Ange and his family discover grapes in many different forms.

The arrival of fall marks not only apple season, but also grape season! Treat yourself to golden table grapes in the sunshine, or enjoy a glass of local wine in the vineyard. Here are two ways to kick off autumn in the Chaudière-Appalaches!

First, we went to Raisins Bio-Vital in Saint-Antoine-de-Tilly to pick our own of these sweet little delights! The certified organic fruit is quick to pick, as the whole bunch is harvested. The Somersets charmed us with their strawberry flavour and pretty pink hue. The Trollhaugen, on the other hand, are comparable to Ontario blue grapes, but with a thinner skin – a real treat! A few other varieties will be available over the weeks until around mid-October.

You can also pick up a container of grapes at their kiosk, where you can also find garlic, honey, grape juice and homemade skin care products. We were able to extend the moment by watching the preparation of stuffed lacto-fermented grape leaves, another great discovery to complement the grape picking.

Then it was off to Saint-Charles-de-Bellechasse for a sunny drop-off at Domaine Arvi. In this little paradise of biodiversity, we were able to sample their new products through the vines, the flowers, the fruit trees, the restored old barn, their superb ancestral house, the horses and the honey bees.

Their philosophy is based on biodynamic farming and agroforestry, in which nature is allowed to express itself to the full, with human intervention only to support this rich environment. The soothing setting inspires happiness, relaxation and a feeling of lightness, just like a holiday!

Always with the idea of respecting the terroir, their live wines are made from natural fermentations and are certified organic. We fell in love with Sabre moi! a sparkling red wine ideal as an aperitif with a cheese and charcuterie platter (also available on the premises with their homemade bread and pickles). In the boutique, you can stock up on their various products and sometimes get your hands on their current bouquets of flowers.

The grape harvest is about to begin, and these two magnificent projects are inviting curious visitors to come and enjoy this travel experience in their own backyard! The grape season is short, so don’t delay!

Photos : Ange Hébert-Corriveau