The Montérégie, le Garde-Manger du Québec and its partners, including the MRC du Haut-Saint-Laurent, have announced the return of the Virées Gourmandes de la Montérégie this summer, but with a new virtual format. Nine thematic gourmet micro-routes that run throughout the Montérégie region have been developed to encourage connections between producers and visitors. The routes are now open and will continue through the summer season to mid-October.
The micro-routes feature nearly 40 businesses including cider mills, farms, cheese dairies, microbreweries, gourmet shops, vineyards, and restaurants, all of which lead to encounters with passionate producers and processors. The nine themes, which include The Gourmet, The Barbeque, The Photographer, Between Friends, Market Gardeners, The Romantic, Sunday Brunch, and Family Fun, ensure there is something for everyone along each route that can be done in a half-day, a full day, or even over a weekend.
This year, the Virées Gourmandes will include a family-themed route in the Haut-Saint-Laurent featuring local favourites including the Taverne de la Ferme and the Farmhouse Boutique in Ormstown, Domaine Herdman in Hinchinbrooke, the Ferme aux Mille Cailloux in Franklin, and the Barabas brewery in Sainte-Barbe. Each stop will have a sign with a unique QR code that will allow visitors to learn more about the business while giving them access to a photobooth and an opportunity to enter a contest.
The different routes are all featured on the vireesgourmandes.ca website, where visitors can plan and download their itinerary before setting off on their adventure. (SR)