Biking on the Wine Route

What could be more enjoyable than discovering the wine region on bicycle and taking the time to stop to admire the beauty of nature and the breathtaking views?

In the countryside of the Eastern Townships, Brome-Missisquoi offers the Wine Route, spanning 140 kilometres. The Wine Route allows you to discover 16 vineyards and their products, with numerous bicycling routes allowing you to make shorter excursions. It lends itself perfectly to bicycle touring. In fact its outings, ranging in length from 26 to 48 kilometres, meet the needs of intermediate and beginning cyclists alike. The region is adored for the surprising diversity of its glens and valleys, from which emerge picturesque villages, with the Appalachian Mountains as a backdrop.

The “Berceau de la viticulture ” (birthplace of Quebec wine growing) tour, 32 kilometres, allows you to visit the various wineries. Park at the L’Orpailleur vineyard, with its vine and wine ECONOMUSEUM and enter a new universe to discover how wine is made and a collection of antique tools.

When passing Stanbridge East, make a stop at the Missisquoi Museum, built on the banks of the Pike River in 1830. From May 25 to October 12, the history of volunteer firefighters is told.

From Stanbridge East to Frelighsburg, the Pinnacle can be seen in all its splendor. Classified as one of the most beautiful villages in Quebec, Frelighsburg has a fascinating architectural heritage, such as the old Joseph Lansberg general store, which has become a café-restaurant specializing in maple products. Savour the charm of this historic village, visit with the artists and taste the famous local products while enjoying the spectacular views.

Your return brings you to the Vignoble Clos Ste-Croix winery, in the heart of Dunham. This crossroad is the ideal spot for an afternoon rest. You won’t be able to resist the delights of Laperle and his bakery, or the fine foods of the Rumeur Affamée bakery/boutique.
Eventual press tours

For its part the Domaine des Côtes d’Ardoise vineyard brings together wine and culture from July 14 to October 14 with Nature et Création, an exhibition of about 100 sculptures, while the Vignoble Les Blancs Coteaux will help you discover the history of Quebec’s wine growing pioneers and the Vignoble les Trois Clochers offers you an unspoiled view of the Village of Dunham.

Wine goes with fine food and above all with the famous Brome Lake Duck. Chefs from across the region use their creativity to promote this regional food and the numerous other regionally produced products.

The other excursions are greatly worth the trip: The “Circuit du patrimoine” (heritage tour), 48 kilometres of glens and valleys, which passes through the village of St-Armand, whose general store and old railway station reveal the dynamism of the region at the turn of the 20th century. You will be plunged into its history with the covered bridge and the little country schoolhouse in Notre-Dame de Stanbridge and make a stop at the dam for the beautiful view and the nicely laid out bike rest stop that awaits you.

For those of you with stronger calves, the “Le Tour des Monts Sutton” (Sutton Mountains tour) is clearly marked and even the fanatics won’t be disappointed, since its 77 kilometres offer all kinds of climbing and downhill challenges. Sutton, a renowned four-season outdoor destination, offers a wide variety of activities.

Many quality lodgings, B&B’s, inns and condos offer, throughout the region, Wine Route packages including a visit to a winery and a box lunch. Some even have “Bienvenue cyclistes” (cyclists welcome) certification.

Too tired, call a TAXI-VÉLO
Cyclists who are too tired, have a breakdown or who don’t want to retrace their steps can call a bike taxi service. This service is offered on the road and on bike path alike, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. It’s not necessary to reserve in advance, but expect a wait of up to 60 minutes. The taxis can take up to 4 cyclists and their bikes. The cost is $40 for the first 30 km and $1.45 per kilometer after that. To reach the bike taxi, dial:
1 877 766-VELO (8356).

To discover the bike routes of the Wine Route, go to: www.laroutedesvins.ca
or www.brome-missisquoi.ca

Events to mark in your datebook:
Festiv’Art August 30 and 31
Grape Harvest throughout the fall.