The Hidden Gems of the Wine Route, Beyond the Vineyards

While La Route des Vins is renowned for its highly praised vineyards and picturesque landscapes, this idyllic corner of the Eastern Townships is also home to a wide variety of artisan producers and unique culinary experiences. Food lovers and locavores seeking authenticity, this itinerary will allow you to experience The Wine Route like never before.

Cider in All Its Forms

Start your adventure by discovering how fruit as simple as an apple can be transformed into the most amazing products, thanks to the know-how of our local cider makers! At Ferme Cidricole Équinoxe, you’ll be welcomed into a friendly country ambiance just outside of Farnham. You’ll not only be charmed by the beauty of the surroundings, their exceptional ciders, spirits and now wines, you’ll also be inspired by their work philosophy! Indeed, they’ve built their reputation by practising organic and regenerative agriculture focused on their ecosystems’s health and the well-being of the people who live here. Also, in the heart of Frelighsburg, you’ll discover Aurea Mediocritas, where they produce ciders with a unique character using traditional Breton and Norman methods. The name, which piques our curiosity, in no way refers to mediocrity, but rather to the golden mean, the point of balance that avoids both excessive and deficient extremes. In addition to excellent farmhouse ciders, you can enjoy classic Crêpes Bretonnes, which, according to the owners, pair perfectly with their offerings.

The Eastern Townships’ Brewing Revolution

Beer enthusiasts will be delighted by the region’s variety of local microbreweries. Inspired by European brewing traditions, The Brasserie Dunham, since its creation in 2011, focuses on exploring and reinventing beer genres. Here you’ll find bold beers with complex flavours and an excellent pub-style cuisine. Farnham Ale & Lager offers a return to basics with European-inspired beers brewed with the utmost care. For a family-friendly vibe, La Knowlton & Co welcomes you to their forest terrace with craft beers featuring cartoon-inspired labels. At the end of the day, Auberge Sutton Brouërie invites you to sample their creations while admiring the sunset over the mountains.

From the Farm to Your Plate

Farm-to-table endeavours represent the very essence of the locavore philosophy. Les Cocagnes offers an inventive cuisine prepared exclusively with ingredients grown on site or sourced within a few kilometres. At theEspace Old Mill, take a seat in a beautifully restored former mill to enjoy dishes reflecting the changing seasons and the chef’s inspiration.

The Art of Artisanal Cheesemaking

No foodie experience in the Eastern Townships would be complete without a visit to the local cheese dairies. Fromagerie des Cantons shares the secrets behind the production of its award-winning cheeses, whereas Fromagerie Missiska invites you to savour their raw-milk cheeses, noted for their remarkable finesse. Both offer tasting platters to enjoy onsite with a glass of cider or a local craft beer.

A Nod to Our Foodie Vineyards

Some vineyards are well worth a visit, even for those who enjoy straying off the beaten path. At Vignoble Gagliano, pizza from a traditional wood-burning oven is the perfect accompaniment to their expressive wines. The restaurant Le Tire-Bouchon at Vignoble de l’Orpailleur offers a refined menu showcasing local ingredients. For an exceptional dining experience, the restaurant at Vignoble Le Ruisseau combines gourmet cuisine with biodynamic wines.

Prolong Your Immersion

One day is hardly enough to explore all these treasures! Extend your stay at one of the region’s charming establishments, such as La Cecil House, La Maison Bleue B & B, or Domaine Jolivent. For those who love immersive experiences, you can even spend the night in the heart of a vineyard at Vignoble Bromont or Château Ste-Agnès.

Whether you’re a fine gourmet, a true fan of the terroir or simply hoping to find authentic culinary experiences, La Route des vins will amaze you as you discover the region beyond winetasting and vineyard visits. Don’t wait any longer! Come and explore this epicurean paradise, where each turn of the road reveals a new artisanal treasure to savour.