French Wine by the Glass in Richmond

You walk into a neighbourhood bistro on No 1 Road and the wine list fits on one chalkboard: five French wines, three from British Columbia, all available in 6 oz, 9 oz, or a $45 bottle. No sommelier theatre, no reserve list gathering dust — just the pours that actually go with beef bourguignon, croque monsieur, and a patio lunch beside the Fraser River.

What’s on the board

Red — France

Côtes du Rhône — grenache-led, peppery, medium body. The classic bistro red.

Merlot Pays d’Oc — plummy, soft tannins, easy drinking.

Mouton Cadet Red Bordeaux — cabernet sauvignon and merlot blend, structured with cassis and pencil lead.

Red — British Columbia

Country Vines “The Queens” Gamay — bright cherry, low tannin, slight chill works.

Country Vines Cabernet Franc — herbal lift, red currant, firmer spine.

White — France

Mouton Cadet White Bordeaux — sauvignon blanc and sémillon, citrus and a waxy texture.

White — British Columbia

Country Vines Viognier — apricot, honeysuckle, fuller mouthfeel.

Country Vines Back Forty — BC sparkling, off-dry, lively acidity.

Rosé — France

La Vieille Ferme — cinsault, grenache, syrah. Dry, pale, patio standard.

Pricing you can quote

6 oz — $11

9 oz — $15

Bottle — $45

The math is simple: two 6 oz pours cost less than a bottle; a 9 oz pour is a generous solo glass. The licence runs until midnight, so the last pour can come well after dinner.

How to choose

With French onion soup — Côtes du Rhône or the Mouton Cadet Red. The broth’s marrow richness and melted cheese want tannin and a touch of pepper.

With croque madame or quiche Lorraine — Mouton Cadet White or the Viognier. Both cut through béchamel and egg without flattening the ham.

With savoury buckwheat crêpes — La Vieille Ferme rosé or the Gamay chilled ten minutes. Salt, cheese, egg, mushroom — all of it works.

With ratatouille or the mushroom chicken — the Cabernet Franc or the Back Forty sparkling. Herb-driven veg and cream sauce both like lift.

With charcuterie plate — Côtes du Rhône or the Merlot. Fat and salt need fruit and structure.

By the glass, by the bottle, by the patio

The covered side patio has red-checkered tablecloths and greenery walls; the front bar-height tables catch the village foot traffic. A dog bowl sits by the door. You’ll see Kronenbourg 1664 pints and beer flights alongside wine glasses — no one side-eyes a mixed table. Brunch runs until 3 pm (mimosas are not on the menu, but a Kir Royale at $13 uses the same sparkling white). The espresso bar pulls decaf if the evening pour was a 9 oz red.

What people ask

Can I buy a bottle to take home?

Call (604) 370-4444 and ask — the licence allows off-sales only if the bottle is sealed and purchased with food.

Are there vegan or organic wines?

The printed list doesn’t specify. Call and ask; the owner can check current vintages.

Is there a corkage fee if I bring my own?

Fully licensed means no BYOB. The list is built to cover the menu.

What’s the sweet crêpe pairing?

Suzette with Grand Marnier asks for the Back Forty sparkling — acidity balances the orange sauce and caramel.

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Reserve a table online or call (604) 370-4444. Walk-ins welcome at the bar or patio until 8:30 pm.