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One thing remains unchanged, and happily so—Quebecers will continue to seek a balance between enjoyment and health-focused values, without compromising on quality. Concern for the environment and for product purity and provenance are still top of mind, alongside the pursuit of pleasure and an authentic experience.
WHO ARE WE?
We are wine and spirits enthusiasts, whose journey has been shaped by meaningful encounters and a wide range of training, as well as by sharing this fascinating world with customers. Long-time colleagues, we’ve participated in countless tastings, allowing us to contribute to product-promotion of various types, from content writing to assigning taste tags. Today, we have the privilege of placing expertise at the heart of the SAQ’s digital marketing experience. But above all, we continue to nurture the joy of sharing what inspires us through the Suggestions of the Week, and by serving as messengers for the producers and artisans we admire.
Julie et Éric
WINES | SPARKLING | READY-TO-DRINK | SPIRITS | COCKTAILS
Quebecers’ interest in easy-to-drink, authentic, and approachable wines continues to grow. Classic regions are giving way to new areas, where producers enjoy more freedom, unbound by strict tradition. The result is less intensive winemaking, less oak and, of course, more organic practices.
The search for cooler-climate origins fits nicely with this style. Germany, Austria, the Loire Valley, Galicia, Patagonia, Tasmania and high-altitude vineyards are attracting palates seeking freshness. And in this vein, we mustn’t forget Quebec, which seems to have found an identity perfectly aligned with its climate.
As for grape varieties, curiosity reigns supreme. In whites, Grüner Veltliner and Albariño—now well established—remain popular, while there’s a growing openness towards Xarel-lo, Assyrtiko, Melon de Bourgogne and our local hybrid grapes. In reds, Pinot Noir and Gamay are still perennial favourites, but Pineau d’Aunis, Mencía, Nerello Mascalese, Zweigelt and Frappato are clearly gaining ground. In short, 2026 promises to be a year of delicious adventures in the glass.
No matter the occasion, sparkling and effervescent wines add a delightful bit of pop and pizzaz. After the rise of pet-nat (naturally sparkling wines) with delicate bubbles and light profiles, we’re rediscovering classic appellations and learning to better appreciate their nuances. Spanish Cavas still offer very attractive value for money, while Italian Proseccos charm with their fruity and floral character. There are always hidden gems among French Crémants—some well-structured and highly elegant cuvées that serve as budget-friendly champagne alternatives. Finally, the pursuit of drier, lighter sparkling wines continues: brut nature and extra-brut styles, with their low residual sugar, will keep enticing lovers of freshness and finesse.
The ready-to-drink trend remains strong, but it’s evolving. Convenience still matters, but the search for more natural, digestible and authentic products will now drive success. Premixed cocktails made with real spirits—rather than malt alcohols that leave a cereal aftertaste—will be especially sought after.
We’ll see more options shifting from fun to refined. They will also become drier, with some versions offered without carbonation. Another thing to expect: smaller formats. A 250 mL can is perfect for spontaneous, moderate consumption!
Consumers will keep opting for craft distilleries that highlight terroir and craftsmanship, seeking products with true personality. Think micro-distillery whiskies with unconventional cask finishes. Gins will become more elegant and botanical, while interest in aged rums will remain strong, for both quality and price. Tequila and mezcal continue their rise as well. Limited editions and special collaborations will appeal to curious consumers ready to invest in distinctive bottles. The trend is clear: fewer generic products, more spirits that tell a story and deliver a memorable experience.
Simple and chic: that’s the cocktail motto for 2026. The focus is on easy-to-make drinks that don’t require a long list of ingredients or complex techniques. The goal? Being able to whip them up at home without needing a massive inventory or specialized bar tools.
And because we’re proud of our roots and local flora, adding a boreal twist to classics is very much on trend:
- A touch of haskap berry in your Tom Collins?
- A white Negroni with a Canadian vermouth?
- A forest-inspired spritzer with a Quebec aperitivo?
- A Nordic Paloma? Easy: just top with a few drops of spruce syrup.
KWE Cocktails, by the way, offers a great range of products to explore these flavour profiles and spark inspiration.
Conclusion: 2026, the Year of Confident Flavours
Quebec is entering a new phase: drinking with intention. Drier, more enjoyable, more local products. Consumers want to understand what they’re drinking, grasp the vision behind recipes, sense the authenticity of producers, and taste the terroir.
May 2026 be a year of discoveries and pleasures to share with those you love. Cheers!
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