5 Best Sights in Side Trips from Montreal, Quebec

Make sure you bring along a designated driver for this Wine Route, which includes 22 wineries. Map out your chosen stops then travel from one to the next to learn about their history, local products and, best of all, sample the wine. Most wineries have an area outdoors where you can enjoy a picnic.  Call for hours as they may change from one season to the next.

The Scieur brothers, Jean-Paul and François, are sixth generation winemakers originally from France, who have created their own "Champagne universe" in Quebec. Their Selection range of wines includes sparkling, white, and rosé. Red, fortified, flavored, and ice wines are also available. From mid-June to end-October, they offer the Bubbles, Wines, and Champagne guided tour (but only in French due to the extensive vocabulary of the subject) as well as a la carte tastings of over 10 of their finest wines all for the price of a C$5 souvenir glass. Visitors may also tour the Traditional Method Interpretation Center to learn about the history of the Scieur brothers or just wander the vineyard and experience a little bit of France in Quebec.

Established in 1982, this vineyard produces 11 wines, including its Double Gold medal-winning ice wine at the Finger Lakes International competition. Guided tours (in French) cost C$10 and are given three times a day during the summer. You can also stop by the museum, where you'll learn about the history and production of wine, from the cultivation of the vines to the bottling process. Guided tours given in English need to be reserved two weeks in advance. The patio restaurant is a nice place to take a break.

This winery, opened in 1980, was one of the first to set up shop in the area, and is considered to be the oldest vineyard still in operation in Québec. On nearly 30 acres of land, 50,000 vines go to produce some award-winning reds, whites, rosés, and ice wines. Visit for a tasting and enjoy a picnic on the grounds. From July through October, a sculpture garden showcases the works of more than 80 artists, primarily from the area.

This lovely winery is another great stop along the wine route. It produces a dry, fruity white from Seyval grapes as well as several other white, red, and ice wines. In addition to the tastings, you can take a tour of the grounds (reservations required), stroll along the trails, and stop for a picnic before you move on to the next stop.