TAKE ADVANTAGE OF
OUR WINE-GROWING EXPERIENCE
The Brome-Missisquoi region is the cradle of wine-growing in Quebec. In the early 1980s, the very first farm wineries made their appearance here, that is, the Domaine des Côtes d’Ardoise and l’Orpailleur. It should be noted that the microclimate in the area provides a definite advantage for grape cultivation.
Nowadays, the area includes the greatest concentration of wineries in Quebec. With some 25 vineyards, the region is home to approximately one quarter of all wineries in the province and produces 60% of Quebec wines. Leader of the wine-growing industry and wine tourism for the past 30 years, the Brome-Missisquoi region is also a land of innovation: this is where ice cider was invented in the early 1990s.
PROVEN EXPERTISE
THAT SERVES AS A MODEL
The Ministry of Municipal Affairs, Regions and Land Occupancy (MAMROT) chose to invest in Brome-Missisquoi as regards its National Policy on Rurality. From 2009 to 2013, the pilot project entitled “Rural Laboratory” made it possible to look into new and innovative solutions for the rural sector.
The Rural Laboratory Project aimed to demonstrate a working method proper to the region and consistent with its concerns, without imposed restrictions. The objective was the show how a flagship product like the Wine Route can become a lever for the socio-economic development of a region. Then, based on the various tested solutions, the model could be transferred or adapted to another region or community wishing to develop its own strengths.
The Brome-Missisquoi CLD received $425,000 in financing from the Ministry of Municipal Affairs, Regions and Land Occupancy (MAMROT) to carry out this 5-year project. This financial support made it possible, among other things, to increase the number of wineries set up in the region by 50% over 5 years.
This Rural Laboratory also enabled the industry’s main stakeholders to work together more closely and contribute to the achievement of several projects, experiments and studies that would otherwise not have been realized. The Brome-Missisquoi CLD and the Wine Route are proud to have contributed to the rapid expansion of the wine-growing industry in Quebec by making use of their leadership qualities in wine-growing and wine tourism.
As a result, the region’s agri-food development experts can draw up a precise description of wine-growing in the region and provide targeted tools to future entrepreneurs in this sector.
Consult the final report regarding the Rural Laboratory on the Wine Route – PDF (in French only).
As the project has reached its end, the Brome-Missisquoi CLD would like to thank all the partners and staff members of the Rural Laboratory 2009-2013 on the Wine Route.
- The Rural Laboratory on the Wine Route -
SUMMARY OF PROJECTS
AND ACHIEVEMENTS
Analysis and mapping of the region’s wine-growing potential based on soil and climate
Organisation of three symposiums targeting Quebec wine-growers with a goal of, among other things, developing the industry and improving its products
Implementation of measures aimed at attracting wine-growers and other related businesses to the region
Representation to government bodies in an effort to improve product marketing
Setting up events to promote the wines from the region: festive rosés, spotlight on ice wines,
new vintages, etc.
Implementation of a regional group of wine-growers to help develop the wine-growing industry
- Results of the Rural Laboratory -
DOCUMENTATION
ON WINE-GROWING
See complete documentation and other results of the Rural Laboratory.
