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Île d'OrléansSt-PierreVendangesIsle de BacchusVignoble

Île d'Orléans (fall)

By Marilou Harvey•October 5, 2026•8 views

A few kilometres from Quebec City, Île d'Orléans is a genuine historic jewel of the St. Lawrence, often described as the cradle of French America. Discovered by Jacques Cartier in 1535 and settled soon after, it ranks among the oldest inhabited places in New France, hence its rich architectural and cultural heritage.

With its six picturesque villages, its old houses and its rolling landscapes, the island offers a singular rural setting where 95% of the territory is still farmland, producing strawberries, apples, vegetables, ciders and other artisanal specialties that have made its culinary reputation.

Thirty-four kilometres long and reached by the island bridge, it is easily explored by following the Chemin Royal, which hugs its shores and reveals superb views over the river. Designated a heritage site of Quebec, the island charms as much through its history as through its peaceful way of life.

Practical information

Duration

Une demi-journée

Season

Octobre 2026

Getting around

Tesla

Accommodation

N-A

Itinerary

Chargement de la carte…

Québec— Where the trip starts and ends

Vignoble Isle de Bacchus— The island's oldest vineyard, founded in 1982

Québec— Where the trip starts and ends

St-Pierre

The grape harvest at Vignoble Isle de Bacchus

On Sunday, October 4, instead of settling for simply visiting a vineyard, we rolled up our sleeves: we helped with the harvest at Isle de Bacchus, in Saint-Pierre.

The day begins at 7:30 a.m. with a coffee, a mimosa and pastries, while the instructions are explained. Then you head out to the fields and work until noon, with a little shooter break along the way. Pruning shears and gloves are provided. You do need waterproof shoes, though, because of the dew, and warm clothes: it was only a meagre 5 degrees early in the morning, even if the sun was superb afterwards.

A hot lunch is served at the end, along with two glasses of wine. The owners are super nice, which adds a great deal to the enjoyment of the day.

The activity is open to the public, at a cost of $35, only during the two weeks of the harvest, on Saturdays and Sundays.

The oldest vineyard on the island

Created in 1982 in Saint-Pierre-de-l'Île-d'Orléans, Vignoble Isle de Bacchus is one of the pioneers of Quebec winemaking, and is billed as the oldest vineyard on the island. Its name has a nice story: it is the one Jacques Cartier gave the island in 1535, because of the abundance of wild vines he had found there.

The estate farms 11 hectares of vines, spread over three terroirs in the village, with grape varieties suited to Quebec's climate. The welcome takes place in a building about 250 years old. It produces red, white and rosé wine, a traditional-method sparkling wine, the Brut de Bacchus, as well as ice wine and late-harvest wine. A wine cellar and a tasting room let you taste on site, and guided tours are offered by reservation.

The harvest, in October, has become a genuine tradition here. According to the SAQ, volunteers from everywhere come to take part, in a festive and friendly atmosphere.

Good to know

Address: 1335, chemin Royal, Saint-Pierre-de-l'Île-d'Orléans. Telephone: 418 828-9562.
To find out the exact harvest dates and sign up, contact the vineyard.
Outside the harvest, the vineyard is generally open from May to December, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Hours vary with the season: check before you go.
Do not confuse it with Saint-Pierre le Vignoble, another vineyard on the island, which also offers harvests open to families and friends.

Highlights

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Les vendanges au vignoble Isle de Bacchus
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Dîner chaud avec deux verres de vin
•
Le plus ancien vignoble de l'île d'Orléans

Tips

💡
Communiquer avec le vignoble pour connaître les dates exactes et s'inscrire
💡
Chaussures imperméables et vêtements chauds : rosée et 5 degrés tôt le matin
💡
Ne pas confondre l'Isle de Bacchus avec Saint-Pierre le Vignoble

Photo gallery

Frequently asked questions

Can you take part in the Isle de Bacchus harvest?

Yes, the activity is open to the public, during the two weeks of the harvest only. To find out this year's exact dates and sign up, contact the vineyard at 418 828-9562.

How much does it cost and what is included?

$35. The price covers the morning welcome, the equipment, the morning of work in the fields and a hot lunch served with two glasses of wine.

How does the harvest day unfold?

It starts at 7:30 a.m. with coffee, a mimosa and pastries, while the instructions are given. Then you head out to the fields and work until noon, with a little shooter break. The hot lunch is served at the end.

What should you wear and bring?

Waterproof shoes, because of the dew, and warm clothes: it was only 5 degrees early in the morning, even though the sun was superb afterwards. Pruning shears and gloves are provided, so there is no need to bring your own equipment.

When does the harvest take place?

In October, for two weeks only, on Saturdays and Sundays. The exact dates change from year to year, so check with the vineyard. We went on Sunday, October 4.

Where is Vignoble Isle de Bacchus?

At 1335, chemin Royal, at the entrance to the village of Saint-Pierre-de-l'Île-d'Orléans, not far from the island bridge. It is easy to reach from Quebec City by following the chemin Royal.

Where does the name Isle de Bacchus come from?

It is the old name of Île d'Orléans. Jacques Cartier christened it that in 1535, because of the abundance of wild vines he had found there. Bacchus is the Roman god of wine.

Since when has the vineyard existed?

Since 1982. It is one of the pioneers of Quebec winemaking and today farms 11 hectares of vines, spread over three terroirs in the village of Saint-Pierre.

What wines does Isle de Bacchus produce?

Red, white and rosé wines, a traditional-method sparkling wine, the Brut de Bacchus, as well as ice wine and late-harvest wine. Among the well-known cuvées is also the XV35.

Is it the same as Saint-Pierre le Vignoble?

No, they are two different vineyards on Île d'Orléans. Saint-Pierre le Vignoble is another, more recent estate that also offers harvests open to families and friends. Make sure you check the name before you go.

Is the vineyard open year-round?

It is generally open every day from May to December, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., with reduced hours in winter. Hours vary with the season, so check before you leave.

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35 m from Quebec City · 233 km from Montreal

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