Vendanges sur La Route des vins
The grape harvesting season lasts from September to October. It’s the time of year when the vineyards take on a festive air. Here are some activities that will make you want to spend some time in the Eastern Townships to truly enjoy the experience!
Enjoy Taking a Glimpse Behind the Scene
VIGNOBLE VAL CAUDALIES
On September 8, September 15 and again on September 22 at 1:00 p.m., the Val Caudalies vineyard is offering a special guided tour lasting about an hour and a half in the presence of the owner and winemaker. Products from the vineyard will be available for tasting, accompanied by local food specialties. $35/person, limited seating, reservations required: 450-295-2333 or by writing to val.caudalies@gmail.com
VIGNOBLE DE L’ORPAILLEUR
A grape harvest tasting package including 5 wines for $15 per person is available every day until October 15. Don’t miss the outdoor interpretation trail to learn more about the workings of the vineyard and the winemaking process.
UNION LIBRE CIDRES ET VINS
The grape harvest package at this vineyard and cider house features a tasting of 5 products (ciders and wines) for $15/person, every day until October 15.
Participate in the Harvesting Process
During the few weeks of grape harvesting, you can enjoy the full experience by helping with the grape-picking. Contact the vineyards directly for details and reservations.
DOMAINE DU RIDGE
At Domaine du Ridge, the “Vendangeur d’un jour” and “Le fouloir” packages are offered every weekend during the harvesting season. You’ll be introduced to the art of picking grapes in a relaxed and festive setting, and the women will be invited to tread the grapes with their feet following traditional methods. A complete tasting of the products and a tasting board will follow to complete the day’s activities. Reservations required.
VIGNOBLE DOMAINE BRESEE
In Sutton, the Domaine Bresee vineyard also offers the chance to reserve a place on a grape-picking day. Coffee, training, lunch, a glass of wine, a bottle of wine at the end of the day and grape stomping are all on the program. Registration is $35 per person. For more information and to reserve, call 450 538-3303 or write to info@vignobledomainebresee.com
VIGNOBLE SUGAR HILL
Come and help out as you add your touch to Vignoble Sugar Hill’s 2024 vintage! The team is currently looking for volunteer harvesters! Coffee, croissants, a hot lunch and a glass of wine will be offered in exchange for your efforts! Contact the vineyard for a detailed schedule: info@vignoble-sugarhill.com
VIGNOBLE DU PICBOIS
The Picbois team invites you to join them in the harvest from September 14 to October 13! A delicious lunch with local flavours and wine tasting will give you a well-deserved break. Reserve directly with the vineyard at (450) 204-2401 or by e-mail at audrey-ann@vignobledupicbois.ca
LE VIGNOBLE DU RUISSEAU
Discover the behind the scenes by being a winemaker for a day and participate in the 2024 harvest. With friends, family or work colleagues, reserve your place now to ensure your participation! Free activity available on September 29, October 5, 6, 12, 13 and 20.
VIGNOBLE BROMONT AUBERGE & BOUTIQUE
Experience a short foray into the work of a winemaker with the winemaker package. Contact the vineyard directly for details and availability.
Satisfy your Appetite
Because visiting the vineyards can work up quite an appetite, a number of vineyards are offering a range of gastronomic activities during the grape harvest.
—The restaurant Ôma at the Vignoble du Ruisseau vineyard is open from Thursday to Sunday.
—Vignoble l’Orpailleur’s restaurant Le Tire-Bouchon will be open every day from 11:30 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. and until 8:00 p.m. every Friday and Saturday.
—Pizzas baked in a wood-fired oven are waiting for you every Wednesday to Sunday at the Gagliano Vineyard, no reservations required. Here they also offer
—Domaine du Ridge’s Le curieux package includes a tasting board of several local products to share among friends.
—The bistro of Domaine des Côtes d’Ardoise, offers platters of cheese, pâtés and charcuteries as well as paninis.
—In the Town of Brome Lake, the first edition of the gourmet event Les Friands will take place on September 21 and September 22 in Coldbrook Parc and on Lakeside Rd. Amateurs of fine gastronomy and culinary discoveries, vineyards and microbreweries, music and all kinds of artwork, this is the perfect event for you! Wine tasting workshops with a sommelier are available both days.
Enjoy a Picnic Surrounded by Grapevines
The great majority of vineyards on the Route des vins offer visitors picnic tables where you can savour your lunch basket surrounded by nature. If you prefer a turnkey option, the vineyards of Gagliano Vineyard, l Château Ste-Agnès and Vignoble Bromont (from Thursday to Sunday) offer complete picnic baskets upon reservation.
Savour the Autumn Landscapes
At the Domaine des Côtes d’Ardoise in Dunham, you’ll discover Nature & Création, Québec’s largest outdoor sculpture exhibition and the only one of its kind in all of Canada. More than 150 works of art are spread throughout the vineyard gardens over a kilometre-long loop. An entrance fee of $5 per person is required.
Consult our calendar for all the upcoming events!
And, to extend the fun, stay a while longer by taking advantage of our lodging packages.
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