Only an hour’s drive from Montreal, Brome-Missisquoi opens the doors to Quebec’s Eastern Townships, a region of rolling hills, orchards, and vineyards. Here, every detour is an opportunity to stop — to pick apples or berries, taste a local wine, or sit down at a charming farm table.
Here are some must-visit gourmet stops for a perfect fall road trip just outside Montreal.
Au Cœur de la pomme
Nestled along the Rivière aux Brochets, this artisan vinegar house and orchard charms visitors with its pastoral setting. The boutique and vinegar workshop are housed in a former dairy farm dating back to 1856, adding to the rustic appeal.
You’ll find confitures, mustards, jellies, and an excellent cider vinegar made exclusively from apples grown on-site.
The guided tour is fascinating and gives a great overview of the vinegar-making process.
Afterward, you can pick your own apples or enjoy a picnic in the lovely outdoor space. And if their famous apple slushie is on the menu — don’t miss it!
Au Cœur de la Pomme – 42, route 237 Nord, Frelighsburg
Clos Saragnat
A true institution in Quebec’s wine world, Clos Saragnat was founded by Christian Barthomeuf — a pioneer who planted the province’s first vineyard in 1980 and later created the world’s first ice cider.
In 2002, with Louise Dupuis, he established Clos Saragnat, known for its exceptional ciders crafted with a natural, artisanal approach — no added yeasts, no filtration.
Since July 2025, a new trio of owners (Pierre Dal, Gabrielle, and David Hébert) has taken over, determined to preserve this heritage while adding their own touch.
The classics remain — dry, complex ciders and a solera-aged ice cider — but new projects are in the works, including a redesigned tasting room and an inviting terrace.
Clos Saragnat – 100, chemin de Richford, Frelighsburg
Equinoxe – Cider Farm
Born from the vision of Audrey-Anne and Marc-Antoine, this organic cider farm stands out for its bold and creative approach. They produce small batches with no added sulfites or inputs, allowing the fruit to express its full character.
You’ll find both traditional and experimental ciders — some blended with Marquette or Frontenac grapes, others aged in oak barrels or macerated with grape skins and berries. These hybrid creations are complex, lively, and full of personality.
Photo: Marie-Noël Ouimet
Photo: Marie-Noël Ouimet
At the farm’s country bistro, you can enjoy delicious seasonal cuisine inspired by the orchard’s harvests.
And because the spirit of the orchard remains central to their philosophy, apple picking is also part of the experience, making it a great stop for families.
Cidrerie Équinoxe – 2015, route 104, Farnham
La Bauge Winery
One of Quebec’s pioneering vineyards, La Bauge has long stood out for its authenticity and deep respect for the land.
It was the first vineyard in Canada to be certified in regenerative organic viticulture, emphasizing biodiversity and sustainable practices.
Here, you can taste natural wines made without additives, often from hybrid grapes, offering freshness and precision that reflect the local terroir. On the terrace or at the boutique, guests can enjoy charcuterie and cheese platters paired with their wines.
(For more on La Bauge and its wines, check out our full feature.)
Vignoble La Bauge – 155, avenue des Érables, Brigham
Espace Old Mill
End your day in style at Espace Old Mill, a restaurant that proudly holds a Michelin Green Star for its commitment to sustainable cuisine. Set in a beautifully restored 19th-century mill, it offers a unique farm-to-table experience in the heart of Stanbridge East.
Photo: Marie-Noël Ouimet
Dinner begins with a glass of wine in the greenhouse or garden before moving to a series of creative dishes.
The vegetable garden, founded by renowned farmer Jean-Martin Fortier, serves as the restaurant’s pantry, complemented by local producers within a 20–30 km radius.
The seasonal menu evolves constantly, with wine pairings that highlight the best of Quebec and beyond — an experience not to be missed.
Espace Old Mill – 7, chemin Caleb Tree, Stanbridge East
Cecil House
Right next to Espace Old Mill, La Cecil House welcomes guests in a charming 19th-century inn.
The elegant rooms offer a peaceful retreat after a day of wine tasting and fine dining.
In the morning, guests are treated to breakfast boxes filled with local delights — the perfect ending to a gourmet getaway.
Cecil House – 7, chemin Caleb Tree, Stanbridge East
Café Rouge
Need a mid-trip coffee or snack? Café Rouge in Bedford is the perfect stop. The cozy café serves all-day breakfast (until 2 p.m.), creative paninis, and fresh salads with Asian and Mexican influences.
Add in locally roasted coffee and a wide tea selection, and you’ve got the ideal spot to relax before exploring the village or strolling along the river.
Café Rouge – 32, rue Principale, Bedford
Fromagerie des Cantons
Photo: Marie-Noël Ouimet
Before heading back to Montreal, make one last stop at the Fromagerie des Cantons. Known for using only Jersey cow milk — a rarity in Quebec — this local creamery produces a range of flavorful cheeses, from firm and aged to creamy and delicate. A perfect way to bring home a tasty souvenir from the Eastern Townships.
Fromagerie des Cantons – 441, boulevard de Normandie Sud, Farnham
This article follows an invitation from Tourism Eastern Townships to discover the region, but all opinions expressed here are the author’s own.
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Marie-Noël Ouimet is a writer and content creator specializing in gastronomy, wine, and travel. She is the founder of the digital magazine Urbaine City, where for over 10 years she has been highlighting the pleasures of the table and the destinations that bring them to life. She also holds the WSET Level 3 certification in wines and spirits.