The Haul: The Founders of Vin Van Have Great Taste in More Than Just Wine

Jo Owen and Steph Walker run cult-fave wine bar VinVan, and have a few things to recommend beyond a great bottle of bubbly.

When we asked Jo Owen and Steph Walker to share a few of their favourite things, it was no surprise that they had plenty of opinions. After all, the duo behind Vin Van know what they like: their endlessly popular wine pop-ups are built around a selection of wines that’s deeply curated (albeit accessible and casual-cool). Shop their picks here, then go thank them for directing you to your new fave white tee as they’re serving up their preferred pet-nats out of “Vivian,” their vintage trailer, in Kits this summer. Details about Vin Van’s Be Fresh sidewalk pop-ups and disco dance parties at @vinvan.ca

1. Spiegelau Definition Universal Wine Glasses

We both own a set of these glasses! They’re on the same playing field as Zalto glasses, but half the price: so thin and elegant. We get compliments 100 percent of the time when friends drink out of them. $220, atkinsonsofvancouver.com

2. Blossom and Vine Florals

Blossom and Vine creates top-tier seasonal bouquets; they’re one of the absolute best things to see when you walk in the door. They do weddings (they did Steph’s!), and any kind of arrangement you’re looking for, they’ve got it. We both have fresh flowers in our homes year-round, and often from B&V. Prices vary, blossomandvinefloralco.com

3. Uniqlo White Crew Neck T-Shirt

We’re always on the search for the perfect white tee, and Uniqlo always delivers. The crew neck is an essential. We recommend sizing up for a more relaxed fit. $15, uniqlo.com

4. Homecoming Oak Moss Sage Candle

Homecoming candles make the best scents (and the company is based here in Vancouver!). This is one that we reach for, either for ourselves or as a gift: 12/10, would recommend. We both have, at minimum, two scents from them in our homes at all times. They make amazing room mists as well. $32, homecomingcandles.com

5. Le Creuset Wine Cooler Sleeve

Version 1.0.0

This is a constant in both of our homes. It keeps the wine super chilled; it’s especially great for those beach bottles on a summer day. $45, lecreuset.ca

6. Global G-Series 8-inch Chef’s Knife

A sharp, high-quality knife is a complete game changer. This Global chef’s knife is absolutely a staple in the kitchen for both of us. $145, gourmetwarehouse.ca

7. A Very Drinkable Rouge Wine

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Our collab with Lightning Rock Winery! We called it A Very Drinkable Rouge and we only made 23 cases—it’s available only at our pop-ups. It’s a raspberry bomb, dry  and the perfect chilled red for the season to come. $10 by the glass, vinvan.ca

8. Silk and Snow Flax Bedsheets

We’re on a continuous mission to make our beds the comfiest around. The Canadian company sells these lovely flax-linen sheets that are a dream to sleep in. $270, silkandsnow.com