Tasting wine is more than just drinking it. In Montreal, several specialized workshops offer a true immersion into the world of wine. These sessions are designed to expand knowledge, whether it's identifying aromas, understanding winemaking methods, or exploring food and wine pairings.
Led by sommeliers and wine professionals, these workshops provide insight into grape varieties, terroirs, and production techniques. Participants are guided through different tasting steps, from observing the wine's colour to analyzing its aromas and evaluating its flavours on the palate. Each glass becomes an opportunity to explore, compare various styles, and refine their understanding.
Some workshops take an interactive approach, including blind tastings to sharpen the ability to recognize grape varieties or experiences highlighting the effects of aging on wine. For those eager to delve deeper, advanced courses focus on specific themes, from exploring a particular wine region to understanding the nuances of exceptional vintages.
Whether you're looking for an introduction or a more in-depth learning experience, these workshops offer a comprehensive dive into the world of wine. Discover our selection of the best wine-tasting workshops in Montreal, and let expert sommeliers guide you.
2065 Rue Parthenais suite 375, Montréal, H2K 3P8
Le vin dans les voiles has become a leading reference for natural wines in Montreal. Located in the former Grover Buildings, this hybrid space combines team office, learning space and private room, offering a unique immersion in the world of living wines. Founded by Julie Audette and Valériane Paré, the project highlights vintages crafted with deep respect for both the terroir and the environment. More than just a shop, it's a true tasting lab where every workshop is designed to make natural wines approachable and enjoyable. Moving away from rigid theoretical lessons, these sessions encourage interaction, exchange, and discovery.
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Each workshop provides an opportunity to explore the many aspects of natural wine, from grape varieties to winemaking techniques free of chemical additives. Le vin dans les voiles offers a range of experiences for both newcomers and seasoned enthusiasts:
Découverte vin nature introduces the fundamentals of natural wine, showcasing the dedication of passionate winemakers.
Blind tasting disrupts conventional tasting by removing visual cues, and focusing entirely on aromas and textures.
Dégustation 101 serves as a structured introduction to wine analysis, perfect for building a solid foundation in tasting.
Jeux de comparison refines the palate by comparing different vintages, demonstrating the influence of grape varieties, soil types, and winemaking methods.
Between laughter, discoveries, and lively discussions, every session is a chance to deepen one's knowledge and appreciate the meticulous work of winemakers.
Les Cavistes - Bistro Bar à vin Boutique
196 Rue Fleury O, Montréal, H3L 1T5
For over a decade, Les Cavistes and Cerise Buvette have cultivated the art of wine with an approach that is both accessible and refined. Located on Fleury Ouest, these two complementary establishments are driven by the same passionate team, sharing a genuine love for private-import wines and new discoveries. Whether through the immersive tastings at Les Cavistes, where six wines and perfectly matched pairings unfold through lively exchanges, or the Apéros Cépages at Cerise Buvette, offering a relaxed trio of wines and small bites, each moment spent with a glass in hand becomes an opportunity to awaken the senses.
Surrounded by the greenery of Tolhurst Park, Cerise Buvette embraces a laid-back, spontaneous approach to wine with shorter, informal tasting formats that encourage discussion. Meanwhile, Les Cavistes takes enthusiasts on a journey through the world's vineyards with in-depth tastings that highlight terroirs, grape varieties, and appellations in all their complexity. Balancing tradition and modernity, these two Ahuntsic addresses offer complementary experiences, always rooted in sharing and discovery, where each glass reveals a distinct expertise and a unique identity.
3535 Rue Saint Denis, Montréal, H2X 3P1
Since 2015, the Institut de tourisme et d'hôtellerie du Québec and the SAQ have combined their expertise to offer training programs where precision meets pleasure. With over 30,000 participants trained, the SAQ Workshops by ITHQ stand out for their structured and accessible educational approach.
