Winter can be kind of…blah. So here to spice things up a bit is none other than the team behind La Cuvée d’hiver. Back for their 6th edition, this festival is one where holding back is not an option. La Cuvée’s three-night event will consist of sampling microbrewery beer, Quebec gin, whiskey, and local food. Attendees will also get to enjoy shows, live performances, games, and master classes given by the alcohol experts themselves—and it will all take place in a 1950s setting!
Gin, Gin and More Gin
This year, La Cuvée d’hiver begins on Thursday, March 1st and ends on Saturday, March 3rd.
On Thursday, March 1st, La Cuvée will be hosting its “Jeudi GIN-GIN,” where the festival will highlight various Quebec gin brands. During this event, you will get the chance to meet gin producers and savour their products. This event begins at 5pm and ends at midnight.
Whiskey—Not for the Weak
Friday, March 2nd will be the night for all of the whiskey lovers out there. Jean-François Pilon will be there to answer all of your whiskey-related questions through his master class, while Emma Williams and Ramblin’ Men will be on site to make you move between 8pm & 10pm. This event begins at 4pm and ends at 1am.
La Cuvée d’hiver Ends With a Bang
Saturday, March 3rd will be an even busier night! Several master classes will be given for gin and microbrewery beers, Tobiko Surf and Rockabilly will perform at 7pm and 9:30pm, Lady Joséphine will put on a burlesque performance at midnight, and DJ Khalil will make you swing for the remaining part of the night during the speakeasy electro swing portion of the night, which will go on from 11pm to 2am. This event begins at 4pm and ends at 2am.
And just in case you feel the need to participate a little more in this three-day festival, Randolph Animation will also be present on all three nights to host some fun games.
Admission & Location
This year’s Cuvée d’hiver will be hosted at Montreal’s premiere event venue: Le Salon 1861. La Cuvée likes to offer a 1950s vibe and there is no better place to do so than at an ancient church located at 550 Richmond Avenue, in Montreal’s Griffintown.
While you can buy a three-day pass for the event, La Cuvée also offers individual tickets for each day of the festival. You can buy your tickets ahead of time online, or at the venue itself. Check out your admission options here: Tickets.
While some of us may feel like spring is on its way, winter is still here for a little while longer and sometimes you just need some tasty, local drinks to forget that. So if you don’t have anything planned for the first weekend of March, make your way over to La Cuvée d’hiver!
Photos courtesy of La Cuvée d’hiver.
