This text is part of the special book Plaisirs
Have you planned a short visit to a Quebec vineyard with your family? If you are afraid of involving your children in a day of tasting that they will find endless, know that several areas offer a host of other activities for young and old, both educational and recreational or gourmet.
Lower Laurentians
At Oak River Vineyard, we learn about viticulture thanks to the interpretation panels for young and old. After a walk in the magnificent vineyard which whetted our appetite, we got a gourmet basket at the shop and had a picnic on the enchanting site, near the vines. To end the day well, we take the opportunity to take a trip to the honey house intermiel, located less than 10 minutes by car from the vineyard and introduce young people to the fascinating world of bees!
At Domaine Lafrance, we visit both the orchard and the vineyard and we taste alcoholic products, such as ciders and wines for the adults, but also grape and apple juice, for the little ones. There is also a bistro and a pastry shop where they make the best apple donuts, pizza and delicious cookies. Children will particularly appreciate the tour of the estate in a cart, pulled by a tractor, as well as a visit to the animal farm. In season, we indulge in apple picking.
Eastern Townships
In Dunham, we stop at Gagliano Vineyard to eat on the pretty veranda a delicious pizza from the wood-fired oven, garnished with homemade charcuterie and local cheeses, while the adults taste the excellent wines of the estate. We then take the opportunity to take a nice walk with our dog in the rows of vines. The day ends around a campfire where you can roast marshmallows.
At Orpailleur vineyard, we visit a pioneer of viticulture in Quebec. We take the opportunity to discover the Economuseum of the winegrower, which allows young and old to immerse themselves in the fascinating world of the profession of Quebec winegrower. An adventure that highlights the technical, economic and human challenges behind wine making. Young people will also be able to become aware of challenges environmental by becoming familiar with the mode of sustainable agriculture, advocated in the vineyard and explained by passionate guides.
At La Bauge vineyard, the little ones will be amazed by the visit to the breeding of animals that live in the park laid out next to the estate. Species such as wild boar – an emblematic animal of the vineyard – red deer from New Zealand, emus from Australia, llamas from the Andes and sheep live there in captivity. The latter contribute to the maintenance of the organic plots of the vineyard.
Monteregie
If Rougemont is the favorite land for orchards, it is also for certain vineyards. At Domain of Lavoie, so you can both visit their orchards and pick their fruit, but also take family guided tours of the vineyard. A tractor ride allows you to shuttle between the two sites. An apple and vine interpretation trail will interest school-age children, while the playground, the mini-farm and the maze of corn plants will delight toddlers.
Ile d’Orleans
To change vineyards, parents can visit the site of Cassis Monna & Daughters which specializes in the production of liqueurs and products derived from blackcurrant. In addition to learning about the family history behind the foundation of the domain and tasting some of their alcohol-free products (such as their excellent blackcurrant lemonades), the site will delight young and old alike with its range of gourmet products. A restaurant with a panoramic terrace is to be discovered and ice creams and blackcurrant slushies for dessert are sold at the dairy. To complete the offer, picnic tables are available on this site, which stands out for its size. An ideal place to play ball and run your dog!
At the site of Saint Pierre The Vineyard, the reception is in a magnificent barn-cowshed dating from 1935, which alone is worth the detour. The place is ideal for family outings. If you take the grassy path to get to the end of the vineyard, you will discover a panoramic view of the Montmorency falls and the Île-d’Orléans bridge. In addition to the huge playground that the site offers, you can enjoy the gourmet platters created by chef Laurent Godbout, using local and fresh ingredients.
Lanaudiere
At Saint-Gabriel vineyard, parents will be delighted to discover the wines of hybrid grape varieties from the estate. For their part, children will be attracted by the museum of antique tractors – more than 135 restored models are part of it – located on the property. Another museum, of agricultural and domestic antiquities this time, is added to the free activities of the site. For outdoor enthusiasts, hiking trails are located near the vineyard and are accessible for the whole family. In order to sustain themselves, the restaurant on site offers meals, including a cheese fondue which is a delight for children!