by N Zinser

Created on: August 21, 2009

When thinking of great wines of the world, Canada is often overlooked. Canadian wines, and the Quebec region in particular, have a lot to offer the budding oenophile. The climate of Quebec is similar to that of Germany or Northern France, resulting in short time frames in which grapes can be cultivated. Many more temperate climates have an entire year to cultivate the grape; Quebec has on average 4 to 6 months. The colder climate lends itself to making late-harvest and ice wines, which are wonderful aperitifs. The wine route winds its way through 16 vineyards in the Brome-Missouquoi region of the Eastern Townships, which are located right over the U.S. border of Vermont. The Quebec wine route is a way to get a taste of what Canada has to offer!

Chappelle Ste-Agnes, Sutton

Chappelle Ste-Agnes is one of the more upscale vineyards on the trail. Its grounds are a mixture of gardens and terraces, punctuated by a stone chapel, medieval wine cellars, and even a banquet hall. It is a vineyard that has a focus on ice wines and dessert wines, and with a great result: its ice wines were recognized in 2006 in the International Wine and Spirit Competition as some of the best in the world. Guided or private tours are available, and while you are there, take advantage of the scenery, and bring a picnic lunch. You won't be disappointed!

Vignoble Domaine Bressee, Sutton

This is a newer vineyard on the wine trail, located on a small family farm in Sutton. This vineyard offers not only their wines, but also farm raised Chatelois beef, which are free from hormones and antibiotics. They also offer guided tours, as well as a standing invite for visitors to the vineyard to assist in their fall harvest of grapes. This addition is surely an enjoyable one to the trail!

Vignoble Domaine de L'Ardennais, Stanbridge

Located near Lake Champlain in Stanbridge, Vignoble Domaine de L'Ardennais has been a part of Quebec's wine region since 1995. Its founders, natives of the Ardenne region of France, have focused their efforts on making outstanding wines, winning awards in 1999, 2000, and 2002. They offer guided tours, as well as delicious local cheeses and pates as pairings to their wine tastings. A delicious stop indeed!

These are only a few of the vineyards on the Quebec wine route, and a listing can be found at Quebec's tourism website . Note to American travellers: As most of these vineyards are smaller ones in the countryside of Quebec, most of the proprietors are French speaking. It would be helpful to bring along a dictionary or phrasebook, or even brushing up on your high school French! Once you travel this route, you will definitely be a connoisseur of the wines of Quebec!

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