Sharifa Samora

Women and wine have always gone hand in hand. Whether it's a night out with friends, catching up over a glass after a long workweek, or bringing a beautiful bottle to your next dinner party. But I didn't know how many women have helped shape Montreal's wine scene. Spade & Palacio, the Montreal walking tour company known for its non-touristy experiences led by licensed local guides, has created a Women in Wine tour celebrating the stories of women shaping the industry. I wanted to find out more. Photograph: Kate Lindsay TaeuschelWomen in Wine | Spade & Palacio What is the best food tour in Montreal? Spade & Palacio was founded by two Montréal-born locals passionate about sharing their love for the city. Inspired by founder Danny “Spade”’s Peruvian grandmother, Elba, who introduced him to Montréal’s neighbourhoods, festivals and cultural events from a young age, the company offers authentic, walking food and street art tours—focusing on showcasing local neighbourhoods, independent businesses and young and women entrepreneurs through intimate groups. Check out: Ultimate guide to the best nightlife in Montreal Photograph: Kate Lindsay TaeuschelWomen in Wine | Spade & Palacio On a sunny afternoon, I joined a group of wine lovers from across Canada and beyond. Our tour guide, Fred (short for Frédérique), was an incredible storyteller who brought the city's wine history to life. Photograph: Kate Lindsay TaeuschelWomen in Wine | Spade & Palacio Our first stop was a local microb

Il y a une soirée exclusive dont tout le monde parle pendant le week-end de la F1 à Montréal, et c’est celle-ci. En sortant de mon Uber pour assister au Bal Interdit du The Ritz-Carlton Montréal, je me suis immédiatement rappelé à quel point les fans montréalais sont fébriles pendant le week-end de course. Photograph: dominicgouin.comThe Ritz-Carlton Montreal La foule derrière les barricades sur la rue rue Sherbrooke Ouest vibrait d’excitation, espérant apercevoir des célébrités ou des pilotes sur le tapis rouge. A lire : La rue Sherbrooke Ouest a été élue parmi les plus cool au monde, se classant devant New York, Berlin et Brisbane Photograph: dominicgouin.comThe Ritz-Carlton Montreal Je suis entrée dans le lobby de l’hôtel, transformé en jardin luxuriant baigné de lumière tamisée, où des silhouettes humaines (à peine vêtues) se tenaient comme des statues sur des blocs de marbre de chaque côté. J’avais l’impression de pénétrer dans un jardin du péché. En traversant la foule de convives élégamment vêtus (majoritairement en tenue de soirée), j’ai découvert une salle monumentale sur trois étages bordée de 18 fenêtres rouges lumineuses. Photograph: dominicgouin.comThe Ritz-Carlton Montreal Des danseuses en costumes élégants inspirés de félins évoluaient sur fond rappelant le quartier chaud d’Amsterdam. À ma droite, un bar à champagne Laurent-Perrier, et dans la grande salle de bal (avec un sol imprimé léopard), des stations gastronomiques et une scénographie comestible — d

There is one exclusive party everyone talks about during the Montreal F1 weekend, and it’s this one. Stepping out of my Uber to attend the Ritz-Carlton’s Bal Interdit, I was immediately reminded of how excited the Montreal fans are during race weekend.  Photograph: dominicgouin.comThe Ritz-Carlton Montreal The crowd behind the barricades on Sherbrooke Street West was buzzing with excitement, hoping to spot celebrities or racers on the red carpet.  Read: Why Sherbrooke Street was named one of the world's coolest—ranking higher than New York, Berlin and Brisbane Photograph: dominicgouin.comThe Ritz-Carlton Montreal I entered the hotel lobby which was transformed into a lush garden with low lights, where humans (barely) dressed as statues stood on marble blocks on either side. I  felt like I had just stepped into the garden of sin.  As I moved through the crowd of beautifully dressed (mostly) black-tie guests, I discovered a towering three-storey room lined with 18 glowing red windows. Photograph: dominicgouin.comThe Ritz-Carlton Montreal Dancers in sleek, feline-inspired costumes performed against a backdrop reminiscent of a red light district. On my right was a Laurent-Perrier champagne bar, and in the main ballroom (complete with leopard-printed floor) I found gourmet stations and edible décor—including trees of grapes surrounded by figs.  Photograph: dominicgouin.comThe Ritz-Carlton Montreal The centrepiece? An actual Mercedes. Check out: Montreal Grand Prix 2026 wee