When we think of Quebec vineyards, images of rolling landscapes and remote terroirs often come to mind.

Yet, Quebec’s wine scene is undergoing a surprising evolution: vines are now appearing right in the city, directly on the island of Montreal.

This trend, both innovative and ecological, is redefining our perception of urban agriculture and the potential of our city spaces.

Le Vin de l’Île (formerly Ferme Souffle de Vie)

Did you know that the west of the island, particularly in Senneville, is home to a real vineyard?

Known as “Le Vin de l’Île,” this project is tangible proof that microclimates and expertise can allow vines to thrive even in the heart of our metropolis.

This estate spans several hectares of vines.

With its 27 hectares, approximately 17,000 vines, stables, and horses, nothing at Ferme Souffle de Vie suggests it’s in an urban setting.

Yet, just near the highway exit in Senneville, it feels like the countryside on the grounds of Montreal’s only vineyard. The grapes harvested in the fall are expected to be part of the very first bottles sold next year.

Among the varieties growing in the vineyard rows are merlot, pinot noir, chardonnay, and chenin blanc—a grape that especially reminds Philippe Druelle, the grower of the scents of Touraine, France, where he is originally from.

Vignes en Ville:

Located at Montreal’s Marché Central since 2021.

This project, initiated by the Montreal Urban Agriculture Lab (LAUM), aims to plant vines on the rooftops of institutional buildings (like the Palais des Congrès, SAQ, ITHQ, Ubisoft) and even private homes.

The goal is to study the behavior of hardy grape varieties in urban settings, create cooling zones, and democratize vine cultivation.

Although large-scale commercial production is not the main goal of these initiatives, they are true “vineyards” in the sense of vine cultivation.

They apply winemaking techniques using hybrid grapes adapted to the northern climate and produce wines and ciders in urban settings, while also cultivating vines in Oka.

Most vineyards, whether rural or urban, are private enterprises

These “urban vineyards” serve multiple purposes:

• Agricultural Innovation: Testing the resilience of hardy grape varieties in urban environments.

• Environment: Helping create cooling zones, reducing urban heat islands, and promoting biodiversity.

• Education and Awareness: Bringing city dwellers closer to agriculture and introducing them to the winemaking process, from vine to bottle.

These initiatives are far from anecdotal. They reflect a strong desire to make our cities greener, more self-sufficient, and more surprising.

For Montreal residents, it’s a promise of discovering unique local wines, grown just kilometers from home, and witnessing their urban environment transform.

The emergence of these vineyards and micro-vineyards on the island of Montreal is a remarkable illustration of Montreal’s ingenuity and its commitment to diverse urban agriculture.