Soif Bar à Vin

Soif Bar à Vin — Gatineau, QC

Soif Bar à Vin sits at 88 Rue Montcalm in Old Hull, the historic neighbourhood just across the Ottawa River from the capital. The wine bar is owned by Véronique Rivest, one of Canada's most decorated sommeliers, and the cellar reflects her expertise: a rotating selection of over 800 bottles, with the list refreshed weekly to keep regulars and first-timers alike exploring.

The kitchen, led by chef Erik Brooman, produces locally and seasonally inspired small plates designed to complement the wine program rather than compete with it. The room itself reinforces the focus — cork walls and wine-glass light fixtures create an urbane yet relaxed atmosphere that suits a long, unhurried evening. A flower-filled seasonal terrace extends the space outdoors, and an on-site private import wine shop allows guests to take something home.

For golfers finishing a round in the Gatineau–Ottawa corridor, Soif offers a polished but unpretentious landing spot. The small-plates format makes it easy to graze across several glasses without committing to a full formal dinner, and the depth of the wine list rewards those who want to dig into something less familiar than the standard restaurant pour.