1. Domaine Labranche: an orchard, a vineyard and a sugar bush
Domaine Labranche, in Saint-Isidore-de-Laprairie, is the ideal year-round destination for food-loving families and is a staple in the community:
- In the spring, the sugar shack serves various gourmet versions of traditional fare. Taste the classics of Quebec’s sugar shack food such as pea soup, home-smoked pork sausages, maple-smoked ham and grilled salt pork.
- From June to October, you can come and pick your own strawberries, plums, pears, apples and pumpkins, and take your time wandering along the nearby walking trail. The younger children won’t get bored because they can tour the mini-farm and have fun on some of the play structures.
- In the fall, in September and October, the domain offers their own basket of organic vegetables, prepared with care by the family! You will find a selection of various vegetables with apples from Domaine Labrance. A sustainable way to get your groceries, farm to table.
Before returning home, be sure to visit the boutique to stock up on locally produced food (such as apple doughnuts, apple chutney, pies, apple syrup and maple jelly) and alcoholic beverages (maple raspberry rosé, sparkling cider, wine, maple dessert wine and so on) – many of which have garnered major international awards!
2. Fritz Kaiser Cheese: Swiss expertise for made-in-Quebec cheese
Since 1981, Fromagerie Fritz Kaiser has been making delicious cheeses that reflect both its owners’ Swiss origins and the province of Quebec’s terroir. Every day, no less than three tonnes of cheese, made with fresh milk from neighbouring farms, leave its facility in Noyan, in southern Montérégie.
The master cheesemaker contributes to the production process, and never hesitates to pitch in, whether with firm, semi-soft or soft varieties! The fact that his excellent Le Douanier was the Grand Champion at the 2004 Canadian Cheese Grand Prix competition is a tribute to his ability. In 2018, Fritz Kaiser Cheese took first place in no less than five categories at the Sélections Caseus awards for the best Quebec cheeses. In fact, the factory has won numerous awards around the world. Their product quality is unquestionable.
In the boutique, you’ll discover 33 of the factory’s varieties on sale – including various raclettes – as well as other fine local and imported products: maple syrup, crackers, chocolates, fresh bread, kitchenware, oils, jams, preserves, condiments, tapenade, honey and tea. It’s heaven for gourmets of all ages!
3. Potager Mont-Rouge Halte Gourmande: all the fruits and vegetables you can pick
To load up on vitamins, fresh seasonal fruits and vegetables, head for Potager Mont-Rouge Halte Gourmande in Rougemont.
- From June until late October, you can come and pick your own strawberries, tomatoes, eggplants, peppers, apples and pumpkins, in that order.
- In July and August, the farm also sells sell freshly gathered corncobs in both sweet and peaches & cream varieties.
Children can have fun visiting the farm’s chickens and alpacas, or try their hand at successfully working their way through a huge maze in the corn field! There is also a play area with swings, a slide and a giant trampoline. During apple season you can tour the farm on a tractor-pulled wagon.
Nobody can resist the boutique, with its fresh pies and pastries, jams and jellies, apple butter, homemade doughnuts, apple juice, apple slush, maple syrup and honey!
Importance of Supporting Local Economy
Supporting local artisans in Montérégie is not just about enjoying fresh, high-quality products; it’s about fostering a sustainable and thriving community.
When you choose locally produced food, you are investing in the local economy, helping family-run farms and small businesses to flourish. This support ensures that traditional farming practices are preserved, and that the unique character of the region is maintained.
Moreover, buying local reduces the carbon footprint associated with transporting goods from far-off places, promoting environmental sustainability. By prioritizing local products, you are contributing to a resilient food system that benefits everyone in the community, from producers to consumers.
Are you tempted by the unique terroir and local producers of Montérégie? Be sure to drive carefully! And if you have any questions about your auto insurance, don’t hesitate to give us a call.