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21 Exquisite Spots for Drinking Wine in Montreal

Where to sit back and savour a glass — or bottle — in the city

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Quebec may not — yet — be recognized as a major wine producer on the world scene, but that hasn't stopped Montreal from being the wine-loving city that it is. Several reputable wineries dot the southern part of the province, and while the provincial liquor agency (SAQ) maintains strict control over private imports, talented Montreal sommeliers work with wine agencies to build dynamic lists at local establishments, many of them spotlighting natural juices. As a result, wine-centric restaurants, like Little Burgundy's Vin Papillon or Mile End newcomer Beau Temps, are popular here, as are bars like vinvinvin and Le Rouge Gorge, where wine takes pride of place.

Here is a shortlist of Montreal's top wine destinations, spots ideal for lingering over a glass of wine and making your way through a solid selection of small plates.

Health experts consider dining out a high-risk activity for the unvaccinated; it may pose a risk for the vaccinated, especially in areas with substantial COVID transmission.

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Les Cavistes

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Located in the northern Montreal district of Ahuntsic, Les Cavistes’ worldly list has won awards for excellence every year since 2014 and carries accolades for its thoroughness. For those interested in a hands-on experience, book a wine-tasting workshop (currently offered in French only) directly on its website.

Knuckles Cantine & Vins

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This Jarry Street hangout — where chef Vincent Lévesque-Lepage and owner Matthew Shefler came together to offer classic Italian dishes with a contemporary Canadian twist — is one for the books. Its natural wine selection is top-notch, too, with imported options coming mainly from Italy.

Lundis au soleil

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Perhaps more bistro than wine bar, this luminous space led by a young and dynamic staff earned a spot on this list for its thoughtful list of Quebec and Western European (French, Italian, German) wines, as well as a handful of other options from Austria, Catalonia, and Chile.

about a dozen bottles of wine on top of a wooden piece of furniture. Lundis au soleil/Supplied

Café Entre-Deux

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As far as pandemic babies go, Entre-Deux has captured the hearts of Montreal diners. Found along a stretch of Sherbrooke Street West, in the mostly residential district of NDG, this all-day “café-buvette” serves up a delectable assortment of sandwiches and small dinner plates, but its cocktails and carefully curated wine list are also a large part of the draw and keep locals coming back again, and again, and again…

Tucked into an unassuming corner on the edge of the Parc-Ex neighbourhood, Denise started as a cozy banh-mi lunch counter before rebranding itself as a fresh and funky wine bar. The small menu focuses on Asian-flavoured dishes that act as perfect complements to a wide selection of natural wines.

inside of dark wine bar, with bartender pouring a glass Denise/Supplied

Ratafia

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The pairing of natural wine and dessert is the concept here — and it does not disappoint. The kitchen at this Little Italy destination is run by four pastry chefs who rotate in the preparation of both savoury and sweet dishes, from duck tacos to a wide variety of cakes and confections. No reservations (except for groups of 6 or more).

Provisions Bar à Vin

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Despite the closing of two of its other locations over the last two years, the team at Provisions continues to operate as a wine bar and butcher shop in a shared space on Van Horne. The butcher shop, open all day, serves up sandwiches stuffed with thick-cut brisket, ham (in the Cubano style), and, quite possibly, one of the city’s best griddle burgers. The wine bar, open in the evenings, is a more polished affair, with dishes like lamb kefta, albacore tuna tataki, and grilled scallops, and natural wines to pair. Don’t miss out on their homemade ice cream, either.

inside of restaurant with wooden chairs and string lights Provisions/Supplied

Boxermans

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This Outremont wine and cocktail bar oozes intimacy. With a solid list of natural wines, small sharing plates, candlelit tables, and attentive service, it’s a notable spot for a romantic night out.

Tinc Set Montréal

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With a name that translates to “I’m thirsty” in Catalan, Tinc Set gives diners a pretty good idea of what to expect before walking through the door. This quaint Outremont locale is a great option for a laid-back evening filled with tapas, Barcelona-style rotisserie chicken, and lovely natural wines.

Vin Mon Lapin

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One of the hottest spots in town, this Petite-Patrie neighbourhood wine bar recently doubled its indoor seating space and throws up a beautiful outdoor terrasse adorned with lush plants and string lights come summer — and even boasts a wheatpaste of Anthony Bourdain by Montreal artist Stikki Peaches on its exterior. Its natural wines are expertly sourced by co-owner and sommelière Vanya Filipovic and are paired alongside creative dishes made with as many seasonal ingredients as possible.

Bar Mamie

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If a charcuterie and cheese platter is your idea of fun, look no further than this corner outpost in the heart of La Petite-Patrie, open since 2020. Its sprawling terrasse can fill up rather quickly once summer rolls around, so figure some waiting time into your visit. Since February, Mamie patrons can now visit their boutique space next door, La Cave de Mamie, for small bites, wines to go, and tasting on-site.

vinvinvin

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This Beaubien Street wine bar, designed by the rising stars of architectural firm Ménard Dworkind and open since 2019, has become a local favourite for its bold design and even bolder wine list. Mineral wines take centre stage, with an equal focus on whites, reds, rosés, and oranges from all over the world. Expect to find imports from central Europe (think Slovakia and the Czech Republic) and producers from Germany, Austria, and elsewhere that are pushing the limits.

man wearing red top, pouring wine in bar vinvinvin/Supplied

Beau Temps

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Open since spring 2020, this relaxed neighbourhood wine bar in Mile End offers a concise food menu and a smattering of bubbles and wines of predominantly French and Italian origin. Come along with a small group and run through the menu, pairing natural wines along the way.

