Québec is becoming increasingly renowned for the quality of its wines, which have received countless national and international awards. Frontenac blanc, gris and noir, Seyval, Vidal, Marquette or Maréchal Foch are some of the hybrid grape varieties often selected for being able to withstand our frigid climate. In fact, winter is the perfect season for visiting the Route des vins vineyards to talk with the winemakers about the challenges of viniculture in Québec. It’s also the ideal time to discover the different aromatic profiles our vines offer. Grab your tuques, scarves and coats and follow us on a very flavourful excursion!
We’re off to Dunham for a delightful visit to the Vignoble du Ruisseau, a vineyard that stands out for its patented technology using geothermal energy to heat their grapevines during winter. An ingenious idea that facilitates growing Vinifera grape varieties in cold climates and produce such wines as Pinot noir, Chardonnay, Riesling, Merlot, Gewürztraminer and Cabernet-Sauvignon. This year, the team is offering Le connaisseur hivernal, the winter connoisseur package, which includes a guided tour of their parcels and installations, wine and hors d’oeuvre tastings, and a screening of a short film on winemaking. By reservation only. The vineyard also welcomes you to their wine bar or to indulge in one of the delicious cocktails concocted with their spirits, distilled on the site. As of February, the sugar bush will delight epicureans with its reinvented sugar shack menu.
Still in Dunham, you’ll find plenty of activities to keep you warm at L’Orpailleur Vineyard. As a member of the Réseau des Économusées since 2001, the vineyard invites you to come and discover the Québec artisanal winemaking trade through a free visit of the Économusée du Vigneron. Their packages or individual tastings will allow you to discover the range of products from their classics to their signature cuvées. Head out and enjoy the fresh country air with an educational twist, the outdoor interpretation trail invites you to explore the vineyard at your own pace thanks to 24 informative panels located directly amid the vines. A great opportunity to expand your knowledge of reasoned agriculture, the viticulture cycle, harvesting, etc.
Léon Courville, Vigneron’s boutique is open year-round in the Town of Brome Lake, giving visitors the chance to stock up on some of their incredible bottles. Autonomous tastings are offered on the heated terrace, allowing you to admire the exceptional landscape surrounding the site. You can also book a guided tour with Léon or Anne-Marie, the owners of the establishment. The event, which lasts between 40 and 60 minutes, celebrates the art of growing grapes and making wine by touring the fields and the winery.
There are plenty of reasons to visit the Route des vins during the winter time: to enjoy the beauty and tranquility of the northern landscapes, to avoid the crowds, and to chase away those winter blues! And while you’re enjoying our vineyards, we also invite you to take advantage of your outing to visit one of our ski resorts, spas and restaurants!
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