Bring your own wine in Montreal: how "apportez votre vin" restaurants work

One of the best things about eating out in Montreal is the apportez votre vin restaurant: a place where you bring your own wine. Many have no wine list at all, corkage is often low or free, and the result is a relaxed, affordable night out. Here is how it works.

What does "apportez votre vin" mean?

It means "bring your own wine". You will see the phrase, or the abbreviation AVV, on signs and menus. These places let you bring a bottle of wine to drink with your meal. Many of them do not sell wine themselves, so bringing your own is the only way to have wine with dinner.

Where are the bring your own wine restaurants in Montreal?

They are found all over the city, but the classic area is the Plateau-Mont-Royal, especially:

• Duluth Avenue, a street lined with bring your own wine restaurants, some of which have been doing it for decades.
• Prince-Arthur Street, a pedestrian street with terraces in summer.

You will also find them in Little Italy, Mile End, Rosemont and other neighbourhoods. Many serve Greek, Italian, French, Portuguese or Afghan food, among others.

Is there a corkage fee in Montreal?

Some apportez votre vin restaurants charge nothing, and others charge a modest corkage fee. It varies by restaurant, so ask when you book or check the restaurant's website. A licensed restaurant that also sells wine may allow you to bring a bottle for a higher corkage fee; always ask first.

Call ahead and ask two questions: do you allow bring your own wine, and is there a corkage fee?

Where do you buy wine for a bring your own wine restaurant?

Wine in Quebec is sold at SAQ stores, the provincial liquor retailer, and some wines are available at grocery stores and dépanneurs (corner stores). Grocery and corner-store wines are usually simpler, everyday bottles. If you want something special, go to an SAQ before dinner. Plan ahead, as stores close in the evening.

What wine should you bring?

1. Match the food. A light red or crisp white goes with most bistro and Mediterranean dishes.
2. Bring enough. Roughly one bottle for every two people is a common guide.
3. Consider the occasion. These places are popular for birthdays and group dinners, when a few bottles to share make sense.
4. Bring a corkscrew only if needed: staff usually open and serve the wine for you.

Can you bring beer to an apportez votre vin restaurant?

The tradition is about wine, and some places allow beer too. Ask the restaurant first rather than assuming. Spirits are generally not part of the custom.

What is the etiquette at a bring your own wine restaurant?

• Book ahead for weekends and groups. These places are popular and often busy.
• Let staff open and serve the wine. That is part of the service.
• Tip on the service, around 15 to 20 percent of the pre-tax food bill. Some people add a little extra to recognize the wine service, especially if corkage was free.
• Do not leave a mess of bottles. Staff will usually clear them.

Are bring your own wine restaurants good for groups?

Very. They are one of Montreal's favourite choices for birthdays, reunions and long dinners with friends, because everyone can bring a bottle and the bill stays reasonable. Book well ahead for a big table, ask whether the restaurant has a set menu for groups, and check whether an automatic gratuity applies to large parties.

Are bring your own wine restaurants cheaper?

Usually, yes. You avoid restaurant markups on wine, which can be significant. Many apportez votre vin restaurants are also casual, with moderate prices, so they are a favourite for affordable celebrations. Remember that Quebec bills carry GST and QST on the food.

What is the drinking age in Montreal?

The legal drinking age in Quebec is 18. Restaurants may ask for ID, including from people bringing their own wine.

Is bring your own wine common elsewhere in Canada?

It exists in other provinces too. British Columbia, Ontario and Alberta allow licensed restaurants to let diners bring wine, usually with a corkage fee, and participation is voluntary. But Montreal's tradition of whole restaurants built around it is unique.

Mosey is built around the places people actually ate at, and what made them worth going back to. "Great food, free corkage, book ahead" is exactly the kind of note worth keeping.

More guides to read next:

• Atwater Market guide: what to buy and eat by the Lachine Canal
• How much do you tip in Montreal? Quebec tipping, GST and QST explained
• Jean-Talon Market guide: what to eat and buy in Montreal's Little Italy

More in the Canadian food guides and the ranked lists of places.