I don’t know about you, but personally, I was won over by the film “Eat, Pray, Love” inspired by the best-selling novel “Eat, Pray, Love” by Elizabeth Gilbert. Who has not one day found themselves like Liz, the main character of this film, at a crossroads and wanting to go on an adventure to find themselves?
I have to find myself at a crossroads very often, because I always want adventures around the world 😅 (P.S. my love, rest assured, it will always be with you 😉 and our Emma-Kate, of course).
In short, there is everything that I love in this film: adventure, good food, the quest for oneself and… good wine!
In the first part of her journey, Liz (alias Julia Roberts) spends four long months in Italy, doing the “ Dolce Vita ” and the “ idleness ” where she cheerfully enjoys the pleasures of the table and, of course, good wine.
Did you know that you don’t have to go to the boot of Europe to feel like you’re in Tuscany tasting excellent wines? We have vineyards in Quebec run by passionate people who deserve your visit.
I share with you 5 that you absolutely must visit this summer.
Isle de Bacchus Vineyard, Île d’Orléans, Quebec
Did you know that Île d’Orléans in Quebec has not always had this name? It was Jacques Cartier in 1535 who once named the island “Isle of Bacchus” because of the abundance of wild vines he found there at the time.
You will guess that the owners were therefore inspired by the history of the island for the name of their vineyard. Created in 1982 in Saint-Pierre de l’île d’Orléans, the Isle de Bacchus vineyard is a pioneer in the history of Quebec viticulture and today operates 11 hectares of vines, including varieties of grapes adapted to the Quebec climate (Vandal-cliche, Sainte-Croix, Geisenheim, Maréchal Foch, Éona, Vidal, Acadie blanc and Frontenac blanc).
On site, you can:
- Do the wine tasting
- Buy products in store
- Enjoy the bistro with charcuterie boards and Quebec cheeses
- Take a walk on the outdoor site, in the middle of the vineyards
- Take part in an outdoor guided tour of the vineyard and a commented tasting
- Brunch on Saturdays and Sundays during the summer season
For more information on this vineyard and even to place an order online, it’s here!
Orpailleur Vineyard, Dunham, Quebec
Who has never seen the name Orpailleur on the wine list of a restaurant in Quebec? With its incredible reputation, I’m sure you’ve seen the name before. But, even with that reputation, maybe, like me, you didn’t know what “minor” meant:
The Orpailleur is the one who washes the auriferous alluvium to extract the gold flakes that are there, this is done with time, science and patience.
Inspired by this definition, 4 winegrowers (2 French and 2 Quebecers) have put science, patience and time to extract from the Quebec soil wines that are unique in every way, from a grape variety planted and harvested here. Since 1982, the Orpailleur vineyard has been operating, yes a vineyard, but also a restaurant, the Tire-Bouchon, where food and wine pairing is offered to you.
Interestingly, the Orpailleur vineyard is one of the first 5 vineyards which, in 1985, obtained the right to sell its wines directly from the vineyard.
On site, you can:
- Visit the winegrower’s economuseum
- Participate in guided tours and tastings
- Discover the outdoor interpretive trail on a self-guided tour
- Satisfy your hunger and thirst at the Tire-Bouchon restaurant
- Buy products in store
For more information on this vineyard and even to place an order online, it’s here!
Val Caudalie Vineyard, Dunham, Quebec
The Val Caudalie vineyard is more than a vineyard, It is an enchanting and family site where it is necessary to stop during the summer season to enjoy a good drink on the covered terrace. The terrace will offer you a breathtaking view of the valley adjacent to Mount Pinacle and the Appalachian mountain range.
Depending on the season, you can pick your own grapes or apples. You can also go hiking on the various nearby trails.
Founded in 2005 by 3 “old friends from high school”, this vineyard, renowned for its Vidal white wine, offers a full range of wines in addition to a range of ciders and vermouths.
They say, however, that you absolutely must soak your lips in their rouge: the Frontenac-Petite-Perle.
On site, you can:
- Visit the vineyard
- Taste the different products
- Buy products in store
For more information on this vineyard, it’s here!
De la Bauge Vineyard, Brigham, Quebec
Why is there an alpaca on some Vignoble De la Bauge labels?
Because the vineyard is also an animal park where you will find deers, wild boars and the famous alpacas.
Interestingly, the vineyard is the second project of the owners which came to life in 1985 with more than 6000 vines planted in 4 years. The first project, which came to life in 1976, was a wild boar farm. You understand better why, today, wines and animals are found in the same place.
What’s more, the animals participate in the newest production of organic wine by fertilizing and mowing the soil.
On site, you can:
- Visit the vineyard and see the farm animals
- Buy products in store, including meat and other local products
- Tasting wines paired with terrines and charcuterie made from meat from the estate’s exotic animal farm
For more information on this vineyard, it’s here!
Union Libre Cider & Wine, Dunham, Quebec
Without knowing it, you certainly know the great star of this vineyard: fire cider. This delicious nectar with notes of apples and caramel charms Quebecers both as an aperitif and at the end of a meal.
In 12 years, this young vineyard has carved out a place for itself with modern exotic and floral wines with a distinct freshness and minerality.
Why the name Union Libre? For the union of know-how and the freedom of the senses in order to create unique aromas, flavors and textures in a spirit of FREE creation.
On site, you can:
- Visit the vineyard
- Buy products in store
- Wine and cider tasting
- Enjoy a picnic air in the country
For more information on this vineyard, it’s here!
In closing, I’m going to make a personal confession. Do you know what I like to do with a good glass of wine? Sit in front of a map of the world and dream of my next family adventures or remember those that have done and loved. And, this is not to brag, but I find that the ones I create are particularly dreamy! I invite you to take a tour of my shop to make you dream, too.
