THE REST
At The Vancouver Club, tradition is not a burden. It is the foundation, where legacy leads to innovation, and only excellence is accepted. The wine program perfectly embodies the philosophy of the club: a world-class cellar, exclusive partnerships, premium dinners, unforgettable travel, and memories that will last a lifetime.
As a member of The Vancouver Club, you are not just joining a prestigious institution—you are unlocking a world of unparalleled opportunities. With new offerings and experiences continuously emerging, now is the perfect time to explore all that membership has to offer. Whether you are discovering exclusive events, expanding your connections, or indulging in the club’s refined programs, every visit brings a chance to create lasting memories and elevate your lifestyle. Embrace the future of this storied club, and let your membership be the gateway to extraordinary experiences.
Author Profile
- Helen Siwak is the founder of EcoLuxLuv Communications & Marketing Inc and publisher of Folio.YVR Luxury Lifestyle Magazine and PORTFOLIOY.YVR Business & Entrepreneurs Magazine. She is a prolific content creator, consultant, and marketing and media strategist within the ecoluxury lifestyle niche. Helen is the west coast correspondent to Canada’s top-read industry magazine Retail-Insider, holds a vast freelance portfolio, and consults with many of the world’s luxury heritage brands. Always seeking new opportunities and challenges, you can email her at [email protected].
Latest entries
Arts & CultureSeptember 14, 2025A Doll’s House Reimagined: A Bold New Vision on the Vancouver Stage
Arts & CultureSeptember 12, 2025Splash 2025 Unveiled: Art, Impact, and Inspiration
Disruptive Women in BusinessSeptember 11, 2025Her Wealth Summit: Vancouver’s Day of Financial Empowerment
FoF ☆ Global LuxuryAugust 20, 2025South Africa: A Journey of Extraordinary Opportunity in Heritage & Craft
