Have you heard of Vignoble du Ruisseau in Dunham ? If not, the sugaring-off season is the perfect opportunity to visit this new winery which also has a sugar bush. Last week, I had the pleasure of tasting the delectable bites of the sugar shack menu. The experience is nothing like a shack in the woods or the bland meals of large commercial cabins. On the contrary, the facilities are impressive and the setting is simply beautiful. As I arrive, I cross the covered pedestrian bridge to the sound of the creek and I feel like I’m in front of a fairy tale estate. The maple grove, the vineyard, the boutique, the menu and the guided tours are all designed with class and taste. Discover absolutely!
THE SPRINGER
At the end of a magnificent country lane in Dunham, the maple grove has more than 4200 taps forming a network of pipes that carry the maple water to the reservoirs in the cellars. The maple water is then heated in a state-of-the-art wood pellet evaporator, a system that produces a much cleaner burn. It is in the kitchen, on site, that the transformation of maple products is done. You can taste all its delicious variations in the sugar shack menu and in the gourmet store.
THE MENU
Starting March1st, from Wednesday to Sunday, enjoy a traditional and gastronomic sugar time menu in the form of 3 courses or 6 courses for the most daring. On the menu : Maple pulled pork stuffed bread with bacon chips and green onion, crisse ears with apple sauce and foie gras, platter of assorted vineyard sausages, maple ham and Brussels sprouts on flageolet and butternut squash, puffed omelette with fried cheese curds, arugula and maple flakes, apple and pecan grandfather in maple syrup, maple crème brûlée, potato fritter stuffed with maple wine jelly and much more?! It makes your mouth water! See the complete menu and prices here. Note that a gluten-free menu is also available.
THE VINEYARD
I took advantage of my visit to learn more about this innovative winery and taste some of its products. The brand new sparkling wine, Blanc de blancs, is made of Chardonnay and tastes like heaven! Vignoble du ruisseau owes its success with viniferas in Quebec to a patent-pending geothermal technology. Yes?! You read that right, geothermal energy protects the roots of the vines from frost and makes it possible to cultivate varieties of vines that are not yet widely grown in Quebec. Thus, it extends the growing season of Pinot Noir, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Riesling, Gewürztraminer and Vidal. The result is a distinct taste that is unique to Vignoble du ruisseau. To learn more and to fully enjoy the place, I highly recommend a guided tour of the place. Find all the details here.