La Route des vins Favourites
Who better than the winemakers and their team to guide us? We asked them to share their top wine selections, both their own and those of their colleagues, and their favourite things to do in the region. Let their recommendations inspire you!
By l’Atelier Touristique
Vignoble l’Ardennais
Which of your vintages is your favourite?
Stéphanie Thibodeau, Co-owner : “Tørst, a red wine that represents us well, made with Chancellor, an iconic grape variety from the vineyard and created by Pier Cousineau, my partner and winemaker, who listened to his instinct by vinifying a red in the style of a rosé. And the label was designed by our daughter Charlotte! A red that represents our family well: accessible, funky, with crispness, not meant as a red to age, but with a bit of attitude and refreshing.”
Which wine from a fellow member of La Route do you particularly enjoy?
Can I mention a cider house? If so, it would be Cassine, in Frelighsburg. We love their ciders, which combine fruitiness, freshness and depth.”
Which activity in the region has captured your heart?
“Cycling and admiring the farmland and mountain landscapes dotted with century-old barns.”
Vignoble de la Bauge
Which of your vintages is your favourite?
Marine Pernelle, Assistant Manager “Of all our wines, I prefer Beau-Jus Blues. A smooth red wine, velvety and delicate but funky. A blend of Frontenac Noir and Marquette grapes with a touch of Frontenac Blanc, macerated on Gewurztraminer skins.”
Do you have a favourite product from another vineyard on the Wine Route?
“The Vignoble l’Ardennais’s Tørst! It’s a real treat!”
“Is there anything new happening at the vineyard that shouldn’t be missed?”
“The morning guided tour! We brought back carriage rides. It’s a throwback to the vineyard’s roots! We explain regenerative viticulture and our commitment to cultivating differently.”
Vignoble de l’Orpailleur
Among your vintages, which is your favourite?
Laure de Coussergues, Communications Manager and 2nd generation winemaker “The Natashquan cuvée, because it’s a beautiful blend of Chardonnay and Vidal. This vintage was created in honour of Gilles Vigneault, who gave his name to the Vignoble de l’Orpailleur 43 years ago. He’s originally from Natashquan, so naming the wine after his hometown seemed like a wonderful way to thank him.”
Do you have a favourite product from another vineyard on the Route des Vins?
“I particularly enjoy Val Caudalies wines. My favourite is their Vidal white wine, a grape variety we’re very fond of here at L’Orpailleur. They have a lovely terrace, and we’ve developed a great synergy with them. And our customers who visit this vineyard give us excellent feedback!”
“What activity would be perfectly representative of Brome-Missisquoi?”
“Agritourism! We love being able to offer this experience to our visitors and are very proud of the wonderful offerings we have in Brome-Missisquoi!”
Vignoble Courville
Which of your vintages do you prefer?
Dominik Poirier, Director for Client Experience “My favourite product from Vignoble Courville? It’s really hard to choose just one! I would say that the main reason I work at the vineyard is definitely the St-Pépin and MUSE wines. Then, when summer comes around, I love our new ARABESQUE white wine.”
Do you have a favourite product from another vineyard on the Wine Route?
“Bulle Blanc de Blancs, by Vignoble du Ruisseau.”
Is there an event not related to your vineyard that you think should not be missed?
“The Bromont Wine Festival. Many thanks to the team at Le Roux restaurant in Bromont for organizing this festival that celebrates our women winemakers!”
Vignoble La Belle Alliance
Which of your vintages do you prefer?
Carolyn Dagenais, Co-owner “L’Amour, our red wine, because it warms the heart!”
Do you have a favourite product from another vineyard on the Route des Vins?
“The Saint-Pépin by Léon Courville, a fine white wine produced in their vast terroir.”
What is your favourite vineyard feature?
“The vineyard’s terrace with its view all the way out to the United States! It’s the perfect place for tastings.”
Vignoble Clos Saragnat
Which of your vintages do you prefer?
Gabrielle Hébert, Co-owner “Angélique, an organic farmhouse cider aged on lees.”
Do you have a favourite product from another vineyard on the Route des Vins?
“I love the wines produced by the Domaine l’Espiègle. Zaché Hall does extraordinary work there. The wines are organic and all truly delicious!”
Which activity, in the vineyard or in the region, do you particularly enjoy?
“I know it’s a fairly typical answer, but I would say wine tastings at the vineyard. It’s a great way to meet the producers, learn about their philosophy and understand the wines.”