Available in several cities across Quebec, the Wine and Spirits Courses provide a solid foundation in tasting, aroma recognition, and an in-depth understanding of winemaking techniques. Each session blends theory and practice, delving into grape varieties and major wine regions through sensory exercises and guided tastings. Participants refine their palate by comparing wines from the same grape variety grown in different climates while gaining insights into the intricacies of winemaking. The goal is not only to recognize quality wines but also to understand the elements that shape their character. The Wine 101 and 201 Grape Varieties Courses lay the essential groundwork, while specialized modules such as Wines of France, Wines of Italy, and Wines of Spain explore the rich diversity of the global wine landscape.
In Montreal, the Wine and Food Pairing Workshops elevate the experience by combining tasting with the art of pairing, led by seasoned chefs and sommeliers. These workshops go beyond traditional pairings, embracing bold combinations, such as orange wines enhancing spicy dishes or spirits matched with desserts featuring contrasting textures. Themes shift with the seasons and current inspirations. Among the featured workshops, Wines of Italy: Antipasti and Primi showcases the elegance of Mediterranean flavours through carefully curated pairings. Bubbles and Oysters examines the role of effervescence in enhancing marine freshness, while Organic Wines and Veggie Cuisine highlight daring pairings between natural wines and sophisticated plant-based dishes. Each session offers an opportunity to experience wine in a fresh light, experimenting with unexpected yet harmonious flavour combinations.
Multiple locations
As the first school in North America to combine cooking classes, mixology, and wine tastings under one roof, Ateliers & Saveurs has become a must-visit for food and wine enthusiasts. Founded by three restaurant industry professionals, the establishment focuses on curiosity, sharing, and the joy of learning to pass on its expertise.
Since 2008, Ateliers & Saveurs has been introducing wine lovers to grape varieties, terroirs, and perfect pairings through its three Montreal locations: Old Montreal, the Time Out Market, and the Mile-End. Each workshop, led by experienced sommeliers, blends education and enjoyment in an interactive and welcoming setting. With themes tailored to different knowledge levels and interests, participants can explore and deepen their understanding of enology.
Among the most popular experiences, the Wine and French Cheese Pairing workshop allows guests to explore textures and affinage while tasting carefully selected wines that complement each cheese. The Voyage Collection: Rhône Valley highlights the region's rich appellations, from Crozes-Hermitage to Châteauneuf-du-Pape, unveiling their unique characteristics and evolution on the palate. Each session, lasting two to three hours, offers a unique opportunity to refine one's palate, expand wine knowledge, and enjoy a relaxed, engaging atmosphere.
4816 Rue Wellington, Montréal, H4G 1X4
In Verdun, Bar Verdun Beach is the go-to spot for discovering natural wine in a relaxed and welcoming setting. With over 200 selections available, it's the perfect place to explore expressive, unfiltered wines that showcase their origins. The Intro to Natural Wines workshop offers a tasting of five carefully chosen cuvées, while diving into discussions on spontaneous fermentation, forgotten grape varieties, and sustainable vineyard practices. More than just a tasting, it's an immersive journey into the craftsmanship of dedicated winemakers.
Whether hosted at the bar, in a corporate setting, or at home, each session is designed to be flexible and interactive, encouraging discussion and curiosity. The experience can be enhanced with gourmet pairings, such as fresh oysters, aged cheeses, or artisanal charcuterie, elevating each sip. In partnership with Primavin, these workshops provide an engaging and accessible introduction to the world of natural wine. Four handpicked cuvées are presented in a participatory format, with the option to add thoughtfully curated food pairings.
These tastings breakdown misconceptions and offer a clear understanding of natural wines, their nuances, and their regional expressions. Whether it's a casual gathering, a team-building event, or a specially curated food and wine evening co-created with the bar's team, each session is an opportunity to discover new flavours and stories. Every glass tells the tale of passionate artisans shaping unique, vibrant wines. More than a simple tasting, these workshops turn wine discovery into an enriching experience, where learning happens naturally in a warm and engaging atmosphere.
