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The Courtney Room Retains Platinum at the Vancouver International Wine Festival 2025 Wine Program Excellence Awards

Wine Director Colin Davidson’s exceptional wine list features both classic and harder-to-find wines, with up to 30 available by the glass 

VICTORIA, B.C. (March 6, 2025) – The Courtney Room, Victoria’s premier dining destination, has proudly maintained its Platinum recognition for outstanding Wine Program Excellence for the second consecutive year, announced at the Vancouver International Wine Festival last week. The Courtney Room remains the only restaurant in Victoria to have ever received the highest-tier award.

This remarkable achievement highlights the expertise and dedication of The Courtney Room’s Wine Director, Colin Davidson, and his team, whose carefully crafted wine list showcases a diverse range of selections from both celebrated and emerging wine regions across the globe. The wine list includes up to 30 wines available by the glass, with a variety of different regions and styles, offering guests the chance to explore a rich variety of wines at exceptional value.

“Together with our sommeliers Jack Snyder and Mira Engelbrecht, we are truly honored to receive the Platinum Award again this year,” said Davidson. “Being the only restaurant on Vancouver Island to achieve this prestigious recognition is incredibly special. Our goal has always been to offer a dynamic and accessible wine list that is equally enjoyable for seasoned wine connoisseurs and newcomers alike. This award reinforces our commitment to delivering an exceptional wine experience to every guest.”

Guests can enjoy a varied selection of classic wines, local favourites and unexpected gems in 3oz or 5oz glasses or by the bottle. Current wines by the glass include: Tibaldi 2022 Langhe Nebbiolo from Italy’s Piedmont (5oz $17); Valmiñor 2022 Albariño From Rías Baixas, Spain (5oz $14); and Vancouver Island’s own Unsworth Vineyards 2023 Sunnydale Vineyard Rosé (5oz $15).

Growing up on Prince Edward Island, Colin Davidson crossed the country to reach his current role at The Courtney Room, building a wealth of knowledge and valued industry relationships along the way. In Vancouver, he studied at the International Sommelier Guild and the Court of Master Sommeliers before joining the opening wine team for Hawksworth Restaurant in 2011, and later Nightingale in 2016, in the role of Head Sommelier. Building hands-on experience working harvest seasons in New Zealand, the South of France and Vancouver Island, Colin joined the team at The Courtney Room in 2021 with the task of creating a truly memorable wine program for guests, one which perfectly pairs with Chef Brian Tesolin’s culinary vision. 

The 2025 Vancouver International Wine Festival’s Wine Program Excellence Awards recognized 36 exceptional restaurants and wine bars across British Columbia, with only four earning recognition from Vancouver Island. These establishments are categorized into Platinum, Gold, Silver, and Bronze tiers and Honourable Mentions. To learn more about the Wine Program Excellence Awards, visit www.vanwinefest.ca/tradedays/2025-wine-program-excellence-awards/ 

To learn more about The Courtney Room or to make a reservation, visit www.thecourtneyroom.com. 

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About The Courtney Room 

Old world meets new at The Courtney Room in Victoria, B.C., named one of Canada’s Best New Restaurant (2018 #10), included in Canada’s 100 Best Restaurants (2019 #94), Tales of the Cocktail Foundation 2023 Spirited Awards® Regional Honoree for Best International Hotel Bar for Canada (2023) and a Platinum tier wine program recognized at the Vancouver Wine Festival Wine Program Excellence Awards (2025) – the first restaurant in Victoria to achieve the distinction. Born of the desire to showcase the best of the region, The Courtney Room is a modern dining space focused on genuine and thoughtful hospitality. Savour Pacific Northwest cuisine with bright flavours from both land and sea. Menus showcase local seasonal ingredients, with an emphasis on Vancouver Island sourcing and partnerships.  Elevate the every day with quality ingredients, thoughtful service and impeccably prepared, seasonal fine dining. www.thecourtneyroom.com  

Media Contact: 

Hawksworth Communications 

Marisa Cuglietta

P: 604.609.6678 / 778.987.3707E: marisa@hawksworth.ca