If you're into natural wine and looking to hunt some down in Montreal, you're in luck: These spots have done the homework and legwork for you.
With the rise in popularity of natural wine, restaurants and bars in Montreal are deftly surfing that high wave of fresh booze by stock their cellars with bottles that are nearly impossible to find for the average person. Just like the supply of ingredients of the best cocktail bars and speakeasy bars in the city, the wine lists of these addresses demonstrate some skilled noses for quality: Micro-wineries, rare vintages, sourcing from far-flung reaches like Slovakia or the Canary Islands? You could say Montrealers are starting to look at wine lists before the menu these days, and it's no wonder why. Don't forget to check out our picks for the all-time best wine bars in Montreal, either.
RECOMMENDED: Full guide to the best bars in Montreal
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Whether you want to to drink well or eat well, Butterblume is always a wise choice for a great evening (or boozy daytime visit! we don't judge!). Here's where to drink local stuff from Montreal's own backyard, but there's also Slovakian, German, Portuguese, Italian, and French wines, as well as many others that the team here gets their hands on—always natural, of course.
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Pullman isn't only the premiere place of choice if you are near the Quartier des Spectacles and looking for pre-show delicacies, but it's also the perfect wine bar to end the evening with as well. With more than 500 bottles available and nearly 50 different ones available by the glass, lovers of good juice will be well served here. The thematic trios are always worth checking out as well, especially when accompanied by a few small snacks or small dishes that are worth dropping some extra funds for.
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The Foodblab (Labo Culinaire) is the kind of place that has it all: There's a young, dynamic, and talented team at its helm both in the kitchen and behind the bar—not to mention the sommelier—as well as a unique environment with a magnificent terrace on the roof. Chef Vielajus loves working with vegetables more than anything, and that goes wonderfully with the entirely natural wine list carefully selected by the trio Antoine, Kim and Rocco. Worth return trips, no question.
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Barbara (vin—get it?) is the hot new thing from chef and restaurateur David Pellizari and Catherine Draws. Part Italian-inspired grocery store, café and wine bar, Barbara charmed locals from day one, and for good reason: Here's where you can eat well, but drink extremely well too. Always save room for a good bottle of natural, vibrant wine from here.
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If you are looking for a festive place to eat well and drink to your little heart's content, head to Boxermans: There is no question of disturbing your neighbor here if you're coming to let glass after glass speak for you—it's part of the atmosphere here to get a bit boisterous in a tasteful way. You'll get used to it quickly, trust us. Our recommendation is that you go there with friends, order the entire menu, then let yourselves be guided by the sommelier.
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A kitchen just managed by the former sous-chef of Candide, a wine list full-to-bursting with options, an attentive and relaxed staff... It's hard to ask for better in the city, if only to have a drink in the early evening or to stop by on the way to elsewhere. We love the wine list here which, instead of classifying its wines by color, classifies them by their dominant characteristic: Thirst,-quenching, mineral, robust, punk, emotional... What're you in the mood for?
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Thanks to this spot, it's possible to stock up on good natural wines right in the heart of Villeray on rue Jarry. Both a café and a bar for some refreshment, you can go there as many times to buy some preserves and wines to take home or to the park as you can to settle in for an afternoon of drinks and snacks. Savor their well-made seasonal dishes and a few worthwhile sandwiches while imbibing some natural wine just about any day of the week (except for Mondays, hence the name).
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For long-time Montrealers, chef Marc-Olivier Frappier and sommelier Vanya Filipovic used the Joe Beef group as their proving ground before arriving at their new home here, and it suits them wonderfully. This fiery duo at Vin Mon Lapin offers as many surprising creations from the chef's side as there are superb selections by the sommelier. It's great evening guaranteed here.
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Welcome to a pioneer of natural wine in Montreal: The Burgundy ham with Avonlea cheddar and brown butter accompanied by a glass of wine from this place's list is, in our opinion, an icon of the city. They do not take any reservations, and we kind of like that—offering a spot to drop into on a whim.
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A project of David Gauthier and Emily Homsy, a professional couple who first met at Pied de Cochon, Bar St-Denis is the spot they're continuing their journey together in the heart of La Petite-Patrie. Although both chefs, the wine and cocktails take up as much space as the food, with the wine list giving way only to natural wines from private imports at affordable prices.
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Natural wine and pizza—what a delicious combination, and even more so with Elena's Neapolitan-style pizza made entirely with sourdough that really matches the funk you'll find with some wines they pack. When accompanied by oranges, a micro-production from Italy or even a good Quebec wine, plus some fresh pasta and salads? You'll see why this has become an essential spot in the Sud-Ouest.
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A wine bar of such repute that it no longer needs presentation, this wel-established spot on Mont-Royal Avenue is known by connoisseurs as a go-to for stops on their beautiful terrasse to have a drink at the end of the day and regain strength to end the walk home. Open seven days a week, Rouge Gorge is a landmark for many, and it'll take less than a glass or two to know why.
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