One of the totally unexpected surprises north of the Vermont border in Quebec’s Eastern Townships (Cantons de L’Est), beyond it wealth of outdoor activities, is the discovery of its abundance of vineyards and wineries, enough to support its own Wine Route (Route des Vins). Even more, farmers with vision have created products like lavender oils, apple wines and liquors and dining and health products from the rare Sea Buckthorn tree.
Quebec’s Wine Route
Over the past decade or so, more than fifteen growers have planted vineyards and begun producing fine wines, several of which have won local, national and even international awards. Located in the southwest section of the Cantons, these vineyards center around Lac Brome (Knowlton), Cowansville, Freighsburg, Dunham and Brigham. Some, such as Chapelle Ste Agnes, have a limited product, in their case a fine ice wine.
Domaine Pinnacle differs from the rest, producing a multiple line of outstanding apple wines, from sparkling champagne-style and still wines to a number of dessert and aperitif wines. For grape based wines a good stop is the Domaine Les Brome, overlooking Lac Brome. Acres of grape vines march up the hillside, leading to an inviting shop and tasting room where their many products can be sampled. New this summer is a “tasting museum” where visitors can learn the best way to sample wines for the best tasting experience. The vineyards participating in the Route des Vins all offer a welcome opportunity to savor the best wines that the Cantons de l’Est produce.
Fields of Lavender
More inviting surprises are on the hills above the small town of Fitch Bay, where Bleu Lavande grows and processes lavender on 60 acres of rolling landscape. From late June through July and into August the scent of millions of lavender blossoms fills the air at the second-largest lavender plantation in North America. Along with the fields, where visitors are invited to wander, relax, even bring a picnic, the distillery where the blossoms are transformed into pure lavender oil and lavender water, are open to the public. The large boutique shop has scores of products developed here from rare lavender oils to soaps, lotions, sachets and scrubs and even special shampoos for cats and dogs. The best time to view the fields is from early July through August.
Discovering Sea Buckthorn
In the town of Ville de Lac Brome (Knowlton) look for the shop Mont Echo. The family-run business grows and processes Sea Buckthorn, a plant rare in North America but popular in Scandinavia and Baltic Germany where it is called Sandorn. The small tree produces abundant orange berries that are rich in vitamin C and other beneficial nutrients. The shop is a beautifully modern place where products from health and beauty aids to sauces, salad dressings, teas and salsas made from the berry can be sampled and bought. In August they hold a harvest festival at the farm in Ville de Lac Brome (Knowlton) in which the whole town participates, look for special dishes in local restaurants.
Getting to the Eastern Townships
The Eastern Townships (Cantons de L’Est), only an hour east of Montreal, are easily accessible from most points in the northeast. The best access from New York and western states is via the Canadian divided motorway, Route 10. From northern New England, Interstates I-89 and I-91 both provide direct access.
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