Quebec · Canada
Eastern Townships
The Eastern Townships occupy a unique place in Quebec's wine history. Modern commercial viticulture in Quebec took root around Dunham in the early 1980s, before spreading into the region's hills and valleys. Today there is a remarkable concentration of estates, particularly in Brome‑Missisquoi. The northern climate demands exacting viticulture, but it also yields fresh, often very expressive wines. Cold‑hardy hybrid varieties and European grapes coexist here, while a new generation of producers explores organic farming, low‑intervention winemaking and an increasingly precise understanding of Quebec terroirs.
The territory
Where are we?
In southern Quebec, near the American border, the Eastern Townships stretch across hills, valleys and the foothills of the Appalachians. Viticulture is especially concentrated in Brome-Missisquoi, around Dunham, Frelighsburg, Saint-Armand, Brigham and Lac-Brome.
In the vineyard
The climate.
A northern continental climate characterized by cold winters, a relatively short growing season and significant temperature swings. Site selection, exposure, drainage and the cold hardiness of grape varieties therefore play a major role. The best‑exposed areas of Brome‑Missisquoi, however, benefit from favorable conditions that allow both the cultivation of hardy hybrid varieties and certain Vitis vinifera.
What to look for
Grape varieties.
In brief
What to know.
The birthplace of Quebec wine
Dunham is associated with the beginnings of modern commercial viticulture in Quebec. This history explains the concentration of estates and the expertise developed in the region.
Brome‑Missisquoi at the heart of the wine region
Much of the wine activity is concentrated around Dunham, Frelighsburg, Saint-Armand, Brigham and neighboring villages, linked notably by the Wine Route.
Northern viticulture
Cold winters and the short growing season force producers to think carefully about grape selection, parcel exposure and vine protection methods.
Producers we follow
Producers.
Domaine Bergeville
Canton-de-HatleyIn Canton-de-Hatley, Bergeville makes northern character a creative playground, with precise bubbles from organic and biodynamic viticulture.
Domaine des Côtes d’Ardoise
DunhamA Quebec wine pioneer where organic vines meet outdoor art.
Domaine du Ridge
Saint-ArmandA pioneering Saint-Armand vineyard that focuses on grape varieties suited to the Quebec climate and an approachable take on local wine.
Pinard et Filles
MagogA free, instinctive Quebec estate exploring the potential of a northern climate through lively, precise, unvarnished wines.
Val Caudalies
DunhamAn estate in Dunham where wines, ciders and vermouths tell the story of a particularly curious northern viticulture.
Vignoble Pigeon Hill
Saint-ArmandIn Saint-Armand, Pigeon Hill crafts lively, precise wines by making biodiversity and regenerative agriculture the starting point of every bottle.
Vignoble de l'Orpailleur
DunhamA pioneer of Quebec wine who has cultivated vines in Dunham since 1982 and helped build modern viticulture here.
To drink
Wines.
