A Wine Lover's Playbook to Montreal

Hey guys!

This week’s newsletter is all about one of my favorite cities in the world: Montreal. I was there this past weekend, and every time I go I’m reminded why I love it so much. The mix of French influence, Québécois culture, and a thriving restaurant and wine bar scene makes Montreal an absolute gem for anyone who cares about eating and drinking well.

It’s got the energy of New York, the charm of Paris, and a wine scene that’s both forward thinking and deeply rooted in tradition. Here are a few highlights 🇨🇦

Also included: Last call to join our Wine Club for this month! Details below 👇

Montreal is packed with neighborhood wine bars, each with its own personality. You could spend a whole week hopping from one to the next and barely scratch the surface. Here are a few favorites worth seeking out:

Le Vin Papillon comes from the team behind Montreal institution Joe Beef, but it stands firmly on its own as one of the city’s essential wine bars. The space is cozy and wood-paneled, with a leafy back terrace that feels like a secret garden escape from the city. The food is simple and always dialed in. Make sure to ask for the special wine list when you’re there, that’s where the real gems are. I once had a 2015 Mark Angeli Vieilles Vignes here that still ranks as one of the best bottles of my life.

Literally translated to “The Dive,” Le Plongeoir feels like what would happen if a pool bar and a natural wine bar had a baby. It’s very casual: you order your wine at the bar from their massive list, then float between tables, hang by the pool table, or join the crowd that inevitably spills onto the sidewalk. It’s always a good time, and I make a point to stop in every time I’m in Montreal.

The name says it all. vinvinvin is such a welcoming space, with a list packed full of fun wines. Expect plenty of Quebec producers alongside classics from France and new wave growers from all over the globe. Also the staff here couldn’t be more generous, they’ll pour you a taste, point you toward something unexpected, and make you feel like a regular on your very first visit.

Other Spots to Save: Bar Henrietta, Stem Bar, June Buvette, Bar Furco, Entre-Deux, BarBara, La Cave de Mamie

Montreal might be one of the best dining cities in North America. Honestly, there are way too many incredible spots here to narrow it down, so here are the ones I visited most recently:

Pichai is all about Thai cooking, and I had one of my best meals in recent memory here. The food is spicy, aromatic, and complex, with dishes that call for equally bold wines. The list really delivers too, with some chilled reds and macerations that work perfectly with the food. Thai food and wine is already one of my favorite pairings, and Pichai takes it to another level.

Gia is an Italian restaurant that feels right at home in Montreal’s dining scene. From the team behind local favorites Nora Gray and Elena, it’s set in a converted warehouse with an industrial yet welcoming vibe. The space is stunning, and the kitchen turns out rustic Abruzzese-style dishes made for sharing. The wine list leans heavily Italian, with bottles from across the country and a few smart surprises mixed in. I went for lunch one day and honestly wanted to cancel my plans just to stay through dinner.

La Lune is a classic rotisserie chicken and wine spot from the team behind Vin Mon Lapin, one of Canada’s best restaurants. The food is comforting, the portions are generous, and the wine list hides some seriously deep cuts. It’s not trying to reinvent the wheel, just doing simple things exceptionally well. I’m a sucker for a roast chicken and wine pairing and this place hits all the marks.

Other Spots to Save: L’Express, La Buvette Chez Simone, Elena, Mano Cornuto, Nolan, Foxy, Nora Gray, Heni, Joe Beef, Liverpool House, Le Violon, Vin Mon Lapin, Pasta Pooks, Restaurant Alep, Polari, Restaurant Limbo, Restaurant Beba, Restaurant Verdun Beach, Larry’s, Damas

Montreal has a completely different set of rules when it comes to buying wine.

Unlike New York, where you have independent bottle shops on nearly every block, Quebec runs on a state-controlled system called the SAQ (Société des alcools du Québec). That means if you’re looking for wine or spirits, you’re heading to an SAQ store.

The thing to know is that not all SAQs are created equal. Some feel like your standard liquor store, while others, like the “SAQ Sélection” or “SAQ Signature” locations, carry rarer and more exciting bottles. If you’re hunting for gems in Montreal, the SAQ Signature Downtown or the SAQ Atwater Market are the places to hit. The French selection is especially strong, with access to bottles that can be tough to track down in the US.

That said, Montreal still has a few of independent shops that fall outside the SAQ grid. Vinorama in Little Italy is a favorite.

As some of you know, we recently launched our Wine Club! We’re so grateful for all the enthusiasm so far and can’t wait to get it rolling.

There are only few spots left, so if you want in before the September cut-off on Saturday at 12 am (or Friday at 11:59 pm ET if that’s easier), now’s the time to sign up. Link is here:

Just as an overview, the first wine shipment will go out later this month, and we’ll be sharing more details very soon!

That’s it for this week! Really appreciate you reading along. Montreal has an incredible food and wine scene, and I hope you get the chance to check it out for yourself.

This week I’m working a harvest with the producer La Rural in Catalonia and can’t wait to share the experience, it’s been a blast so far.

Until then thanks so much for reading along and, as always, drink responsibly 🥂