The Mont Vézeau Estate is a true gem of a winery. This vineyard, with more than 14,500 vines, spans 75 acres at the foot of Mont Vézeau in Ripon. It cultivates hybrid grape varieties carefully selected for their resilience to Quebec’s climate—such as Adelmina, Marquette, and Frontenac—which produce wines with rich, balanced aromas. In addition, you’ll find a strawberry farm there that offers delicious strawberries until the firstfall frosts.
As the grape harvest approaches, the estate comes alive: tastings at the shop, a relaxed atmosphere on the terrace on Fridays and Saturdays, and delicious Roman-style pizzas to pair with a well-chosen glass of wine. Two new sparkling wines made using traditional methods were released this summer—an excellent reason to come back for an autumn tasting.
Want to experience the grape harvest up close? Follow their Facebook page to stay updated on announcements. With a blend of winemaking tradition, a warm and welcoming atmosphere, and inspiring scenery, every visit to Domaine Mont Vézeau promises an authentic experience.
The Domaine de l’Heure Juste, with its wines crafted with love and using natural methods, is another must-visit destination for wine enthusiasts. Although the shop is open only on weekends during the season, every visit is well worth the trip. The owners, driven by a passion for natural viticulture, will warmly welcome you and introduce you to their authentic wines. Whether for a tasting, a tour of the estate, or simply to shop, the Domaine de l’Heure Juste offers an experience that reflects its commitment to quality and respect for the terroir of the Petite Nation region.
On a hillside, on the sun-drenched slopes of the river valley in Petite Nation, Fragments has been cultivating more than 11,000 vines of hardy varieties since 2019. This family-run business is passionately dedicated to crafting natural wines—free of additives and filtration—that undergo spontaneous fermentation using the yeasts naturally present on the grapes. Each vintage fully expresses the identity of the terroir. Infall, visitors can schedule a personalized tour, including a tasting, a chance to meet the winemakers, and the opportunity to purchase bottles. An authentic and delightful stop you won’t want to miss.
The Ste-Angélique Vineyard, located in Papineauville, is another must-visit stop on the Petite Nation Wine Route. Since 2008, this vineyard has taken root in the region’s fertile, clay-rich soil, cultivating nearly 9,000 vines across 2.8 hectares. The Ste-Angélique Vineyard specializes in grape varieties suited to the northern climate, such as Marquette and Frontenac, which produce robust and flavorful wines.
This winery offers a diverse range of wines, including reds, whites, rosés, sparkling wines, and even orange wines. The minimalist approach to winemaking allows the grapes’ natural aromas to fully express themselves, offering an authentic tasting experience. Every visit is a journey of discovery into the flavors of Quebec, rooted in a unique terroir and driven by the passion of the owners in Petite Nation.
For cider lovers, the Verger Croque-Pomme is a must-visit destination. This family-run cidery offers a fall experience rich in flavors and activities. In addition to pick-your-own apples, raspberries, squash, and pumpkins, the orchard produces seven ciders, four juices, and a fruit brandy—all made from the orchard’s own fruit.
Visitors can sample the ciders at the bistro on stilts, which overlooks the orchard, while enjoying the picnic areas and children’s playgrounds. Verger Croque-Pomme the perfect spot for an outing with family or friends, where everyone will find something to delight their taste buds in Petite Nation.
Finally, the project Les Pommes Perdues offers a unique perspective on cider production by showcasing wild apples from the Petite Nation region. These often-overlooked apples are transformed into an exceptional cider that reflects the authenticity of the terroir. Each bottle tells the story of the region, where nature is slowly reclaiming its rightful place on land that was once used for agriculture. For those seeking a truly local and unique product, Les Pommes Perdues a must-visit.
For those who want to explore these vineyards and cideries without having to worry about the logistics, Aventure Outaouais offers tour packages along the Petite Nation Wine and Cider Route. This adventure takes you to meet passionate producers, featuring generous tastings and a meal prepared with fresh, local ingredients. Transportation is provided, allowing you to fully enjoy this unique sensory experience.
In addition to the “Petite Nation Wine and Cider Route” tour, they now offer a new grape harvest tour that will take place in late September and October, every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Also, discover their brand-new “Art and Wine” tour, which combines the region’s rich artistic heritage with the unique flavors of local wines. These new offerings are perfect for those looking to enjoy an authentic and diverse experience in Petite Nation.
Text written by Martine Caron, tourism development officer at the Papineau RCM.