At the meeting point of Winnipeg’s Red and Assiniboine rivers, a historic trading place has evolved into one of the city’s most vibrant destinations for food, drink, culture, and community.
The Forks has welcomed people for more than 6,000 years, serving as an important gathering place for Indigenous communities long before the arrival of European traders and settlers. Today, it continues that tradition as a lively waterfront destination where locals and visitors come together to shop, dine, explore, and enjoy the changing seasons.
At the heart of the experience is The Common, a contemporary craft beer and wine bar inside The Forks Market Food Hall.
Celebrating its 10th anniversary in 2026, The Common has established itself as a favorite Winnipeg gathering place, combining a rotating selection of wines and locally brewed beers with the relaxed atmosphere of a bustling public market.
Whether stopping for a glass of wine after exploring the city, sampling Manitoba craft beer, or enjoying a meal from one of the market’s independent food vendors, visitors will find plenty of reasons to linger.
A Different Kind of Wine and Craft Beer Experience
When The Common opened in 2016 as part of The Forks Market’s revitalization, it introduced a different approach to enjoying food and drink in a public market.
Rather than operating as a conventional restaurant or wine bar, The Common allows guests to select a beverage and enjoy it alongside food purchased from the surrounding market vendors.
Both floors of The Forks Market are licensed, creating an inviting environment where visitors can wander between food stalls, browse the market, and settle into communal seating with a drink.
The concept has helped transform the market into a social destination that appeals to everyone from friends meeting after work to travelers discovering Winnipeg for the first time.
The Common offers 20 craft beers and 20 wines on tap, with selections changing regularly to reflect the seasons, emerging producers, and different styles.
For visitors who enjoy discovering something new, tasting flights provide an opportunity to sample several selections rather than committing to a single glass.
The experience is deliberately approachable. Guests can ask the knowledgeable staff for suggestions based on their preferences, whether they are searching for a crisp white wine, a full-bodied red, a refreshing lager, or an adventurous craft beer.
Expertly Curated Wines From Canada and Around the World
Wine has been an important part of The Common’s identity since its earliest years.
In 2018, celebrated Canadian sommelier Véronique Rivest helped introduce seasonal wine selections designed to complement the diverse culinary offerings within The Forks Market.
Her involvement established a tradition of expert wine curation that continues today.
Since 2024, Winnipeg wine writer and consultant Ben Sigurdson has helped guide the venue’s evolving selections, bringing local expertise and a passion for introducing guests to interesting wine regions and producers.
The Common’s September 2026 collection reflects that approach, balancing refreshing wines with richer, more structured selections suited to cooler weather.
The lineup features styles such as Vinho Verde, Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc, Prosecco, Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Tempranillo.
Canadian wines are also represented, including a fruit-forward Gamay from Ontario’s Niagara Peninsula.
International selections introduce guests to regions as diverse as Italy’s Abruzzo, South Africa’s Western Cape, and Australia’s celebrated wine-producing districts.
Because the list changes seasonally, there is always the possibility of discovering a new favorite on a return visit.
Manitoba Craft Beer Takes Center Stage
While The Common’s international wine selection attracts plenty of attention, its commitment to Manitoba craft beer is equally important.
Of its 20 rotating beer taps, nine are reserved for local Manitoba breweries.
The selections are curated by Hailey Tennant, The Common’s in-house craft beer curator and Cicerone, who brings expertise and enthusiasm to the ever-changing lineup.
Visitors can encounter everything from refreshing lagers and hop-forward pale ales to darker beers featuring roasted malt, chocolate, and coffee notes.
Local producers featured on The Common’s evolving beer lists include Winnipeg breweries such as Torque Brewing and Sookram’s Brewing Company.
The rotating format gives established Manitoba breweries a platform while introducing visitors to the creativity of Winnipeg’s increasingly diverse craft beer scene.
For travelers interested in exploring regional flavors, ordering a flight of Manitoba beers can provide an enjoyable introduction.
Staff members can help explain the different styles and suggest selections suited to individual tastes.
The emphasis on local producers also makes The Common an appealing destination for travelers who enjoy discovering a city’s character through its food and drink.
Discover the Food Hall at The Forks Market
One of the greatest advantages of The Common is its location within The Forks Market Food Hall.
Rather than choosing a single restaurant, visitors can explore a collection of independent food vendors offering everything from casual comfort food to internationally inspired cuisine.
The market’s diverse selection makes it especially attractive for couples and groups with different tastes.
Among the food vendors are:
Fergie’s Fish ‘n Chips – A popular choice for classic fish and chips, offering a casual meal that pairs naturally with a crisp lager or refreshing white wine.
Nuburger – Known for creative burgers and satisfying comfort food, making it an appealing stop for visitors looking for a hearty lunch or casual dinner.
Habanero Sombrero – Bringing Mexican-inspired flavors to the market, with dishes that complement refreshing beers and fruit-forward wines.
Red Ember Common – A destination for wood-fired pizza, offering plenty of opportunities to explore different wine pairings.
Aroma Bistro – Featuring Asian-inspired dishes and flavors that add another dimension to the market’s culinary selection.
Tall Grass Prairie Bread Company – A long-established Winnipeg favorite known for freshly baked bread and comforting baked goods.
The beauty of the experience lies in its flexibility.
Friends can order food from different vendors and gather at the same communal table, creating an informal dining experience that encourages exploration and conversation.
UnCommon Pours: Wine and Beer Tasting Experiences
The Common also offers opportunities for visitors to learn more about the beverages they enjoy.
Its UnCommon Pours tasting series brings together wine enthusiasts, craft beer fans, and curious newcomers for guided experiences focused on tasting, pairing, and discovering new styles.
