Saucette Caviste: Natural Wines and Good Company in Saint-Lambert

Saucette Caviste, a neighbourhood buvette in Saint-Lambert on Montreal’s South Shore, is the fruit of a collaboration between Marie-Ève Collin and Catherine Denault, two longtime friends brought together by a shared vision. Nearly three years after opening, the address fully embraces its caviste (wine shop) side with a summer lineup that spills well beyond the usual buvette format: road trips to local vineyards, a mini artisan wine fair and winemaker evenings.

Marie-Ève and Catherine have known each other for more than 15 years. A few years ago, they reconnected and discovered they shared a similar project: opening a convivial spot built around wine and good food. For Marie-Ève, it was a retirement dream; Catherine had been mulling it over for a good decade. Their paths are different but complementary. Marie-Ève, who graduated in cooking from the ITHQ in 2002, has always worked in restaurants and more recently completed a sommellerie course. Catherine comes from the world of management and marketing, with a passion for wine that has grown through formal training and plenty of travel.

A concept born from a space found by chance

The two partners initially had their sights set on a small caviste with a handful of seats. But when they found the space in Saint-Lambert, they realized the neighbourhood was missing a buvette. So Saucette’s concept evolved into a place where people can come taste wine and gourmet plates in a relaxed, at-home atmosphere. “We want people to feel at home, the way you do when you’re hosting friends or family,” says Marie-Ève.

The caviste section carries more than a hundred products, natural, organic and low-intervention wines made by small local and international producers, with an inventory that changes every week as new bottles arrive. That rhythm leaves plenty of room for wine-focused events, from tasting workshops to meet-the-winemaker nights. “We want to shine a light on the artisans who work with passion to bring us these beautiful products,” notes Catherine. The buvette acts as the gateway: guests discover wines on the spot, then take them home by the bottle, with personalized advice along the way.

Sharing and seasonality on the plate

Saucette’s menu has grown bigger than the duo first imagined, with dishes built for sharing. A few classics, like the charcuterie and cheese boards, stay put, but the menu shifts with the seasons to fold in local products. “We work with local producers like Les Fleurettes for our vegetables and Fromagerie Fuoco,” explains Marie-Ève. Among the standout plates: roasted vegetables served with house-made labneh and a spiced oil, and kimchi fritters with a green onion emulsion. You can also count on smoked salmon from Fumoir de La Loutre, prepared according to Marie-Ève’s inspiration and whatever is in season. “People are surprised to find this much quality in the dishes,” says Catherine.

The buvette’s decor, designed in collaboration with Séjour Studio, is both warm and a little eclectic, with touches of lilac, white and pale wood. The space calls to mind a kitchen island, the natural rallying point to gather around, glass in hand. The mood stays easygoing and unpretentious, perfect for a quick stop, an apéro with friends or a dinner that stretches late. Every guest is welcomed and guided like a friend. You come for a glass of wine and a bite, and leave with a smile and a good bottle tucked under your arm.

Spotlight on local winemakers

One of the team’s great points of pride is its wine road trips. The idea is as simple as it is irresistible: bus guests out to the region’s vineyards for a full day spent to the rhythm of the rows. In collaboration with the La Bauge, l’Espiègle, Nival and Grand Saint-Charles estates, these getaways blend tastings in the heart of the vines, encounters with the artisans and big shared tables set right between the rows.

Back in Saint-Lambert, Saucette also cultivates a more intimate program. The house hosts La petite Saucette, its mini artisan wine fair, alongside winemaker evenings where producers drop by to share their cuvées and chat with guests.

All of this programming extends Saucette’s original mission. These events are its concrete culmination: bringing people closer to the artisans and demystifying grower wine.

Cheers!

Written by Jean-Philippe Tastet
Photography by Alison Slattery

Updated on June 02, 2026

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