Vineyards, cider houses, microbreweries, distilleries… The Laurentians are packed with local and craft alcohol producers, each one as passionate as the next! Head out to discover their creations and how they enrich Laurentian traditions. During commented tastings, listen and learn as the artisans share their unique know-how. Sparkling wines, unique beers, fruity eau de vies, and meads are there to dazzle your taste buds. Whether its wine tourism or nature that piques your curiosity, the region’s specialties have plenty of surprises in store for you. Aside from wine, cider, and beer, the Laurentians have an impressive range of alcoholic beverages with unusual flavours to discover.
Grape, apple, and berry are particular favourites in the sector, and the artisans know how to draw out every bit of flavour. With an increasingly varied and bountiful array of products, the region has moved beyond its identity as a wine, cider, and beer destination. It has another string in its bow: spirits! Gin, whisky, blackcurrant liqueur, and maple alcohol are just a few examples of exciting elixirs to be enjoyed on a patio or directly at one of the region’s alcohol producers. It’s the perfect opportunity to enjoy a rustic and authentic setting and to take a few bottles away with you to continue the tasting at home.
Toasting and tasting the regional culture
Currently trending, craft beers are—literally—on everyone’s lips. Where discovery and community meet, the Laurentians’ microbreweries merge authenticity and expertise to surprise your taste buds. For a tasting featuring ale, IPA, red, white, or black beer, Microbrasserie Route 8 in Saint-Eustache creates classic, one-of-a-kind beers with traditional Quebec flavours. In Blainville, Relais Boréale is a unique location to fill up your growlers and discover the master brewers’ latest creations. Both microbreweries have even more to discover in their stores!
The joy of good food and drink
Savouring a nice beer is good, but complementing it with a hearty meal is even better! The region is packed with one-of-a-kind places to raise your glass and enjoy local flavours. Located in Mirabel, Microbrasserie L’Entêté offers a rustic bistro menu in a friendly and state-of-the-art atmosphere at the heart of the rural Domaine Bonaventure. Looking for a gourmet evening with a show? Microbrasserie Le Baril Roulant features two lively pubs in Val-David and Mont-Tremblant, where the tasting area is home to a wide selection of craft beers, light meals, and tapas. Established in Mont-Tremblant, Microbrasserie Saint-Arnould invites you to raise your glass and enjoy a light meal in its relaxed atmosphere, where the joy of good food and drink takes centre stage.
Rediscover the apple in every sip
Many local producers are also proud of their ciders, the rising stars of the region’s unique gastronomy. The laureate of several medals for its popular ice cider, Domaine Lafrance in Saint-Joseph-du-Lac has more than 10 original ciders to its name. It is also home to a distillery and fine spirits, like Dandy Gin and Marc de Raisins eau de vie. The go-to place for exploring the apple, Cidrerie Lacroix, also located in Saint-Joseph-du-Lac, invites you to discover its magical setting and to taste its range of ciders. What’s more, the menu and gourmet store feature a dazzling selection of products from the cider house’s orchard.
Grab and go
You’re passing by your favourite microbrewery, but you’re pressed for time? Not a problem! The Laurentians’ microbreweries sell their beers to go in their stores! In Saint-Jérôme, Microbrasserie Dieu du ciel ! carries approximately 20 beers available for purchase at the counter, not to mention the gastronomic attraction and atmosphere found in its pub. Aside from its restaurant and brewery, Shawbridge – Microbrasserie et Charcuteries in Prévost recommends that visitors check out its P’tit magasin Shawbridge, where they can stock up on beer and an impressive range of meals to go. Lastly, you’re sure to find something you like at Microbrasserie du Lièvre in Mont-Laurier, whether at its store or restaurant, where approximately 20 unique brews come to life. Best of all, they’re all accessible by bike from the P’tit Train du Nord!
A little vino with that?
Connoisseurs of good wine, it’s your chance to savour Laurentian aromas in each sip of locally-created wine. Located in Saint-Eustache, Rivière du Chêne Winery offers a wine tasting with commentary, a vineyard picnic package deal, not to mention a stop at the restaurant and store on the premises to complete your visit. To add some pep to your gourmet outings, Saint-Joseph-du-Lac’s La Bullerie offers an unparalleled selection of sparkling wines. Whether it’s for a short trip, weekend brunch, or an important event, your visit is sure to be a meaningful experience. Combining vineyard and microbrewery, Vignoble Les Vents d’Ange is known for its tasting bar, its bistro, and its ability to host private events.
Sumptuous spirits
Crafted by artisans from Quebec grains and pure Laurentian water, the region’s spirits are a cut above the rest! At Distillerie Côte des Saints in Mirabel, book your guided tour to learn the basics of gin, liqueur, and whisky production, complete with commented tasting. Make sure to purchase some premium gin, whisky, and chocolate and mint liqueur while you’re there. In Sainte-Agathe-des-Monts, Distillerie La Manufacture produces gin and vodka to mimic the local plants and culture. Stop at their store or join a guided tour to discover their facilities and authentic products.
For all tourism-related questions: info-tourisme@laurentides.com or call: 450-224-7007 | 1-800-561-6673.