Sunset Wine Sailing in Vancouver: Sips at Sea Harbor Cruise

On board Sips at Sea – Sunset Wine Sailing, guests leave Vancouver’s bustling Coal Harbour for a three-hour sunset cruise along the city’s waterfront. This intimate boat-charter departs from Vancouver, British Columbia, and pairs BC wines with sweeping views of the harbour, the North Shore mountains, and working waterfront. Curated by award-winning sommelier Justin Isidro, the tasting sequence highlights wines from the Okanagan, Gulf Islands, and Vancouver Island alongside stories about local vineyards and the city’s maritime past. The experience is designed for a small group — maximum six guests — so conversation is easy and every vantage point on deck feels like a front-row seat. The boat itself is a low-wake coastal sailer optimized for comfort rather than speed; expect stable motion and unobstructed sightlines to the city skyline, piers, and cruise ship terminals. Natural features to watch for include tide-raked rock ledges, shipping channel markers, and the patchwork of foreshore habitat where seals and seabirds forage. The late-afternoon light cuts across the water, turning the harbor chrome and making the strata of the North Shore mountains read like a geological cross-section. Beyond the wine, Sips at Sea sells a story-driven tasting: each pour is framed by narrative about grape-growing microclimates and the post-glacial soils that shape BC’s wines. The sommelier-led format pairs sensory instruction with approachable conversation, ideal for travelers who want depth without pretense. The trip also weaves in waterfront history — from early trading piers to modern redevelopment — offering a cultural context that complements every sip. Practical details matter: the cruise lasts about 3 Hours, the minimum age is 19, and groups stay intentionally small. Bring layered outerwear for wind off the water, a camera, and your government ID for age verification. Because this is a harbour cruise, it’s an accessible option for people who prefer a relaxed, seated tasting with coastal scenery rather than a land-based wine tour that requires driving between vineyards. Sips at Sea stands out in Vancouver’s outdoor recreation scene because it bridges urban marine scenery with regional wine culture in a way few activities do. It’s not just a tasting, and it’s not just a sunset cruise — it’s a focused, convivial evening on the water that showcases British Columbia’s wines, the city’s maritime edges, and the unique chemistry of salt air and grape aromas. Ideal for anniversaries, small groups, or travelers who want a low-key but memorable evening, Sips at Sea pairs tasting notes with city views and accessible conversation. The crew accommodates dietary restrictions when informed in advance, and the intimate format makes it easy to ask questions and learn. Bookings fill quickly for summer sunsets; check the operator’s booking page for available dates and exact boarding instructions.