You Can Drink Your Way Through Quebec's Harvest Season On These Wine Road Trips
- This harvest season, take a road trip to a Quebec winery and experience everything the Cantons de l'Est has to offer.
- These 20 wineries are worth the road trip... and it's now or never!
- (Or at least, now or next year...)
- Visit MTLBlog for more headlines.
Right now in the Quebec wine region of the Cantons de l'Est, it's grape harvesting season, which means there's no better time to road trip to a Quebec winery or go on a wine tour and get out of the city.
That's why I'm here to present you with 20 wineries that are actually part of La Route des Vins, which travels through the Brome-Missisquoi region of Quebec's famous Cantons de l'Est.
La Route des Vins is an unreal Quebec road trip that stops at 20 wineries, allowing you to see the best of what this region has to offer.
Many wineries are also cideries, which means even more amazing tasting to experience.
Plus, because we're in harvest season, several of the wineries on this list also hold harvest events, where you can experience a lavish meal, pick your own grapes or participate in the harvesting process.
You don't need to be on a bachelorette trip to go on a wine tour — and you don't need to make a full road trip out of it, either. A lot of these wineries are super close to each other, so pick a couple and just stop by a few!
Though, of course, don't be an idiot — don't' drink and drive!
Without further ado, here are 20 Quebec Wineries you should visit this fall before winter eventually comes and ruins all the fun.
Vignoble La Grenouille
Why: Take in sight of the mountains in Vermont at this family-run winery in Estrie.
Where: 434 chemin Plouffe, Cowansville
Château de cartes
Why: Family-owned and operated, Chatêau des cartes offers both wines and ciders with attention to detail.
Where: 1285 chemin Bruce, Dunham
Clos Saragnat
Why: Straw wine and certified organic ciders, including an ice cider, all on a unique and rustic farmyard-vineyard combo.
Where: 100 chemin Richford, Frelighsburg
Domaine des Côtes d'Ardoise
Why: The first and oldest vineyard still in operation in Quebec, the winery is still going strong, with wine and cider to try and 11 beautiful hectares to explore, which feature monumental sculptures along the way. (Featured in our cover image.)
Where: 879 rue Bruce, Dunham
Domaine du Ridge
Why: A huge terrasse and room to play pétanque, what more could you need? (Featured in our cover image.)
Where: 205 chemin Ridge, Saint-Armand
Le Vignoble du Ruisseau
Why: A relaxing stream, a covered bridge, countless maple products and at least 7 grape varietals makes Ruisseau a must on your wine-tour.
Where: 4500 chemin Strobl, Dunham
Léon Courville
Why: Open year-round with stunning views of the Lac-Brome Valley, and Lac-Brome itself, the higher altitude means that Léon Courville enjoys its harvest in late fall, so now is the best time to visit!
Where: 285 chemin Bruce, Lac-Brome
Union Libre
Why: Union Libre is serving up cider and wine (and an ice cider, seen above) on a sprawling and rustic orchard-vineyard.
Where: 1047 chemin Bruce, Dunham
Val Caudalies
Why: Get yourself wine, cider or fortified wine or house-made sweet or dry vermouth at Val Caudalies - pretty much a sure bet that there's something here for everyone.
Where: 4921 rue Principale, Dunham
Vignoble Domaine Bresee
Why: Domaine Bresee is a farm and a vineyard at the same time. The land has been in the Bresee family for seven generations.
Where: 303 chemin Draper Hill, Sutton
Vignoble Bromont
Why: The Bromont winery is a place where "mountains, tunnels of trees, agriculture and beautiful architecture coexist."
Where: 1095 chemin Nord, Brigham
Vignoble Clos Ste-Croix de Dunham
Why: Settled in the historic town of Dunham, Clos Ste-Croix has hiking trails, the beautiful Gear creek and waterfall, a cozy barn and an 1842 loyalist villa to visit on-site, in addition to delicious wines to try.
Where: 3734 rue Principale, Dunham
Vignoble de l'Orpailleur
Why: 10 wines to try and an on-site restaurant for the best of the pairing and tasting experience. The name, "orpailleur" means gold-digger, and was given to the winery by the québecois poet Gilles Vigneault, in reference to the gold-bearing rivers around the winery and throughout des Canton de l'Est.
Where: 1086 route 202, Dunham
Vignoble de la Bauge
Why: A huge picturesque barn, sprawling vineyards and farmlands where you can enjoy tasting, tours and even some wild boars! (Actually.)
Where: 155 avenue des Érables, Brigham
Vignoble Gagliano
Why: Run by a Sicilian family who purchased the land in 2008, this wine is made with "respect for ancient traditions" and "the creation of new customs," marrying the traditional and contemporary.
Where: 1046 rue Bruce, Dunham
Vignoble l'Ardennais
Why: Standbridge East is little a little piece of New England right here in Quebec, and l'Ardennais has been around since 1994.
Where: 158 chemin Ridge, Stanbridge East
Vignoble Les Trois Clochers
Why: Set on a beautiful 22 hectares, Trois Clochers is a great way to enjoy the fresh fall air alongside some chickens taking in the warm autumn sun.
Where: 341 rue Bruce, Dunham
Vignoble La Mission
Why: Up on a hill, La Mission offers a panoramic view of the Bromont area while you sample 5 family-made wines.
Where: 1044 boulevard Pierre-Laporte, Brigham
La Belle Alliance
Why: A beautiful estate with tons of character, including a fantastic view of the mountains, an on-site lake and welcoming architecture.
Where: 239, chemin du Fulford, Shefford
Vignoble Pigeon Hill
Why: Certified 100% organic wine that is aged in French oak barrels for 12 months.
Where: 395 Chemin des Érables, Saint-Armand
All research done in this article is by the author. Businesses never pay to be featured on MTL Blog's "Best Of" lists; furthermore, this list represents a showcase of great spots, and is not a numbered ranking.