Ask for the Sommelier in one of our great bars or restaurants in Halifax, and see half of the staff’s heads pop up. Is this the case in other cities? I’ll have to figure why this is, let me just message one of the dozen somm-pals in my phone. Although there are small and mighty wine lists at the aforementioned bars and restaurants in this guide, here are the most comprehensive lists to revisit, again and again, from some of our community’s leading experts.

Obladee

SING IT WITH THE BAND

Neighbourhood: Downtown Halifax | Instagram | Website

Obladee is the signature wine bar of Halifax, with its golden glow. Dedicated to the culture, it also offers wine courses and private tastings for enthusiasts. The list is broad and exploratory, with an informed staff to help you navigate. Owners and siblings, Heather and Christian Rankin, are community-minded and can be found getting involved in municipal affairs – we love an advocate. Hottest seats in town are the picturesque window booths on Wednesday nights for the weekly jazz night that is everyone’s favourite.

Pazzo Ristorante & Enoteca

VIVA

Neighbourhood: Downtown Halifax | Instagram | Website

The newest edition of the RCR group of restaurants, Pazzo inhabits one of the most beautiful heritage buildings in downtown Halifax. It has one of the largest wine lists in the city, and it’s completely dedicated to Italian. Pazzo has a huge, two-floor, dining capacity, but we recommend the gorgeous marble bar under the vaulted, sculptural ceiling on the ground floor to take down wine and snacks.

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Tribute

NEW JACK SLING

Neighbourhood: Halifax Waterfront | Instagram | Website

It’s rumoured that Tribute pours the most wine per seat in the city – and we believe it. Seasoned programmer, Dave Lombardo, comes from many dedicated years in Halifax hospitality, serving time with large restaurant groups Bertossi and RCR, and he has crafted a thoughtful wine list that can’t be denied. When the food is this good, it’s hard to refuse its perfect pairing.

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Mystic

CERTAIN TASTE

Neighbourhood: Halifax Waterfront | Instagram | Website

Advanced Sommelier, Samuel Melanson, leads the wine program at Mystic and is dedicated to the craft. Melanson is certified by the Court of Master Sommeliers and spent 5 years teaching at The Sommelier Factory, Toronto’s premier wine school. Mystic offers custom wine pairings with their fixed menus, along with wine lists, and either way, you are in good hands.

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The Ostrich Club

WINE-GARDIUM LEVIOSA

Neighbourhood: North End Halifax (Hydrostone) | Instagram | Website

A passionate student of industry, decorated Sommelier, Alana Steele, carries a lot beyond the critical wine program at the Ostrich Club. She is General Manager, a wine educator, a board member of the Atlantic Chapter of the Canadian Association of Professional Sommeliers, runs a monthly wine club, and upholds a long list of wine certifications. But this studied and practiced expert has fun with it, so do defer to Alanna to embark on your next wine adventure at Ostrich Club.

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