Episode 22: “Front of House” - Building a Restaurant Wine & Drinks List (Josh Carlson, Wine Director, Provence Marinaside)

This episode takes us “front of house” with Josh Carlson, Wine Director of Provence Marinaside in Vancouver, British Columbia. During this wide-ranging conversation, Josh and Tania discuss: • Josh’s path into the restaurant and wine world, and how he has built Provence’s deep cellar and one of Vancouver’s longest “by the glass” wine lists. • The relationship between restaurant and patron, and striking the right balance so that each guest feels comfortable and finds a wine for them. • Wine preservation systems, “wine in keg”, the Covid-19 legacy for “take out” dining and other business tool shifts. • The growing non-alc and low-alc space, Provence’s diverse “sans alc”/ zero-proof beverage list, and how non-alc drinks can pair with food. • Exploring Napa & Oregon for new gems on the list. In its convivial and relaxed space, Provence hosts a wide range of winemaker dinners and a special private cellar series. Josh chats about their upcoming “Exploring Wines of Croatia” wine dinner (taking place during the 2025 Vancouver International Wine Fest) and an exclusive private experience with Burgundian winemakers Pierre-Yves Colin and Caroline Morey. You can learn more about Provence, their food and wine program and Josh Carlson at: www.provencemarinaside.ca. Or better yet, just head to Provence for brunch, lunch, happy hour, dinner or one of their weekly Jazz night to enjoy a glass and chat with Josh and his team.