La Grande Dégustation de Montréal: where pleasure and discovery collide |

By Myriam Richard

“To discover the best that world producers have to offer in a more convivial format, beneficial to inspirational encounters and great tasting discoveries, is what we want for all who attend” - Daniel Richard, honorable co-president, import agent and the event’s initiator.

Though nothing can compare to its beautiful scenery, it takes a lot of planning to embark on a wine trip. What if the trip comes to you and on a larger scale?

From October 27 to 29, Montreal’s Palais des Congrès will be the host of the first edition of La Grande Dégustation de Montreal (ndlr.trslt.: The Great Tasting Event of Montreal). The event is jointly presented by Association québécoise des agences de vins, bières et spiritueux (AQAVBS) et la Société des alcools du Québec (SAQ).

The 250 producers, the essence and marrow of this event, hailing from 20 countries, will flock to our metropolis, to share their passion and for us to indulge in the tasting of their 1500 wines, spirituous and beers. Talk about generosity!

As each of the editions will follow a particular thematic, this year will be devoted to a country whose wines count, according to the SAQ, as 30% of sales in Quebec. It is none other than France, bringing 100 of its producers, vowing to represent their homeland to the finest. Attendees can be immersed in the french ambiance by visiting the space specially conceived for the honored country called Espace France.
As an epicure myself, I can’t let this event pass through the cracks and thus will attend and can’t wait to let you all know about my discoveries and wonderful encounters.

This event is also open to the public and thus you are invited to attend and give way to your own wine tasting indulgence. You will have the privilige purchase tasting tools, conservation tools on site and order bottles that will be delivered to you by December 1st. Many off-site activites are organized in collaboration with the event, starting today; many of which take place in wine bars in the city. (Visit www.lagrandedegustation.com for more information). An auction of 1000 exceptional lots of rare and prestigious wines will also take place (Visit www.saq.com for more information).

Whether you are an amateur, professional, curious or epicure, you will all find your slice of enjoyment as attendee-friendly great tasting event. I believe I most definitely will.
Elyse Lambert, 2009 Best Sommelier of the Americas, and ranked in the 12 best in the world will serve as the event’s spokesperson. She also penned the entire wine choices in the recipe book “Pas besoin d’être végé pour aimer ce livre” (S. Balthazar/J. Martel)

Hoping to meet you there,

Live. Laugh. Love. Wine.

I N F O

The event: La Grande Dégustation de Montréal

The door: Palais des Congrés - 1001 Place Jean Paul Riopelle, Montréal, QC

The date: October 27-28-29

The time: 4pm to 9pm (Oct. 27), 12pm to 9pm (Oct.28-29).

The cost: 15$ (including the visitor’s guide and a tasting glass) 30$ for a 3-day pass giving you access to the professionals reserved periods on the 27th between 12pm and 4pm)

The web: www.lagrandegustation.com (general info)

www.saq.com (on products and related off-site activities)

www.ithq.qc.ca/classesdemaitre (for a 3-masterclass serie on champagnes, bordeaux and bourgognes at the ITHQ (Institution de Tourism et d’Hotellerie du Québec)