4051 Rue Molson local 120, Montréal, H1Y 3L1
Since its opening, Annette Bar à Vin has established itself as a place where wine is experienced in all its depth, blending expertise with a welcoming atmosphere. Through regular tasting evenings, Annette offers the opportunity to explore carefully selected cuvées, accompanied by food pairings designed to enhance their complexity. These events go beyond simple tastings; they provide a deep dive into the world of wine, offering insights into its production, connection to terroir, and the aging process.
Behind this dynamic wine bar are Marc-André Jetté and Mila Rishkova, also the owners of the acclaimed Hoogan et Beaufort and Boucherie Édouard et Léo. Their passion for gastronomy and innovative vision shape every aspect of Annette. The wine list, recognized with an Award of Excellence from Wine Spectator, highlights an exceptional selection, where each bottle tells a story. From small producers and bold discoveries to timeless classics, diversity takes center stage. During the Atelier de Vin evenings, the atmosphere evolves with engaging discussions and thoughtfully crafted pairings, creating an interactive and dynamic setting. The knowledgeable staff is always on hand to guide choices and share expertise, making each gathering enriching and accessible to both novices and seasoned wine lovers.
6381 Boulevard St-Laurent, Montréal, H2S 3C3
While La Guilde Culinaire is well-known for its expertise in cooking, it also highlights the art of wine with dedicated workshops that enhance its offerings. After several years on pause, these tastings will return in April 2025 with a variety of engaging themes, offering a fresh perspective on the world of wine.
Participants benefit from the guidance of experienced sommeliers who tailor their approach to the group's interests. Each session is accompanied by carefully selected bites, designed to highlight the nuances of wine pairings and illustrate the influence of textures, spices, and aromas on the tasting experience.
With a renewed program and an immersive educational approach, La Guilde Culinaire has become a must-visit for anyone looking to expand their wine knowledge. The workshops feature classic pairings, such as Wines and Cheeses of Quebec, deeper explorations like The Grand Crus of Burgundy, and playful experiences such as Blind Tasting: Guess the Grape! Each session offers a unique opportunity to enrich one's wine culture while discovering new flavour harmonies.
Photo Credits: norsfell
Au VinHub is a space dedicated to learning and exchange among wine enthusiasts. By combining coworking with thematic events, this venue provides a dynamic setting for deepening knowledge and exploring wine from both scientific and sensory perspectives.
Workshops focus on vinification, maturation, and the evolution of wine. Each session covers topics such as the influence of soil composition, grape varieties, and winemaking techniques on a wine's profile. A recent workshop led by Benoît Marsan, a wine chemistry expert and founder of scienceetvin.com, delved into the molecular interactions that shape aromas and flavours. Past topics have included the effect of volcanic soils on grape varieties, the unique characteristics of Greek wines, and the natural winemaking methods used by Federico Orsi.
These events are designed for both beginners and experienced enthusiasts, offering tools to refine the palate and better interpret what is being tasted. In this learning-focused environment, Au VinHub allows everyone to expand their wine culture while sharing a convivial moment where science and sensory pleasure come together.
3319 Boulevard de la Concorde E, Laval, H7E 2C3
In a space where coffee, barbering, and tattoo artistry blend seamlessly, Cups & Cuts redefines wine tastings by hosting exclusive events in collaboration with industry professionals. These occasional gatherings, organized with partners such as Gbox and DiVino Wines & Spirits, showcase five carefully selected wines. Led by an experienced sommelier, participants explore French and Italian cuvées, complemented by gourmet bites designed to enhance each pairing.
More than just a tasting, these events offer a unique opportunity to deepen one's understanding of grape varieties, terroirs, and winemaking techniques. Cups & Cuts brings a fresh and unconventional approach to these experiences, breaking away from traditional formats. Here, wine naturally finds its place in a dynamic setting where interaction is just as important as discovery. Whether enjoying an espresso, getting a haircut, or engaging in lively conversations, these tastings add an unexpected and enriching dimension to the venue, making each event both educational and memorable.
To extend the experience, explore our selection of Montreal's best wine bars and must-visit buvettes, where you can enjoy exceptional wines in a welcoming atmosphere.
