Fête Des Vendanges Magog-Orford

Each autumn, the shores of Lake Memphrémagog in southern Quebec fill with people holding wine glasses. The Fête des Vendanges Magog-Orford, whose name means the grape harvest festival, is a long-running celebration of the wines, ciders, beers, spirits and foods of the Eastern Townships, the hilly region between Montreal and the American border that is now one of Quebec's main wine areas. It is held in Magog, a lakeside town of about 27,000 people, at the end of the summer, when the harvest is under way and the hillsides turn colour.

Grape growing in Quebec is a modest but determined business. The winters are cold, and growers rely on hardy hybrid varieties and careful management of the vines, yet the Eastern Townships have developed a reputation for white wines, ice wines and ciders that has attracted visitors and awards. Vineyards in the area, such as Le Cep d’Argent in Magog, which was among the pioneers, open their cellars to visitors, and the festival gathers dozens of producers in one place, so that someone with a single day can taste a wide sample of regional products.

The format is simple and sociable. Visitors buy a ticket, which usually includes a souvenir wine glass and a set of tasting coupons, and walk among booths of wineries, cideries, microbreweries and distilleries, trading coupons for small pours. Producers explain their wines, and tasting workshops and demonstrations deepen the experience. Food vendors offer local cheese, charcuterie, foie gras, smoked fish and other specialities of the region, and live music and entertainment give the event a festive mood. A children's area makes it workable for families, and picnic spots and shade give people places to rest between tastings.

The festival is held over a weekend in early autumn, with details varying from year to year, so check the official website for dates, tickets and programme. Parking is available, including for buses and recreational vehicles, and shuttle services link the lots to the site. Plan transport carefully, and nominate a designated driver or use shuttles or taxis, as the whole point is to taste.

Beyond the festival, Magog offers lake cruises, cycling on the Estriade trail, nearby Parc national du Mont-Orford and the shops and restaurants of its downtown. Wine lovers and food enthusiasts will make the most of a visit.