Wine and Beer Tasting in Montreal

Though not well-known outside of Canada, Quebec’s wine-growing regions—concentrated around Montreal and Quebec City—are burgeoning, with an increasing number of small-scale producers creating red, white, rosé, and sparkling wines, as well as fortified and ice wines. Here is what you need to know about wine tasting in Montreal.

Must-Try Varietals

About 40 different grape varietals are cultivated in Quebec wine country, with most production concentrated in areas north and south of Montreal in regions such as the Eastern Townships, Montérégie and Lanaudière. Because of the severe winter weather conditions, vintners tend to focus on hardy hybrid grapes such as frontenac noir and maréchal foch for reds, and vidal, frontenac blanc, frontenac gris, and seyval blanc for whites. Ice wines, sweet and concentrated dessert-style wines made by pressing frozen grapes, are also produced in the region.

Must-Do Experiences

• Try award-winning Quebec wines paired with a local cheese tasting during a half- or full-day wine-tasting tour.

• Treat your taste buds to a gourmet lunch at an artisanal winemaking estate.

• Sample ice wine, take part in an ice wine mixology workshop, and sip apple ice cider around an outdoor bonfire during a winter wine tour.

• Meet vineyard owners and enjoy exclusive experiences not available to the public during a small-group wine-tasting tour from Montreal.