Victoria, British Columbia, is known for its breathtaking harbor views, rich culinary scene, and vibrant local culture. At the heart of this city’s dining experience is Nautical Nellies Steak and Seafood House. Beyond the renowned steak and seafood offerings, Nautical Nellies elevates each meal with an extensive wine, beer, and spirits list curated by their wine director, Betty Furneaux. An award-winning program, the beverage selection reflects a harmonious blend of local craftsmanship and international excellence.
A Wine Program for Every Palate
Nautical Nellies’ wine program has earned accolades from Wine Spectator, a mark of distinction that highlights its excellence and thoughtful curation. With over 165 wines, the list offers something for everyone—from the adventurous to the discerning connoisseur.
Local Wines
Furneaux’s approach to the wine list includes a commitment to showcasing British Columbia’s flourishing wine industry, especially highlighting vintages from the nearby Okanagan Valley. Known for its unique terroir, Okanagan produces notable whites, such as Pinot Gris and Chardonnay, as well as robust reds, including Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah. These local options provide guests with a true taste of British Columbia’s wine heritage, pairing exceptionally well with fresh West Coast seafood.
Old World and New World Varietals
Betty Furneaux balances local options with an international selection, featuring classic Old World wines from France, Italy, and Spain, as well as New World offerings from California, Australia, and South America. This balanced approach ensures that guests can enjoy a wine pairing that complements Nautical Nellies’ diverse menu, from succulent steaks to delicate sushi.
Craft Beer Selection: A Nod to Local Breweries
Victoria’s craft beer scene is dynamic, with breweries dedicated to producing exceptional lagers, IPAs, stouts, and more. Nautical Nellies embraces this local culture by featuring a rotating selection of beers from well-known local breweries.
Notable Local Breweries
- Phillips Brewing & Malting Co.: Known for its inventive flavors and dedication to quality, Phillips offers popular choices like the Blue Buck Ale and Electric Unicorn IPA.
- Driftwood Brewery: This brewery has a reputation for bold flavors, and guests often enjoy their Fat Tug IPA or White Bark Wheat Ale.
Seasonal and Limited Releases
The beer selection also includes seasonal brews, giving guests the chance to explore unique and limited-release options throughout the year. These beers pair wonderfully with the rich, savory dishes on the menu, including the smoked oyster appetizers and steak platters.
Signature Cocktails and Premium Spirits
Beyond wine and beer, Nautical Nellies offers an exceptional spirits list, carefully selected to meet the highest standards. Betty Furneaux has designed a cocktail menu that features both classic favorites and creative signatures with a Pacific Northwest twist.
Signature Cocktails Inspired by the Sea
Reflecting the restaurant’s coastal location, the cocktail menu includes options that evoke the essence of the sea. For example:
- Harbor Breeze Martini: A refreshing, citrus-forward martini with local gin, infused with herbs native to Vancouver Island.
- Smoked Maple Old Fashioned: This twist on the classic Old Fashioned incorporates smoked maple syrup for a subtle, smoky sweetness, perfect with Nautical Nellies’ premium steaks.
Local and International Spirits
The spirits list reflects a global palette with carefully chosen whiskeys, gins, vodkas, and rums. Local distilleries, such as Victoria Distillers, contribute to the collection, offering artisanal gins and vodkas. Guests can enjoy these spirits neat or in one of Betty’s carefully crafted cocktails.
Food Pairing Recommendations
Given the wide variety of wines, beers, and cocktails, Nautical Nellies provides pairing recommendations to enhance the dining experience.
- With Oysters: A crisp local Sauvignon Blanc or a light, citrusy wheat beer pairs well with the briny freshness of raw oysters.
- With Steak: For the rich, marbled cuts of steak, a bold Cabernet Sauvignon or a smoked maple Old Fashioned offers a robust pairing.
- With Sushi: For lighter fare, such as sushi, a dry Riesling or a delicate gin-based cocktail complements the flavors without overwhelming them.
Under Betty Furneaux’s direction, the wine, beer, and spirits list at Nautical Nellies is more than just an accompaniment to the food; it’s a thoughtfully crafted experience that celebrates the bounty of British Columbia and the broader world. From award-winning wines to craft beers and signature cocktails, Nautical Nellies offers something for every palate.