Beau Temps/Supplied

Not exactly a wine bar but tough to pigeonhole into any other category, this Mile End mainstay, which has swapped spaces with sibling Lawrence, attracts large crowds day and night. Expect boozy cocktails, ciders, and natural wines, often with unique palate profiles — and small plates to match.

shelves lined with wines Rachel Cheng/Larrys

La Buvette Chez Simone

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Simone Chevalot’s Mile End wine bar is a favourite. The wines skew European (French, in particular), but offer some diversity. Meanwhile, neighbouring sibling establishment Bar à Flot, led by co-owner and sommelier Florence Pelland-Goyer, flaunts plenty of organic and natural wines from all over the world. Both offer cozy terrasses overlooking Parc Avenue.

Le Elsdale Buvette de Quartier

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Steps away from family-friendly Parc Molson in Rosemont and directly across from Cinéma Beaubien, Le Elsdale is a neighbourhood staple. The dishes on its all-day menu pair famously with a glass of natural wine. Swing by during the day or come in the evening when they dim the lights down low.

Rouge Gorge

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A bright, warm Zébulon Perron-designed space in the Plateau is the backdrop for Rouge Gorge’s lively wine list, oriented toward the Languedoc region, where red fruits dominate the flavour profile. The offerings are well-priced, too.

Le Vin Papillon

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Even after years on the scene, bustling Little Burgundy wine bar Vin Papillon, from the Joe Beef group, is still one of the toughest tables to land. With an adventurous wine list that isn’t afraid to break away from French imports, it’s one you’ll likely want to reserve a few days (or weeks) in advance.

Stem Bar

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After earning praise for their coffee and brunch, the team behind September Café opened Stem Bar next door, giving regulars a primo evening destination, too. Stem may share a kitchen with September, but come nighttime, it’s all about burrata on salted pancakes, cavatelli with braised lamb ragu, and beef carpaccio with celeriac instead of breakfast sandwiches and avocado toasts. And naturally, wine by the glass and beer on tap — not coffee — are the drinks of choice here.

Pullman

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This lower Parc Avenue wine bar — revered for its tapas, extensive wine list, and stunning chandelier — is a reliable location for happy hour or a special occasion. Come for the wine; stay for the churros.

Verdun Beach

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Identifying as a “guinguette” (a colloquial term once used to describe popular watering holes in the suburbs of Paris), this Wellington Street wine bar in the heart of Verdun offers wines from Spain, Italy, and France and serves a dozen or so plates to nibble on.

inside of restaurant with lots of wood Verdun Beach/Supplied

Les Cavistes

Located in the northern Montreal district of Ahuntsic, Les Cavistes’ worldly list has won awards for excellence every year since 2014 and carries accolades for its thoroughness. For those interested in a hands-on experience, book a wine-tasting workshop (currently offered in French only) directly on its website.

Knuckles Cantine & Vins

This Jarry Street hangout — where chef Vincent Lévesque-Lepage and owner Matthew Shefler came together to offer classic Italian dishes with a contemporary Canadian twist — is one for the books. Its natural wine selection is top-notch, too, with imported options coming mainly from Italy.

Lundis au soleil

Perhaps more bistro than wine bar, this luminous space led by a young and dynamic staff earned a spot on this list for its thoughtful list of Quebec and Western European (French, Italian, German) wines, as well as a handful of other options from Austria, Catalonia, and Chile.

about a dozen bottles of wine on top of a wooden piece of furniture. Lundis au soleil/Supplied

Café Entre-Deux

As far as pandemic babies go, Entre-Deux has captured the hearts of Montreal diners. Found along a stretch of Sherbrooke Street West, in the mostly residential district of NDG, this all-day “café-buvette” serves up a delectable assortment of sandwiches and small dinner plates, but its cocktails and carefully curated wine list are also a large part of the draw and keep locals coming back again, and again, and again…

Denise

Tucked into an unassuming corner on the edge of the Parc-Ex neighbourhood, Denise started as a cozy banh-mi lunch counter before rebranding itself as a fresh and funky wine bar. The small menu focuses on Asian-flavoured dishes that act as perfect complements to a wide selection of natural wines.

inside of dark wine bar, with bartender pouring a glass Denise/Supplied

Ratafia

The pairing of natural wine and dessert is the concept here — and it does not disappoint. The kitchen at this Little Italy destination is run by four pastry chefs who rotate in the preparation of both savoury and sweet dishes, from duck tacos to a wide variety of cakes and confections. No reservations (except for groups of 6 or more).

