About an hour from Montreal, Brome-Missisquoi is an ideal destination for a foodie road trip in the Eastern Townships. Wineries, cider houses, microbreweries, a distillery, great restaurants and local producers line the roads between Dunham, Frelighsburg, Sutton, Knowlton and the surrounding villages.
Here are our favorite stops, grouped by area to help you plan a foodie getaway for a day or a weekend.
How to plan your foodie road trip
It's impossible to do everything in one day! For a day trip, choose one of the three areas featured in this guide and plan a few stops based on your interests and the time you have available. With two days, you can easily combine two areas and add a great dinner and an overnight stay.
Dunham, Frelighsburg and Bedford: In the Heart of the Wine Route
To start this foodie road trip, head to Dunham and Frelighsburg, two neighboring villages where wineries, cider houses and orchards are clustered within just a few kilometres. There are plenty of possible stops in the area, so choose according to your interests and the time you have available.
1. Vignoble de l'Orpailleur
A pioneer of Quebec viticulture, Vignoble de l'Orpailleur planted its first vines in Dunham in 1982 and, a few years later, helped establish what would become the Brome-Missisquoi Wine Route.
It's also one of the most interesting wineries for learning more about winemaking in Quebec. In addition to tastings, the winemaker's ÉCONOMUSÉE traces the history of the estate and offers insight into growing grapes in our climate. You can also discover the special connection between the winery and poet Gilles Vigneault, reflected in some of its wines. Another advantage: the boutique and tastings are available year-round.
Vignoble de l'Orpailleur - 1086 Bruce Street, Dunham
2. Au Cœur de la pomme
Set along the Rivière aux Brochets, this orchard and artisanal vinegar producer occupies a former dairy farm dating back to 1856, surrounded by apple trees and inviting outdoor spaces. Among its specialties is an excellent apple cider vinegar made from fruit grown on the property, along with preserves, mustards, jellies and other gourmet products.
A guided tour explains the vinegar-making process. In season, you can also pick your own apples, enjoy a picnic and, when available, try the famous apple slush!
Au Cœur de la Pomme - 42, route 237 Nord, Frelighsburg
3. Maison agricole Joy Hill
With sweeping views of Mount Pinacle and the Appalachians, Maison agricole Joy Hill has one of the most beautiful settings along the Wine Route. But beyond the scenery, it's the wines that make this place worth seeking out.
The winery stands out for growing exclusively European grape varieties (Vitis vinifera), including Gamay, Blaufränkisch, Chardonnay and Grüner Veltliner. The result is fresh, precise natural wines that can also be found on the wine lists of several restaurants. To extend your visit, picnic experiences let you settle in right among the vines.
Maison agricole Joy Hill - 85, Richford, Road Frelighsburg
4. Vignoble Clos Saragnat
Clos Saragnat holds a special place in the history of Quebec cider. Founded in 2002 by Christian Barthomeuf, creator of the world's first ice cider, and Louise Dupuis, the estate is known for its farmhouse ciders, wines and especially its solera-aged ice cider, one of its signatures.
In 2025, Pierre Dal, Gabrielle and David Hébert took over the estate, with the intention of preserving its heritage while adding their own touch. The beautiful new boutique, complete with a tasting counter and terrace, is another good reason to visit and take your time discovering the different cuvées.
Clos Saragnat - 100, chemin de Richford, Frelighsburg
5. Distillerie Comont
Photo: Marie-Noël Ouimet
For a change from wine, stop at Distillerie Comont in Bedford. Located in a former bank, the distillery produces a range of Quebec spirits from grain to bottle. During a visit, you can tour the facilities before sitting down for a cocktail.
The distillery also stands out for its inventive approach. Among its more unusual creations is a spirit made with an emphasis on circular economy principles, using imperfect vegetables and food by-products. The boutique also carries products available only at the distillery, including a black raspberry liqueur and a smoky agave spirit aged in a Laphroaig cask.
Distillerie Comont - 110 Rue de la Rivière Local 112, Bedford
Where to eat in this area?
La Bodega
In Dunham, La Bodega brings Spanish and Latin American flavors to the itinerary. The menu features tapas to share, paellas and grilled dishes. In warmer weather, its lovely terrace is another good reason to stop.
La Bodega - 3698, rue Principale, Dunham
Café Rouge
Need a bite along the way? In Bedford, Café Rouge is a convenient stop during your road trip. The eclectic menu ranges from full breakfasts served until 2 p.m. to paninis, meal-sized salads and dishes with Asian and Mexican influences. Coffee is roasted on-site, and there is also a good selection of teas.
Café Rouge - 32, rue Principale, Bedford
Comptoir Moutarde
Also in Bedford, Comptoir Moutarde serves seasonal cuisine closely tied to products from the surrounding area. The menu changes according to what's available and the producers the team works with, making it a great place to taste the region on the plate.
Comptoir Moutarde - 46 Principale street, Bedford
Espace Old Mill
To turn your road trip into a true gastronomic getaway, book a table at Espace Old Mill in Stanbridge East. Located in a former mill, chef Éric Gendron's restaurant holds a Michelin Green Star for its sustainable approach and cuisine deeply rooted in the surrounding region.
The experience often begins outdoors, in the gardens or greenhouse, before continuing with a tasting menu that evolves with the harvest.
Photo: Marie-Noël Ouimet
. Photo: Marie-Noël Ouimet
The vegetable garden, founded by Jean-Martin Fortier, serves as the restaurant's main pantry, supplemented by local producers located within a 20- to 30-kilometre radius.
Hyper-local and seasonal, the menu changes regularly and can be paired with wines showcasing excellent products from Quebec and beyond.
