I am going to let you all in on a little secret. Did you know you don’t have to go to Europe to get some delicious wine or beer? Most people don’t know this, but the Outaouais region of Quebec is home to some amazing local wineries, cider mills, spirit houses, and lots of great microbreweries. In the Pontiac County of the Outaouais, you can actually take a self-guided tour named the Tap & Cork Route. This route allows visitors to discover 3 wineries, 2 microbreweries, and a traditional cider house. Discover Pontiac’s growing agritourism sector by visiting the following family run business. They highlight all that is great about the Tap & Cork Route. By the way, this route actually covers over 15 stops in the entire Ottawa River Valley.
1. Domaine de Pontiac Village: Winery and Old Automobile Museum
Situated in the charming town of Quyon (Quebec) at a 45-minute drive from Gatineau, the Domaine de Pontiac Village is not only a family run winery, but also an old car museum. With over 6 000 plants of 10 different varieties of grapes, they produce delicious red and white wine, as well as a great rosé. Here, you can sample their wines by purchasing a wine flight (3 one oz samples of wine) for $5. You can also purchase wine by the glass ($5 per glass) or take home a bottle.
This wine can be enjoyed inside their lovely barn or outside on the property with one of their picnic tables. The owners Maude and Pavel are very informative and so kind. You can really feel their passion for what they do. While there, why not check out their cool collection of old automobiles. Just a great location to disconnect from the city and feel completely relaxed.
Location: 1259 Chemin du Cimetière, Quyon, QC J0X 2V0
2. Coronation Hall Cider Mills
After only a 20-minute drive up the highway 148 from the Domaine de Pontiac Village, you will arrive at the Coronation Hall Cider Mills which is situated in the quaint town of Bristol (Quebec). At the Coronation Hall Cider Mills, you can not only enjoy some delicious traditional English apple cider, but you can also purchase amazing apple bake goods like pies, cookies, donuts, etc. They also sell jams, apple butter, and the list goes on and on. This is a family-run local business that transforms apples from the 12-acre orchard into tones of tasty products.
The name ‘Coronation Hall’ refers to the old dance hall located at the mill which dates back to the 1930s and is the only remaining dance hall in the surrounding area. An interesting fact about this location is it was actually named after the coronation of King George VI. You can still visit the dance hall and check out a local play that goes on in the month of August. After tasting many of their treats, I can conform that they alone are worth the drive up.
Location: 206 Chemin River, Bristol, QC J0X 1G0
3. Little Red Wagon Winery
Located in the town of Shawville (Quebec), at a 1-hour drive from Gatineau, the Little Red Wagon Winery is a perfect weekend getaway location with their vineyard, bistro, and art gallery. Here, you can purchase delicious red and white wine, as well as a rosé of which they are currently sold out. On Saturdays, you may even catch some live music being played by local groups inside their charming building (must purchase tickets online). For food, they sell different sharing options, like local cheese boards, a charcuterie board, and some tasty trout and cheese pate. Afterwards, why not walk on the main street in Shawville and check out the Pontiac Home Bakery for some delicious bake goods.
Location: 165 Chemin de Calumet O, Shawville, QC J0X 2Y0
Another location to visit on the Tap & Cork Route while in the Pontiac:
Brauwerk Hoffman
This German microbrewery is situated in the lovely town of Campbell’s Bay just off the Ottawa River. From great tap beer to German-inspired menu, you are sure to have a great time. Check out the Brauwerk Hoffman next time you’re in the Pontiac!
Location: 1298 Hwy 148, Campbell’s Bay, Quebec J0X 1K0