The 2026 program includes four themed events, divided between wine and craft beer.
Previous themes have explored summer wines, seasonal beer selections, and the relationship between beer and food.
The final event of the 2026 series, Wine & Winter, is scheduled for November 6.
Designed around full-bodied reds and comforting wines suited to cooler weather, the event offers a guided introduction to seasonal selections and food pairings.
These gatherings provide a more educational experience than a casual visit to the bar, allowing guests to learn about grape varieties, brewing techniques, and the flavors that make each selection distinctive.
Travelers interested in attending can check The Forks’ official events calendar for upcoming tastings and reservations.
Winter at The Forks: A Winnipeg Experience Worth Embracing
While The Common is a year-round destination, winter introduces another dimension to the experience.
Winnipeg embraces its cold-weather identity, and The Forks becomes a hub for outdoor recreation, public art, and seasonal activities.
During suitable winter conditions, the Nestaweya River Trail transforms sections of the frozen Red and Assiniboine rivers into a recreational route for skating, walking, and other winter activities.
The popular trail attracts residents and visitors who want to experience the city’s distinctive winter landscape.
Along the route, the Warming Huts program introduces imaginative temporary structures created by artists and designers from around the world.
These installations combine public art with architectural experimentation, creating an unusual outdoor gallery against the snowy river setting.
After spending time outdoors, visitors can return to The Forks Market to warm up, enjoy a meal, and explore the seasonal beverage selections at The Common.
The combination of winter recreation and indoor dining makes The Forks an appealing place to spend several hours.
Because river ice conditions change from year to year, visitors should check the official trail status before planning outdoor activities. The river trail is currently closed between winter seasons and will reopen only when conditions permit.
For more ideas about experiencing Winnipeg after sunset, explore DRIFT’s guide to Winnipeg nightlife, live music, and entertainment.
More Than a Market: Exploring The Forks
Beyond its culinary attractions, The Forks is one of Winnipeg’s most historically significant public spaces.
Located at the confluence of two major rivers, the area has been used for trade, transportation, and gathering for thousands of years.
Today, the surrounding grounds feature public art, green spaces, walking paths, cultural attractions, and opportunities to explore the city’s history.
Inside The Forks Market, visitors can browse local shops offering everything from artwork and handmade gifts to books, specialty foods, and products created by Manitoba artisans.
The historic market building, originally constructed as railway stables and haylofts, preserves elements of the site’s industrial past while providing a contemporary setting for shopping and dining.
Nearby, the Canadian Museum for Human Rights offers another compelling reason to spend time in the neighborhood.
Its striking architecture and thought-provoking exhibitions make it an important Winnipeg cultural attraction, and its proximity to The Forks allows visitors to combine both destinations in a single outing.
In warmer months, outdoor seating areas provide opportunities to enjoy the riverfront setting, while public events and performances add to the lively atmosphere.
Planning a Visit to The Common at The Forks
The Common is located inside The Forks Market at 1 Forks Market Road in downtown Winnipeg.
The venue opens daily at 11 a.m., with regular evening service throughout the week.
The Forks Market itself is open seven days a week, although individual food and retail vendors maintain their own operating schedules.
Visitors can enjoy food and beverages throughout the licensed market seating areas, while outdoor tables are available when weather permits.
Non-alcoholic beverage selections are also available, making the market an enjoyable gathering place for groups with different preferences.
Because The Common’s wine and beer selections rotate regularly, visitors should review the current online menu before arriving if they are interested in a particular producer or style.
For current opening hours, seasonal selections, and upcoming events, visit The Common at The Forks.
Frequently Asked Questions About The Common at The Forks
Where is The Common located in Winnipeg?
The Common is located inside The Forks Market Food Hall at 1 Forks Market Road, near the junction of the Red and Assiniboine rivers in downtown Winnipeg.
What does The Common serve?
The Common specializes in wine and craft beer, with approximately 20 selections of each available on tap. The menu changes regularly and features international wines, Canadian producers, and Manitoba craft beers. Non-alcoholic options are also available.
Can you eat at The Common?
Yes. Although The Common primarily serves beverages, visitors can purchase food from the surrounding vendors within The Forks Market and enjoy it in the communal seating areas.
Does The Common offer local Manitoba craft beer?
Yes. Nine of The Common’s rotating beer taps are dedicated to local Manitoba breweries, offering visitors an opportunity to discover regional producers and different brewing styles.
Is The Forks Market worth visiting in winter?
Absolutely. The market operates year-round and provides an inviting indoor setting for dining and shopping. Winter visitors may also enjoy outdoor activities such as skating on the Nestaweya River Trail and exploring seasonal Warming Huts installations when conditions permit.
Does The Common offer wine and beer tastings?
Yes. The UnCommon Pours series features themed wine and beer tasting events led by knowledgeable curators. Visitors should check The Forks’ official events calendar for upcoming dates and availability.
A Taste of Winnipeg at The Forks
What makes The Common memorable is not simply the number of wines and craft beers available, but the experience of enjoying them in one of Winnipeg’s most distinctive public spaces.
The combination of local producers, international flavors, independent food vendors, and a welcoming communal atmosphere reflects the city’s evolving culinary identity.
For visitors exploring Manitoba’s capital, The Common provides an enjoyable introduction to Winnipeg’s food and drink culture, while the surrounding Forks district offers opportunities to discover the city’s history, creativity, and connection to its rivers.
Whether stopping for a quick tasting, sharing a casual meal with friends, or warming up after an afternoon on the winter trails, The Common continues to demonstrate why The Forks remains one of Winnipeg’s most enduring gathering places.