Provisions Bar à Vin

Despite the closing of two of its other locations over the last two years, the team at Provisions continues to operate as a wine bar and butcher shop in a shared space on Van Horne. The butcher shop, open all day, serves up sandwiches stuffed with thick-cut brisket, ham (in the Cubano style), and, quite possibly, one of the city’s best griddle burgers. The wine bar, open in the evenings, is a more polished affair, with dishes like lamb kefta, albacore tuna tataki, and grilled scallops, and natural wines to pair. Don’t miss out on their homemade ice cream, either.

inside of restaurant with wooden chairs and string lights Provisions/Supplied

Boxermans

This Outremont wine and cocktail bar oozes intimacy. With a solid list of natural wines, small sharing plates, candlelit tables, and attentive service, it’s a notable spot for a romantic night out.

Tinc Set Montréal

With a name that translates to “I’m thirsty” in Catalan, Tinc Set gives diners a pretty good idea of what to expect before walking through the door. This quaint Outremont locale is a great option for a laid-back evening filled with tapas, Barcelona-style rotisserie chicken, and lovely natural wines.

Vin Mon Lapin

One of the hottest spots in town, this Petite-Patrie neighbourhood wine bar recently doubled its indoor seating space and throws up a beautiful outdoor terrasse adorned with lush plants and string lights come summer — and even boasts a wheatpaste of Anthony Bourdain by Montreal artist Stikki Peaches on its exterior. Its natural wines are expertly sourced by co-owner and sommelière Vanya Filipovic and are paired alongside creative dishes made with as many seasonal ingredients as possible.

Bar Mamie

If a charcuterie and cheese platter is your idea of fun, look no further than this corner outpost in the heart of La Petite-Patrie, open since 2020. Its sprawling terrasse can fill up rather quickly once summer rolls around, so figure some waiting time into your visit. Since February, Mamie patrons can now visit their boutique space next door, La Cave de Mamie, for small bites, wines to go, and tasting on-site.

vinvinvin

This Beaubien Street wine bar, designed by the rising stars of architectural firm Ménard Dworkind and open since 2019, has become a local favourite for its bold design and even bolder wine list. Mineral wines take centre stage, with an equal focus on whites, reds, rosés, and oranges from all over the world. Expect to find imports from central Europe (think Slovakia and the Czech Republic) and producers from Germany, Austria, and elsewhere that are pushing the limits.

man wearing red top, pouring wine in bar vinvinvin/Supplied

Beau Temps

Open since spring 2020, this relaxed neighbourhood wine bar in Mile End offers a concise food menu and a smattering of bubbles and wines of predominantly French and Italian origin. Come along with a small group and run through the menu, pairing natural wines along the way.

Beau Temps/Supplied

Larrys

Not exactly a wine bar but tough to pigeonhole into any other category, this Mile End mainstay, which has swapped spaces with sibling Lawrence, attracts large crowds day and night. Expect boozy cocktails, ciders, and natural wines, often with unique palate profiles — and small plates to match.

shelves lined with wines Rachel Cheng/Larrys

La Buvette Chez Simone

Simone Chevalot’s Mile End wine bar is a favourite. The wines skew European (French, in particular), but offer some diversity. Meanwhile, neighbouring sibling establishment Bar à Flot, led by co-owner and sommelier Florence Pelland-Goyer, flaunts plenty of organic and natural wines from all over the world. Both offer cozy terrasses overlooking Parc Avenue.

Le Elsdale Buvette de Quartier

Steps away from family-friendly Parc Molson in Rosemont and directly across from Cinéma Beaubien, Le Elsdale is a neighbourhood staple. The dishes on its all-day menu pair famously with a glass of natural wine. Swing by during the day or come in the evening when they dim the lights down low.

Rouge Gorge

A bright, warm Zébulon Perron-designed space in the Plateau is the backdrop for Rouge Gorge’s lively wine list, oriented toward the Languedoc region, where red fruits dominate the flavour profile. The offerings are well-priced, too.

Le Vin Papillon

Even after years on the scene, bustling Little Burgundy wine bar Vin Papillon, from the Joe Beef group, is still one of the toughest tables to land. With an adventurous wine list that isn’t afraid to break away from French imports, it’s one you’ll likely want to reserve a few days (or weeks) in advance.

Stem Bar

After earning praise for their coffee and brunch, the team behind September Café opened Stem Bar next door, giving regulars a primo evening destination, too. Stem may share a kitchen with September, but come nighttime, it’s all about burrata on salted pancakes, cavatelli with braised lamb ragu, and beef carpaccio with celeriac instead of breakfast sandwiches and avocado toasts. And naturally, wine by the glass and beer on tap — not coffee — are the drinks of choice here.

Pullman

This lower Parc Avenue wine bar — revered for its tapas, extensive wine list, and stunning chandelier — is a reliable location for happy hour or a special occasion. Come for the wine; stay for the churros.

Verdun Beach

Identifying as a “guinguette” (a colloquial term once used to describe popular watering holes in the suburbs of Paris), this Wellington Street wine bar in the heart of Verdun offers wines from Spain, Italy, and France and serves a dozen or so plates to nibble on.

inside of restaurant with lots of wood Verdun Beach/Supplied