Harvest season on La Route des vins

Grape-harvesting season runs from September to October and is the time of the year when vineyards take on a festive atmosphere. You will truly enjoy being in the Eastern Townships at this particular time. Here are a few reasons to plan your next trip:

 

GET A BEHIND-THE-SCENES TOUR

During the grape harvesting season, some vineyards will offer guided tours. Domaine du Ridge, Domaine Girouard, Vignoble du Ruisseau, Léon Courville, vigneron,  Vignoble Clos Ste-Croix, Vignoble de la Bauge, Domaine ValBrome, Vignoble Gagliano and Union Libre cidres & vins all offers guided tours. It is necessary to book in advance.

On September 9, 16 and 23 at 1 p.m., the Vignoble Val Caudalies offers a special guided tour lasting 1h30 in the presence of the owner winemaker. Products from the vineyard will be offered for tasting alongside local food products. $35/person, reservation required:  450-295-2333 ou val.caudalies@gmail.com

At Vignoble de l’Orpailleur, in addition to the winegrower’s economuseum and the outdoor interpretation trail where you can learn more about the work of the vineyard and the making of wines in Quebec, a guided tour of the vineyards will be offered. On the menu, visit of the fields and discussion on viticulture in a northern climate, winter protection techniques, tasting of grapes and wines! The activity is offered on September 9 and 16 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Limited places, reservation required.

 

PRIVATE TOURS WITH SOMMELIER

The Kikico company offers private tours for groups up to 8 people. The tour includes private tastings accompanied by a sommelier guide. You will visit the pioneer vineyards of Quebec by criss-crossing the panoramic roads between orchards and mountains of the Dunham region, passing through the picturesque village of Frelighsburg. These half-day or full-day excursions depart from Montreal or the Eastern Townships. Monday to Friday , reservation required.

 

JOIN THE GRAPE HARVESTING

 

During grape harvesting season, you can immerse yourself in the experience by taking part in vineyard grape picking activities. Contact the vineyards directly to make a reservation.

– At Domaine du Ridge, the “Le Vendangeur” and “Le Fouloir” packages are offered during harvest weekends. You will be introduced to grape picking in a relaxed and festive atmosphere and women are invited to crush the grapes with their feet in the traditional way. Reservation required.

– In Sutton, the Vignoble Domaine Bresee also offers the possibility to participate to the harvest. Coffee, dinner, tasting and grape crushing activity are on the agenda! Reservation at 450 538-3303.

Le Vignoble du Ruisseau also offers the experience grape harvest for a day. Harvest, lunch, glass of wine and guided tour, all for free! Reservation required

– Go lend a hand and put your touch to the 2023 vintage of Sugar Hill Vineyard! The team is currently looking for volunteer harvesters! Coffee, croissant, hot lunch with a glass of wine and two bottles of wine will be offered to you in exchange for your efforts! Ask the vineyard for the detailed schedule: info@vignoble-sugarhill.com

Léon Courville, vigneron is offering a public harvest day on September 30. You are invited to participate in the harvest from 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. then take a tour of the vineyard, glass in hand with Anne-Marie, co-owner. Wood-fired pizzas will be served around 5:30 p.m. and drinking songs will be sung around the fire. $60 per person, reservation required.

 

GOURMET DELIGHTS

Visiting the vineyards can whet your appetite, many of the vineyards offer epicurean activities during the grape harvest.

–  The Bistro on ember of Vignoble du Ruisseau is open Wednesday to Sunday.

–  The Vignoble de l’Orpailleur restaurant, Le Tire-Bouchon, will be open every day from 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. except Fridays when the restaurant closes at 8 p.m.

–  Wood oven cooked pizzas are available from Wednesday to Sunday at Vignoble Gagliano, no reservation required. They also offer picnic boxes upon reservation.

–  The “Prestige Tasting” at Vignoble de la Bauge offers food and wine pairings with local flavors on Saturdays and Sundays between Labor Day and Thanksgiving.

–  The Domaine du Ridge‘s “Le Curieux” package includes a board of local products to share.

–  At Domaine des Côtes d’Ardoise, one of the packages includes a platter with cheeses, rillettes, pâtés, sausages and berries.

– In Brome Lake, the first edition of a gourmet festival called Les Friands will take place on September 23 and 24 at Coldbrook Park. Fond of gastronomy and culinary discoveries, vineyards and microbreweries, music and art of all kinds, this event is for you! Wine tasting worskshops with a sommelier will take place both days.

– In Bromont, the wine bar of La Route des vins Brome-Missisquoi awaits you every weekend from September 23 to October 15 during the Bromont à la ferme festival. Come taste local wines, take part in nature workshops, meet local producers during mini Sunday public markets and enjoy free outdoor shows! An event for the whole family not to be missed!

 

HAVE A PICNIC AMID THE VINES

Most of the vineyards along the Wine Route have picnic tables where you can enjoy an outdoor feast. If you want a turnkey option, Vignoble Gagliano, Château Saint-Agnès, Vignoble Bromont (from Thursday to Sunday),  Domaine Girouard, Vignoble l’Ardennais, le Domaine du Ridge (weekend picnic), Rumeur affamée de Dunham and La Mie Bretonne bakery offer picnic baskets by reservation.

 

ENJOY FALL FOLIAGE SEASON

The region’s vineyards are even more dazzling during the fall colors. For a short hike, Val Caudalies suggests a walking trail on its magnificent estate. Also, enjoy the fall at the Fall Festival  which takes place at Mont SUTTON from September 16 to October 15.

When you go to Domaine des Côtes d’Ardoise in Dunham, you will discover the largest outdoor sculpture exhibit in Quebec and unique in Canada. Over 150 pieces of art can be seen throughout the gardens of the vineyard.

 

To make the pleasure last, extend your stay with one of our accommodation packages.

> View Wine Route packages