Canada’s largest wine bar, Vin Room is proud to announce the opening of their newest location, Vin Room YYC in the YYC Calgary International Airport’s new terminal.
A 75-seat wine bar and tapas restaurant with amenities made for pre-long haul travel comfort, the 2,000 square-foot location was designed by Calgary-based Davignon Martin with a focus on ease and warmth for what is typically an arduous experience for most travellers.
Avid globetrotter and owner/proprietor, Phoebe Fung became inspired to pitch the concept to Calgary’s airport authority in 2012 after being delayed en route home to Calgary. “I spent five-hours stuck in an airport pub and by the third beer with my colleagues, I was writing a business plan for a cozy wine bar for Calgary’s airport,” says Fung, “our focus at Vin Room’s airport location is comfort for both business and leisure travellers. A two hour wait before boarding an international flight in Calgary will never be the same.”
For Fung, attention to detail has been paramount. With the largest installations of Enomatic Wine Preservation systems in Canada, Calgary Vin Room locations continue to showcase the high-tech-preservation fridges. Storing wines at the perfect temperatures allow guests to sample varietals that have not been exposed to air and elements; each glass at all Vin Room locations are the perfect pour. At Vin Room YYC, over 80 wines are available by the glass alongside cocktails, beers and spirits.
Carry-on luggage is stored by utilizing space under banquettes and custom made tables, ergonomically sound and adjustable bar stools and power outlets and USB ports at every seat. Access to complimentary wifi, a mobile business centre and even blankets to ensure relaxing and enjoyable times before boarding international flights are also provided to guests.
Vin Room YYC’s kitchen is led by Executive Chef Diana Nacita and will focus on fresh ingredients and global flavours with small plates and tapas for sharing. Vin Room’s signature lobster nachos alongside lighter fare including salads, cheese and charcuterie may be perfectly paired with the extensive wine selection. For early morning travellers, unique breakfast options including a hearty wild boar ragu poutine and steelhead trout gravlax bagel are offered. A take-away menu has been created for guests who wish to bring sweets and savouries on-board their flight.
Vin Room YYC is what Fung hopes to be the first of many airport locations expanding to terminals further afield. “Our mission is to create an international brand, bringing travellers great wines and pre-flight comfort to guests, globally.”
Vin Room YYC will be open from 6am to last flight, daily.
For more information, visit vinroom.com.
Fast facts:
- 40,000 feet of cable was required to wire plugins and USB ports for every seat in Vin Room YYC
- 90 local companies were involved in building Vin Room YYC
- The YYC Calgary International Airport is one of the largest airports in Canada with almost 15.5 million passengers coming through each year
- The YYC Calgary International Airport’s new terminal is the length of 34 NFL football fields
ABOUT VIN ROOM
Vin Room opened in Calgary’s Mission district December 2008 based on owner/proprietor Phoebe Fung’s love for food, wine and travel. It is Canada’s largest wine bar with over 100 wines on offer and guests are encouraged to experience and learn about wine through sampling by the ounce or glass. Vin Room’s Wine Director and sommeliers have curated extensive selection and Vin Room locations boast the largest installations of Enomatic Wine Preservation systems in Canada to store wine at the perfect temperatures and ensure freshness. Vin Room’s culinary creations showcase global flavours using seasonal ingredients from local vendors and are expertly paired with wine, spirits and cocktails.
Vin Room’s second location opened in Calgary’s West Springs area in 2013 and a third location in the Calgary airport international departures terminal on October 31, 2016.
ABOUT PHOEBE FUNG
A self proclaimed “accidental restaurateur”, Phoebe Fung’s business acumen is anything but chance. Born in Edmonton Alberta, the graduate of the University of Alberta (BA) and Queen’s University (MBA) spent over a decade successfully carving out a career in the oil and gas sector before changing her focus to fine food and wine. While on sabbatical from her job in the energy sector, Fung decided to turn her passion for culinary arts into a business. Having traveled the world — visiting many a wine cellar along the way — Fung has a clear passion for vino and she longed for a local refuge to sample world-class grapes by the glass. In addition to opening three Vin Room locations, Fung has also launched VR Wine, a retail shop for wine, beer and spirits.
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