Espace Old Mill - 7, Caleb Tree Road, Stanbridge East
Brigham, Cowansville and Surrounding Area
The road trip continues around Brigham and Cowansville, with more foodie stops to discover, from wineries and local producers to places worth visiting in the villages themselves.
6. Vignoble de la Bauge
One of the pioneers of Quebec viticulture, Vignoble de la Bauge stands out for its focus on natural wines and soil health. It was also the first winery in Canada to receive regenerative organic viticulture certification.
On-site, you can taste natural wines made without additives, often from hybrid grape varieties, with a freshness and precision that reflect the Eastern Townships climate. Cheese and charcuterie boards are also available at the boutique and on the terrace.
For more on La Bauge and its wines, check out our full feature.
Vignoble La Bauge - 155, des Érables, Brigham
7. Equinoxe - Ferme Cidricole
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.
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
8. Vignoble Côte des Limousins
In Roxton Pond, near Granby and Bromont, Vignoble Côte des Limousins entered a new chapter with the arrival of new owners in late 2024 and its reopening to the public in 2025. Certified organic, the winery produces organic and natural wines from grape varieties adapted to Quebec's climate.
The property is also worth visiting for its terrace overlooking Lac Choinière and Yamaska National Park, while the boutique remains open on weekends year-round.
Among the wines to try is an orange wine made from Cayuga grapes, with notes of candied orange that pair particularly well with raclette or fondue.
Vignoble Côte des Limousins - 1960 David-Bouchard Boulevard, Roxton Pond
Where to eat in this area?
Équinoxe Farm Bistro
Photo: Marie-Noël Ouimet
Photo: Marie-Noël Ouimet
If your visit to Équinoxe coincides with the bistro's opening hours, take the opportunity to eat on-site. The menu follows the harvest and showcases vegetables from the gardens as well as beef and duck raised on the farm. It's a great way to extend your cider tasting over a full meal.
Équinoxe Cider Farm Bistro - Farnham
Sutton and Knowlton: Wineries and Villages
Head toward Sutton to combine winery tastings with some time in the villages. The wineries in this area offer very different styles, and you can round out the day with a locally brewed beer.
9. Domaine Bresee
Domaine Bresee is a family-run winery in Sutton where several activities complement the tastings. You can book a guided tour, attend Sunday Jazz events in season or even take part in the grape harvest on select days.
The farm also raises Charolais beef without antibiotics or hormones, sold at the boutique alongside the wines and other local products. Travellers with RVs can also stay overnight by reservation through the Terego and Harvest Hosts networks.
Domaine Bresee - 303, chemin Draper Hill, Sutton
10. Vignoble Sugar Hill
At Vignoble Sugar Hill, nothing is rushed. Founded in 2006, the estate waited more than ten years before releasing its first wines, taking the time to study the grape varieties planted and see how they evolved in the conditions around Lac-Brome.
That approach continues today with different ageing methods, including oak barrels and amphorae. Tastings are particularly interesting for comparing the wines and understanding how these choices affect the final result. The certified-organic estate also produces several sparkling wines worth discovering.
Vignoble Sugar Hill - 4 Sugar Hill Road, Knowlton
11. Vignoble Courville
With vines sloping toward Lac-Brome and the Appalachians in the background, Vignoble Courville has one of the most beautiful views in the area. Founded in the late 1990s, the estate now has more than 100,000 vines and around a dozen grape varieties.
On-site, you can enjoy a tasting, book a guided tour or simply settle at one of the picnic tables overlooking the lake. Since 2025, the winery has also offered its first range of certified-organic wines. Unlike many wineries along the Wine Route, the boutique and tastings remain available during the winter.
Vignoble Courville - 285, chemin Brome, Lac-Brome
Where to eat in this area
La Knowlton Co.
In Knowlton, La Knowlton Co. combines a microbrewery and pizzeria in a casual setting. People come as much for the beer brewed on-site as for the sourdough pizzas, whose dough ferments for 72 hours before being baked in a wood-fired oven. Toppings sometimes venture beyond the classics, such as the Forager with local mushrooms, beer béchamel and truffle oil.
La Knowlton Co. - 576 Knowlton Road, Lac Brome
À l'Abordage
In the heart of Sutton village, À l'Abordage is an ideal stop after a day of hiking, cycling or skiing. The microbrewery makes its beer on-site, with styles inspired by British and American brewing traditions, and its connection to the outdoors even extends to organized running and gravel cycling outings.
The food stays firmly in comforting pub territory, with burgers, fish & chips and duck poutine, served in a laid-back atmosphere or on the terrace during the warmer months.
À l'Abordage - Pub Sutton - 10 Principale Street, Sutton
Where to Stay in the Eastern Townships
Le Pleasant Hôtel & Café - Sutton
In the heart of Sutton village, Le Pleasant is particularly well located for exploring the shops and restaurants on foot. The rooms are comfortable and polished, and the breakfast is another highlight. It's an excellent base if you plan to explore Sutton and the surrounding area without constantly getting back in the car. Book your stay
Manoir Sweetsburg - Cowansville
This Victorian home, built in 1869, offers a more intimate place to stay while remaining well positioned for exploring the region. Cowansville is close to several wineries and provides easy access to Bromont, Knowlton and Sutton. The manor also has a shared lounge and serves a continental breakfast. Book your stay
Cecil House - Stanbridge Est
Juste à côté de l'Espace Old Mill, la Cecil House accueille ses invités dans une bâtisse historique datant de 1849.
Right next to Espace Old Mill, Cecil House welcomes guests in a historic building dating back to 1849.
Its charming rooms offer a relaxing break after a day of foodie discoveries and, most importantly, a welcome bed after dinner at Espace Old Mill. Breakfast boxes are also available for the morning. Book your stay
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.
