The Wine Regions of Quebec
Eastern Townships (Cantons-de-l’Est)
Sub-regions: Magog, Bromont, Sutton
Notable Wines: Vidal, Pinot Noir, Riesling
Highlights: This region is Quebec’s most prominent wine area, featuring a range of wineries that produce high-quality wines despite the cold climate. The picturesque landscapes and charming towns make it a popular destination for wine tourism.
Montérégie
Sub-regions: Rougemont, Saint-Hyacinthe, Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu
Notable Wines: Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Marquette
Highlights: Located just south of Montreal, Montérégie boasts a relatively warmer climate compared to other Quebec regions, allowing for a diverse selection of wines. The area is also known for its apple orchards and cideries.
Lanaudière
Sub-regions: Joliette, L’Assomption
Notable Wines: Vidal, Marquette, La Crescent
Highlights: Lanaudière combines wine production with a rich cultural heritage and beautiful natural scenery. The region is known for its innovative approaches to cold-climate viticulture.
Laurentians (Les Laurentides)
Sub-regions: Saint-Sauveur, Mont-Tremblant
Notable Wines: Marquette, La Crescent, Vidal
Highlights: The Laurentians are known for their ski resorts and stunning landscapes, as well as a growing number of wineries that benefit from the region’s unique terroir.
Outaouais
Sub-regions: Gatineau, Hull
Notable Wines: Marquette, La Crescent, Vidal
Highlights: Although still developing, the Outaouais region has seen increased interest in viticulture. Its proximity to Ottawa adds a unique cross-border dimension to its wine culture.
Abitibi-Témiscamingue
Sub-regions: Amos, Rouyn-Noranda
Notable Wines: Experimental varieties
Highlights: Known for its northern location and cold climate, this region is experimenting with innovative grape varieties and winemaking techniques. It’s an area to watch for future developments in Quebec’s wine industry.
Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean
Sub-regions: Saguenay, Alma
Notable Wines: Marquette, La Crescent
Highlights: This region is known for its harsh winters, but recent advancements in cold-hardy grape varieties are making it an exciting area for wine production.
Charlevoix
Sub-regions: Baie-Saint-Paul, La Malbaie
Notable Wines: Marquette, Vidal
Highlights: Known for its rugged terrain and beautiful landscapes, Charlevoix is developing a niche for unique and high-quality wines that reflect the local terroir.
