Montana is an outdoor enthusiast’s paradise, as there are hundreds of miles of untouched pristine wilderness in nearly every direction you look.
The state is home to more grizzly bears than any other state besides Alaska, and it is the largest landlocked state in the country.
Wine tasting in Montana is a fantastic way to enjoy the wide open spaces and unwind at night under the stars.
Where to Go For Wine Tasting in Montana
Billings
Billings, Montana is located on the Yellowstone River, and it is the largest city in the state by population. The city of Billings is home to over 100 thousand people, and many of them are wine enthusiasts. There are plenty of great wine tasting options here of all different styles
City Vineyard is a wine shop that contains a full tasting lounge where customers are able to sample from the large variety of wines they have on hand. They also sell a large variety of snacks and cheeses that pair great with the wine selections.
The staff at City Vineyard also specializes in making custom gift baskets, which are a great choice for friends who enjoy wine.
They also host a wine club with two different membership levels, and all wine club members enjoy a genius discount every time they shop and sip.
Bin 119 is one of the best restaurants in the entire state of Montana, and their extensive wine list ensures that there is enough variety for proper wine pairings with every dish. Bin 119 serves upscale American tapas, and they also host a very popular brunch service.
One of the things that separated Bin 119 from other restaurants in terms of wine tasting is the fact that they often host “Wine Dinners.”
These events offer four great wine selections, each with its own dish specifically crafted to compliment a specific glass of wine.
ENZO serves a large variety of different cuisines and is well known in the Billings area for its phenomenal wine list.
The wine list features a large amount of wine selection from all over the world, including affordable everyday favorites along with coveted high-priced bottles.
They have been in business since 1998, and in that time they have firmly cemented themselves as part of the Billings, Montana wine community.
ENZO also serves a solid variety of dessert wines, which can be very hard to find at other restaurants in the area.
Missoula
Missoula is home to the University of Montana, and was made famous by the film “A River Runs Through It.” Life in Missoula, Montana is a blend of suburban living and rural Montana landscapes, and many believe that it strikes the perfect balance between the two.
Plonk Missoula is one of the nicest upscale restaurants in the area, and the place is suitable for everything from a quick drink after work to a nine-course meal in their private wine cellar. The wine list provides plenty of variety to keep all wine enthusiasts happy.
From affordable house wines to orange wines and upscale dry reds, there are tons of different styles of wine available at Plonk.
Reservations are strongly recommended at this chic restaurant, as it has quickly become one of the most popular spots in town.
James Bar serves hearty American meals in a beautifully decorated space with exposed wood on the ceiling and walls.
The place has been in operation since 2007, and they have a proven track record of serving great food options with incredible wine in that time.
The staff is not shy at James Bar, and they make everyone feel welcome while playing their music loudly and filling the wine glasses to a generous level.
This is one of the best places in Missoula to bring a date, as the ambiance here is one of a kind.
1889 Steakhouse is an upscale concept that serves some of the best steaks, drinks, seafood, and charcuterie in the Missoula area.
The wine list features a wide variety of offerings, from cult California Cabernet Sauvignons to recognizable Bordeaux blends.
The menu features everything that one would expect from an upscale steakhouse, as well as a handful of unique selections that can’t be found anywhere else in town.
From bone marrow to croquettes, there is enough variety on the wine list that all dishes have a proper wine pairing.
Great Falls
Great Falls is located on the Missouri River, and has a storied history as it was one of the places visited by explorers Lewis & Clark on their famous expedition in 1805 and 1806.
Today, Great Falls is a growing city with lovely food and wine scene
Fifth and Wine serves modern dishes in a gorgeous rustic setting, and their wine list features all kinds of different wine styles that are sure to please wine enthusiasts of all types.
The staff here has a great reputation for being very friendly and helpful, and the prices are reasonable.
The restaurant used to be known as “Wines by Wednesday,” and today they serve a large food menu full of fresh ingredients.
The wine list is one of the best in the Great Falls area, and the stunning interior makes it one of the best places for a date night in the entire state.
Dante’s Creative Cuisine lives up to its name, as the dishes served here are thoughtfully crafted and put unique spins on recognizable favorites.
This fine dining establishment serves elegant dishes, and the wine list offers a limited but thoughtfully chosen selection of wines.
One of the things that makes the wine list at Dante’s different from anywhere else in Montana is the fact that they serve a variety of non-alcoholic wines.
This makes Dante’s a great place to enjoy an upscale meal with wine enthusiasts and those abstaining from alcohol alike.
Elevation 3330 is one of the coolest bars in Great Falls, and the large space also has a small patio overlooking the busy street.
They serve red, white, and sparkling wines, as well as a good selection of rosés and sangria blends.
They offer two different charcuterie boards, as well as a large variety of small bites and flatbreads that are perfect for enjoying with a glass of wine.
They also have a “Taco Tuesday” weekly, which has become a very popular special around town.
Bozeman
Bozeman, Montana is consistently voted one of the best places to live in America and is an especially good fit for outdoor enthusiasts who do not crave the hustle and bustle of city life.
The city of Bozeman is home to quite a few great establishments when it comes to wine tasting.
Blend is a Bozeman winery that is one of the most highly rated and most well-known places to grab a glass of wine in the area. They produce nearly 20 different types of wine, and they serve wines on tap along with a $20 flight that gives customers a taste of four different wines.
The wine club at Blend is very popular in the Bozeman area, and they ship out three different bottles to members every quarter.
This is also one of the best places in town to host a private party or large event, as they have a dedicated room for event hosting.
Feast Raw Bar and Bistro focuses on upscale plates that are made of sustainable seafood and locally sourced meats and vegetables. The raw bar features a variety of seafood favorites like oysters, shrimp, and ceviche.
The wine list at Feast features over 100 bottles from all over the world, as well as a rotating selection of over 10 by-the-glass options.
In addition to traditional wine styles, they also serve one of the best assortments of sparkling and dessert wines in the state of Montana.
Wine Tasting In Montana – Conclusion
Montana is home to friendly people and wide open spaces that are best enjoyed with a glass of wine.
There are plenty of different bars and restaurants across the state that serve high-quality wine selections, and wine tasting in Montana can lead to lifelong memories.
