Quebec Wine Growing Regions

Québec does not produce Vitis Vinifera grapes or VQA wines. The areas in which grapes are grown are referred to as Growing Areas and not VA (Viticultural Areas).

Quebec has six regions where vines are cultivated. They are:

• the Eastern Townships
• Montérégie
• Québec
• Basses Laurentides
• Lanaudière
• Centre-du-Québec

The St. Lawrence River Valley is a fertile region where wild grapes and other fruits grow naturally. However, the four-month long winter freezes the soil to a deep enough level that most varietals of European grape vines do not survive the winter.  After searching for varietals that would survive the deep freeze they found varietals that were developed specifically for that purpose like:

• Saint-Pépin 
• Seyval Blanc
• Vandal-Cliche

Quebec wine growers started planting grape varietals that are resistant to below-zero temperatures and also pioneered and implemented modern techniques to heat up the soil during the coldest winter months. These determined and resilient wine makers from Quebec only have 6 months to accomplish what other winemankers have 11 to 12 months to accomplish.They produce some excellent wines. For this they should be commended.

Three factors make it possible to grow grapes in harsh environment:

• the selection of the most ideal wine growing land (ideal for the area) warmed by Lake Champlain the St. Lawrence River or the Laurentians and Appalachians
• the use of winter-hardy French and American hybrids 
• use of modern techniques to heat up the soil during the coldest days of winter

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