Being a winemaker
in Quebec
If you want to start a career as a winemaker in Quebec, it should not be taken lightly. It must be a thoughtful and informed decision. Ask a winemaker and he will certainly tell you that it is an extraordinary and exciting job, but far from relaxing!
Extensive knowledge: from field to bottle
Being a winemaker means working in several sectors: production (viticulture), processing (winemaking) and distribution (sales). And for many, another sector is added: agritourism.
Whether you are a seasoned winemaker or a budding winemaker, here are some organizations and/or programs to know about.
Conseil des vins du Québec
Sharing knowledge and the latest industry developments
The Conseil des vins du Québec (CVQ) is an association that brings together a large number of Quebec winegrowers and any player in the Quebec wine industry who wishes to be part of it.
The CVQ defends many issues of interest in order to develop this sector of activity – issues relating, among other things, to marketing, the prosperity of entrepreneurs, and the development of science and knowledge.
Being a member of the CVQ has many advantages:
Whether you are a winemaker, a future winemaker or an organization in the large wine industry, join the CVQ family!
Régie des alcools, des courses et des jeux
A highly regulated industry
The alcoholic beverage sector, including wine, is a highly regulated industry. Reporting to the Ministry of Public Safety, the Régie des alcools, des courses et des jeux (RACJ) is one of the organizations that ensures compliance with laws and regulations regarding the manufacture and sale of alcoholic beverages. The RACJ also issues the various permits required by any wine producer or distributor.
> A NEW REGULATION <
Since December 1, 2023, winemakers holding artisanal wine production permits must pay a surcharge for wines sold to grocery store permit holders.
Said surcharge must be paid, on a quarterly basis, to the SAQ.
A “List of Groceries/Products” table must also be attached to the declaration report.
Ministries supporting winegrowers
Ministère de l’Économie, de l’Innovation et de l’Énergie
The Ministry of Economy, Innovation and Energy (MEIE) has the mission of “supporting the growth and productivity of businesses, entrepreneurship, research, innovation and its commercialization, as well as investment, digital development and that of export markets”.
Alcoholic Beverages Directorate
At MEIE, the Alcoholic Beverages Directorate is the main actor supporting the entire alcoholic beverage industry, including the production and sale of wine. You will find essential information on the Alcoholic Beverages Directorate website, including laws, permits, winegrowers’ responsibilities, requirements, etc.
Support program for the positioning of Quebec alcohols in the SAQ network | PAPAQ 1-2
Components 1 and 2 of the PAPAQ aim to support the increase in sales and the supply of Quebec alcohols in the SAQ network and to encourage membership in a reserved designation program (Protected Geographical Indication).
Support program for maintaining the development of sales for artisan wine producers | PAPAQ Section 4
Component 4 of the PAPAQ aims to support the development of Quebec artisan wine producers.
Ministère de l’Agriculture, des Pêcheries et de l’Alimentation du Québec
The mission of the Quebec Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (MAPAQ) is to “promote a quality food supply and support the development of a prosperous and sustainable biofood sector contributing to the vitality of the territories and the health of the population.”
Several support programs
MAPAQ designs and implements various programs necessary for the development of the biofood sector. Regularly consult the list of programs offered by MAPAQ.
Access to professionals
The Agriconseils Network is an organization whose mission is to facilitate access to agricultural advisory services and the financial assistance that goes with them. The organization operates under 13 different networks, each representing a region. They can help you choose advisory service providers according to your region and your needs.
They can also provide you with information on available financial assistance and help you obtain it.
Société des alcools du Québec
The Société des alcools du Québec (SAQ) is a “government corporation whose mandate is to trade in alcoholic beverages by offering a wide variety of quality products.” The SAQ is entirely managed and administered by the Ministère des Finances du Québec.
The SAQ holds a monopoly on the purchase, importation, sale and distribution of alcoholic products in Quebec, except for beers and wines produced in Quebec. It remains a distributor, collaborator and important player for Quebec wine producers.
Business Relationship Guide
A winemaker who wants to market his products through the SAQ network must be well aware of the SAQ’s business processes. The “Business Relations Guide” is a document that presents the SAQ’s processes and requirements, essential reading for any winemaker who wants to do business with the SAQ.
Academic training
Institut de technologie agroalimentaire du Québec
The Institut de technologie agroalimentaire du Québec (ITAQ) is a Quebec college-level training center specializing in teaching and research in agri-food. Under the responsibility of MAPAQ, ITAQ offers several programs in agricultural production, as well as agricultural business management.
In addition to offering study programs, ITAQ also offers continuing education, including:
Université du Québec en Outaouais
In collaboration with the Mirabel Agri-Food Research Centre (CRAM) and with the financial participation of MAPAQ, the Université du Québec en Outaouais (UQO) offers a non-credited university-level viticulture/oenology training program: University Certification in Cold Climate Viticulture and Oenology.
This distance learning program aims to provide the knowledge needed to work at different levels in the sector. It focuses on the scientific and technical aspects of viticulture and oenology. It covers vine physiology, must and wine chemistry, and fermentation microbiology as well as technical aspects related to vine cultivation and winemaking.
Knowledge transfer
Centre de référence en agriculture et agroalimentaire du Québec
The Centre de référence en agriculture et agroalimentaire du Québec (CRAAQ) is a non-profit organization whose mission is to produce, gather and adapt information from the various agricultural and agri-food sectors in Quebec.
Publications, videos and other references from the wine industry are grouped together in the “Vine and Wine” section of the CRAAQ catalogue.
Agri-Réseau
Agri-Réseau is a “collaborative site whose mission is to accelerate the dissemination of cutting-edge information to Quebec businesses and professionals in agriculture and agri-food. Several hundred experts and organizations contribute by sharing their research results, the events and training they organize, as well as their various popularization tools (documents, presentations, videos, etc.)”.
Agri-Réseau is mainly managed by the CRAAQ and groups of experts. The site also offers technical and scientific documents.
