Ile d'Orleans: Wine Tasting Tour with 3 Vineyards & Small Group

Summary

Island vineyards old houses wine stories and local laughter

You’ll wander through three different vineyards on Ile d'Orleans, tasting local wines while learning from bilingual guides who know every story behind each bottle. Expect laughter over mispronounced French words, time to explore historic houses and fields, and moments when you realize how quietly beautiful this island can be.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect to smell apples in the air before we even reached the first vineyard on Ile d'Orleans — maybe it was just my imagination, or maybe it’s really everywhere here. Our guide, Marie, switched between French and English so easily that I stopped worrying about missing anything (though I still tried to catch a few phrases in French — not my strong suit). The drive from Quebec City was short but felt like entering another world, with those old wooden houses and fields that seemed to go on forever.

The first stop was a family-run place where the owner poured us a white that tasted almost green, if that makes sense. He explained how the island’s climate shapes their wine — apparently, the river keeps things milder than you’d think this far north. I liked hearing how his grandfather started with just a few vines and some stubborn hope. We wandered outside for a bit; there was this gentle wind carrying something sweet, maybe wildflowers? Hard to pin down.

By the second vineyard, I’d already lost track of which blend was which (should’ve taken notes), but honestly it didn’t matter much. The group laughed when someone tried to pronounce “cassis” and got it totally wrong — even our guide grinned and said she’d heard worse. The last tasting had this odd earthy note; not sure I loved it, but I’m glad I tried. There was time to buy a bottle or two, though I spent longer than planned just looking at the old barn out back, thinking about all the seasons these vines have seen.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Visit three vineyards with tastings

• Arrive at first vineyard
• Wine tasting and explanations
• Time for purchases
• Visit second vineyard
• Wine tasting and explanations
• Time for shopping
• Visit third vineyard
• Wine tasting and explanations
• Time for shopping

Top questions

How many vineyards do we visit on this Ile d'Orleans wine tour?

You visit three different vineyards during the tour.

Is wine tasting included in the price?

Yes, pre-selected tastings are included at each vineyard.

Are guides bilingual on this tour?

Yes, tours are offered in both English and French.

Can I buy wine during the day trip?

Yes, there is time at each stop for shopping and purchases.

Is lunch included on this wine tour?

No lunch is included; only tastings are provided.

How do we get to Ile d'Orleans for the tour?

The island is accessible by road from Quebec City; public transportation options are nearby.

Is this day trip suitable for pregnant travelers?

No, it is not recommended for pregnant travelers due to alcohol tastings.

Do I need to be fit or athletic for this tour?

The experience is suitable for all physical fitness levels.

What’s included

Your day includes guided visits to three selected vineyards on Ile d'Orleans with pre-selected wine tastings at each stop. Bilingual explanations are provided throughout by your local guide, plus there’s always time set aside for purchases before heading back.