September is the month to savor the Eastern Townships: the vineyards are in the midst of harvest, the orchards are open, and the markets are brimming with produce. Here’s how to plan the perfect gourmet weekend, with a base camp in the woods at Station Chêne Rouge in North Hatley, 1 hour and 30 minutes from Montreal.
Wineries Perfect for a Leisurely Stroll
Domaine Bergeville (Hatley), our neighbor: traditionally method-made, certified organic sparkling wines, just a few minutes from the estate. A must-visit. Domaine Ives Hill (Compton), 20 minutes away, in the rolling countryside of Compton, for a tasting without the crowds. And the Brome-Missisquoi Wine Route, the grand tour: about twenty wineries between Dunham and Farnham, roughly an hour away. Pick three, not ten. Moderation tastes much better, and the scenery is worth stopping for. For the complete year-round vineyard tour, check out our guide to the Eastern Townships Wine Route starting from North Hatley.
The September Event
The Magog-Orford Grape Harvest Festival (early September, two weekends) brings together winemakers, microbrewers, and producers on the shores of Lake Memphremagog, just 25 minutes away. Insider tip: Go during the day, then head home for a quiet dinner. Your campfire is waiting for you.
The Complete Gourmet Tour
Morning: Visit a local farmers’ market (Sherbrooke and Magog have excellent ones) to stock up the cooler. Lunch: Picnic at a vineyard. Afternoon: Visit an orchard, since September marks the start of apple season in Compton and the surrounding area. Evening: your day’s harvest, grilled on the BBQ or over a campfire, under the trees. This is luxury, Cantons-style: simple, local, and no table reservations required. The region’s rustic restaurants round out the picture if you’d rather be served, and our 48-hour itinerary in North Hatley will help you fit it all in.
At Station Chêne Rouge in North Hatley, the grape harvest coincides with the best time of the season: the first hints of fall colors, cool evenings by the fire, and a 4.9 out of 5 rating based on more than 1,200 reviews for the base camp.
From late August to mid-October, depending on the grape variety, with the peak of the season in September—the best time to visit the vineyards.
For impromptu tastings, which rarely happen on weekdays. On weekends in September, it’s best to make a reservation, especially for groups.
North Hatley is an excellent base camp: the nearby vineyards (Hatley, Compton) are just a few minutes away, the Brome-Missisquoi Route is an hour away, and you can return to the tranquility of the forest at Station Chêne Rouge.
At Station Chêne Rouge, yes: by your campfire or on your patio. Sipping a glass of harvest wine under the stars—that’s what it’s all about.
