On Thursday, June 26, in St-Eustache, Quebec’s wine lovers and culinary insiders gathered at the Vignoble Rivière du Chêne to toast a double celebration: the launch of the 2023 Phénix vintage and the grand opening of Bistro VRDC under the creative leadership of Chef Ian St-Pierre Brinkmann. Together, winemaker Daniel Lalande and his new culinary partner offered guests a sensorial experience where vineyard and kitchen fused into one harmonious vision.
Set among rolling vines just 30 minutes from Montreal, the Vignoble Rivière du Chêne has long been a cornerstone of Quebec’s growing wine identity. For over twenty-five years, founder and vigneron Daniel Lalande has embodied the resilience and artistry of local viticulture.
After a devastating fire in 2007 destroyed more than 63,000 liters of wine, Lalande rebuilt the estate stronger than ever. From the ashes emerged Phénix, a cuvée symbolizing rebirth, dedication, and the enduring spirit of the vineyard.
This season, Phénix reemerges with its 2023 vintage, aged to perfection and presented in a sleek, contemporary bottle reflecting the wine’s evolving character. “These wines, humble yet full of personality, deserved a presentation as elegant as their taste,” Lalande shared during the launch. Production director Benjamin Seel added, “The new label expresses what’s in the glass: depth, elegance, and confidence. It’s a cuvée that stands tall.”
The evening unfolded as a true celebration of terroir. Guests were welcomed into the newly opened Bistro VRDC, where panoramic views of the vines set the mood for a refined yet relaxed tasting.
Chef Ian St-Pierre Brinkmann unveiled his all-new tapas menu, a vibrant array of dishes designed to complement the estate’s wines. Drawing from his own gardens and local producers, the Montreal-born chef offered a thoughtful and sustainable approach to fine dining. “With this menu, I wanted to extend the vineyard’s work into your plates,” Brinkmann explained. “Every bite is crafted to elevate our wines in a convivial atmosphere that celebrates freshness, generosity, and creativity.”
Each plate told its own story of the land: delicate vegetable pairings bursting with flavor, edible flowers accenting the seasonal palette, and tapas that encouraged sharing and conversation. Signature Phénix wines, both red and white, flowed freely, their complexity and balance shining alongside Brinkmann’s culinary artistry. The pairings felt effortless, each sip and bite enhancing the other in perfect rhythm.
Beyond its immediate pleasures, the event carried a sense of continuity and pride. The Bistro’s opening marked a new chapter for the vineyard, one that invites visitors not only to taste but to linger, savor, and connect with Quebec’s evolving wine culture. “Receiving guests is at the heart of what we do,” the chef emphasized, embodying the welcoming spirit that defines both the vineyard and the bistro.
As twilight settled over the vines, laughter filled the terrace and clinking glasses echoed the evening’s central theme: rebirth through collaboration. From the symbolic resilience of Phénix to the fresh creativity of Bistro VRDC, this partnership between Lalande and Brinkmann feels like a natural evolution, one that promises to elevate Quebec’s wine and culinary scene for years to come.
For those seeking an authentic gastronomic escape just outside the city, Vignoble Rivière du Chêne and Bistro VRDC now stand as an essential destination. With their shared devotion to craft, terroir, and generosity, they prove that when passion and authenticity meet, the result is pure harmony, best enjoyed with a glass of Phénix in hand.
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