Wineries and Cideries in the Laurentides: Tasting Guide
- November 7, 2026
- 8
- Restaurants
The wineries and cideries of the Laurentides are concentrated in the Lower Laurentides, mostly in Saint-Joseph-du-Lac, Oka and Saint-Eustache, along the signed tourist route called the Chemin du Terroir. In less than an hour from Montreal you can taste still and sparkling wines, ciders, ice cider and fruit spirits, and buy bottles directly from the producers.
This guide presents the main wine and cider producers of the region, how the Chemin du Terroir works, when tasting rooms are open, and how to plan a safe and enjoyable tasting day, including in late fall and winter.
Wineries and Cideries in the Laurentides: An Overview
The Lower Laurentides have a milder microclimate than the mountains further north, thanks to the influence of the Lake of Two Mountains and the Ottawa River. The slopes of Saint-Joseph-du-Lac and Oka have been planted with apple orchards for generations, and over the past decades several families have added vineyards, cider houses and small distilleries.
As a result, the region offers a wide range of products:
- Still and sparkling ciders made from local apples.
- Ice cider (cidre de glace) and fire cider (cidre de feu), sweet dessert drinks that are a Quebec specialty.
- White, rosé and red wines from cold-hardy grape varieties.
- Sparkling wines made using traditional or other methods.
- Fruit liqueurs, mistelles and spirits from craft distilleries.
The Chemin du Terroir: A 226 km Signed Route
The Chemin du Terroir is an official tourist route of the Lower Laurentides, about 226 km long, marked with road signs. It links farms, orchards, vineyards, cider houses, cheese makers and food artisans in Saint-Eustache, Mirabel, Saint-Joseph-du-Lac, Oka, Lachute and surrounding municipalities. You do not need to drive the whole route: most visitors choose a section and spend a half day or a full day on it.
The densest cluster of wine and cider producers is in Saint-Joseph-du-Lac and Oka. That is where you can visit three or four producers in an afternoon with only short drives between them.
Producers to Know Along the Route
The list below names producers that appear in tourism listings of the Chemin du Terroir. Opening hours, tasting fees and activities change each season, so contact each producer before your visit.
| Producer | Town | Main products |
|---|---|---|
| Vignoble Rivière du Chêne | Saint-Eustache | Wines |
| La Bullerie | Saint-Joseph-du-Lac | Sparkling wines |
| Vignoble Les Vents d’Ange | Saint-Joseph-du-Lac | Wines |
| Cidrerie Lacroix | Saint-Joseph-du-Lac | Ciders |
| Domaine Lafrance | Saint-Joseph-du-Lac | Ciders and spirits |
Many orchards on the route also sell cider, juice, jellies and baked goods in their shops. If you visit in late summer or early fall, combine your tasting day with apple picking in the Laurentides.
When to Visit: Season by Season
Summer and early fall
From June to October, most tasting rooms keep their longest hours, terraces are open and some producers host picnics, vineyard walks or events. September and October are the busiest months because of the harvest and apple season.
Late fall and the holidays
November and December are a good time to buy local bottles for holiday meals and gifts. Some producers reduce their hours or open only on weekends, while others take part in local Christmas markets. Our guide to Christmas markets in the Laurentides lists events in Oka and Saint-Eustache where you may find regional producers.
Winter
Ice cider is made from apples harvested or pressed in freezing temperatures, and winter is when the process happens. Many shops remain open in winter with limited schedules; always call ahead.
How to Plan a Tasting Day: Step by Step
- Pick a section of the route. Saint-Joseph-du-Lac and Oka are the best choice for wine and cider.
- Check hours and booking. Some producers require a reservation for tastings or guided tours, especially for groups.
- Choose a designated driver. Quebec’s drinking and driving rules are strict, and roads in the area are rural. Better still, book a tour with transport.
- Limit the number of stops. Three or four producers is plenty. Taste small amounts and use the spittoon if offered.
- Plan a meal. Eat a real lunch or picnic between tastings. Cheese and charcuterie from local producers pair well with cider.
- Bring a cooler. It keeps bottles and fresh products in good shape, especially on warm days.
Sample Afternoon in Saint-Joseph-du-Lac and Oka
Here is one way to spend an afternoon without rushing. Leave Montreal late in the morning and take Highway 640 West toward Saint-Joseph-du-Lac. Start with lunch at an orchard or a café so you are not tasting on an empty stomach. Visit a cider house first, since ciders are lighter, then move on to a vineyard for still or sparkling wines. Finish with a sweet product such as ice cider or a fruit liqueur, which is easier to appreciate at the end. If you still have time before sunset, drive a few minutes west to Oka for a walk by the lake or a stop near the abbey. In late fall the light fades around 4:30 p.m., so start earlier if you want to enjoy the views. Keep your purchases in the cooler, and remember that bottles should not be left in a freezing car overnight in winter, since ciders and wines can freeze and push out their corks.
Pairing Wine Country With Other Activities
A tasting day combines naturally with nature outings. Oka National Park is next door, with beach access in summer and trails in winter. Beer lovers can extend the trip with our craft breweries guide, which covers microbreweries across the region.
If you are coming from the Ottawa Valley side, the seasonal Oka–Hudson ferry links the two shores of the Lake of Two Mountains when it is operating. Check its season and schedule before relying on it.
What It Costs
As of 2026, tastings in the region are often free or cost a modest fee, commonly in the range of $5 to $20 per person depending on the number of products. A bottle of local cider usually costs less than a bottle of Quebec wine, while ice cider and sparkling wines are at the higher end. Guided tours and food pairings cost more. Prices are set by each producer.
Responsible Tasting
Enjoy the region responsibly. In Quebec, the zero-alcohol rule applies to drivers under 22 and to drivers holding a learner’s or probationary licence, and impaired driving carries severe penalties for everyone. Use a designated driver, a taxi or an organized tour. Pregnant people and anyone taking medication should seek advice from a health professional before drinking alcohol.
FAQ
Where are the wineries in the Laurentides?
Most are in the Lower Laurentides, especially Saint-Joseph-du-Lac, Oka and Saint-Eustache, along the Chemin du Terroir.
What is the Chemin du Terroir?
It is an official, signed tourist route of about 226 km in the Lower Laurentides that links farms, orchards, vineyards, cider houses and food producers.
Can I visit wineries in winter?
Some producers keep their shops open in winter with reduced hours. Call ahead to confirm before driving.
What is ice cider?
Ice cider is a sweet dessert cider made from apples whose juice is concentrated by natural cold. It is a Quebec specialty and a popular holiday gift.
Do I need a reservation for a tasting?
Not always, but it is recommended for groups, guided tours and weekends in the fall.
Have a favourite producer we should add? Contact us and tell us about it.
