OUR JOURNEY
Our Journey
Originally a popular off-sale in the old Highlander Hotel, our history dates back to when the hotel opened in 1961. The first Highlander Wine & Spirits store opened in 1996 and continues to serve the community 25 years later. From our humble beginnings at the hotel, to our online presence, follow us on this journey and history up until now.
1961-2004
The Highlander Hotel
The Highlander Motor Hotel officially opened the 88-room hotel on Jan. 27, 1961. The motor hotel was unique in providing full services, including the famous Black Angus dining room, the Scottish Clansman Mixed Beverage Room and a beauty salon. Ted Crystal suggested "Highlander" to reflect the Scottish origin of the name Calgary. A décor with tartan themes ensued. Lounge manager Walter McDougall kept a reference book handy to settle any tartan disputes with customers. Off sales became a steady revenue generator, and the Highlander Hotel was considered Calgary's best kept secret for wine lovers throughout the city. Owners and staff remained after the hotel joined the Days Inn chain in 1999 and underwent a $1.5-million renovation. Calgary Days Inn was officially opened in 2000, complete with tartan ribbon cutting and bagpipes. The Black Angus dining room was renamed the Highlander to preserve the name. The hotel officially closed its doors Jan. 31, 2004.
1996-Today
Retail Expansion
In 1986, shortly after the province of Alberta privatized liquor sales, our first retail location opened up on the opposite side of 16th Ave NW, facing the hotel. Soon after, Highlander's North Hill location evolved from selling 6-packs of beer into cases of premium, sought after wines; later, selling wines and spirits by the case to many restaurants and hotels within the city. The Highlander brand soon began expanding its reach by adding locations throughout the city starting with our Richmond location and most recently, our foray into the Edmonton market, with our West Edmonton location. Highlander Wine & Spirits has been and always will be focused on the ever changing wants and needs of the clientele that has energetically impacted our business.
2013-Today
Online Presence
In 2013, Highlander Wine & Spirits took the dive into the Ecommerce market creating an online store for many of our customers to shop remotely. Much like our physical locations, Highlander's online store was met with the excitement and demand to expand. To meet the demand for exclusive and hard to find products, Highlander's team had soon created multiple flash sales per week. Highlander soon amassed a client list of over 20,000 Calgarians, to which these emails are being sent to every week, giving them a first look at rare and collectible bottles. In addition to these weekly email blasts, Highlander also hosts a once a month charity sale, aptly named the Give Back Sale, to solidify Highlander Wine & Spirits' commitment to give back to the community that has been so supportive.