Vancouver Date Ideas: Wine for Waves and the Launch of Red Racer Super Stellar IPA

The comfy stage of any relationship is the best. You know, the point where you can wear your grungiest clothing, have stringy hair, and your dorkiest glasses and you don’t care? My boyfriend and I are at this point now, and I love it.

Except sometimes I miss the beginning when we always dressed to impress each other and every outing together was memorable (home dates in sweatpants tend to be interchangeable). When we make the effort to plan something special, we transform into the shinier new couple we used to be.

Fortunately, two upcoming events that celebrate the best of local drink and food promise to be evenings of fun for you and your sweetie. And, if you’re single, you’ll have the chance to mingle with people who just might turn into future dates.

Wine for Waves (April 28, 2016 at 7pm)

Here’s your excuse to don your finest, wine and dine together, and support a worthy cause. The Vancouver Aquarium’s Ocean Wise program (a non-profit committed to aquatic life conservation) has partnered with the Naramata Bench Wineries Association to host Wine for Waves at the Four Seasons Hotel Vancouver (791 West Georgia Street).

You and your date can expect an elegant evening comprised of delish sustainable seafood dishes prepared by top chefs, like Ned Bell from YEW seafood + bar, Darren Clay from Pacific Institute of Culinary Arts, and Brent Pillon from Hillside Winery & Bistro in Naramata.

Delectable offerings include pacific oysters; smoked salmon cornet with dill cream; tempura battered prawns with maple, spiced walnuts, and toasted sesame; and artisanal cheeses.

Dishes will be paired with Naramata’s spring wine releases from wineries such as Howling Bluff Estate, Perseus, Poplar Grove, and Red Rooster.

There will also be a silent auctioning of Naramata Bench wines, as well as prize packages. All proceeds will go towards the Vancouver Aquarium’s Ocean Wise program. Buy tickets on-line before the event (19+) sells out.

Launch Pad: Red Racer Super Stellar IPA (April 5, 2016 from 6pm-9pm)

This FREE (the ultimate cheap date) event put on by Central City Brewers + Distillers looks like it will be a cosmic blast! The brewery is launching their new Red Racer Super Stellar IPA at the HR MacMillan Space Centre (1100 Chestnut Street).

You and your sweetie will have the chance to try out this new creation, made from citra and mosaic hops, and characterized by spicy, citrus notes and an intense aroma. Plus, there’ll be bites from Central City on Beatty Street (871 Beatty Street) and music with meteoric beats.

Although this public event (19+) is free, you must sign up on-line to attend.