Daniel Lalande is the grandson who choice wine over sugar. Daniel hails from a proud line of farmers and entrepreneurs (Cabane à sucre Lalande, Canada’s oldest sugar shack, belonged to his great-grandparents). He discovered winemaking during a student internship in Toulouse, in southern France. Today he owns two wineries La Cantina, Vallée d'Oka vineyard is located in the Lower Laurentians, and VIGNOBLE RIVIÈRE DU CHÊNE in Saint-Eustache.
« I always expected to take over the sugar shack,» recalls Daniel. «I did work there for a while, but then in 1996, after visiting several winemaking operations in Quebec – including L’Orpailleur in Dunham, I began to dream of starting my own vineyard on our family property. »
It all started in 1998 when he planted his first vines at Saint- Eustache. The winery opened in 2001.
La Cantina
In 2015 he purchased an old dairy farm in Oka. Planting Chardonnay and Pinot noir. It became Vignoble La Cantina. inspired by the Italian vineyards from which it takes its name, La Cantina, Vallée d'Okis a reflection of the winemaker's passion for growing grapes as well as his dedication to creating great wines on Quebec soil. This is also the time he met his wife to be Isabelle Gonthier.
Their son William works at Vignoble Rivière du Chêne.
At La Canata "The result of a deep reflection and careful attention to the selection of grapes, the wines of the L'empreinte distinctive du vigneron range are made from noble grape varieties planted on our land of Oka in 2015 and 2016. This range of wines certified with the Vin du Québec geographical indication includes Chardonnay, Rosé du Calvaire, Riesling, Pinot Noir and Blanc de Blanc.
Today Daniel has 16 varieties of grapes planted on 37 hectares on two vineyards producing 15 wines reaching 300,000 bottles
Daniel and his team have collect numerous international Medals. At home they captured medal in all the events.
Vignoble Rivière du Chêne, QC 2022 La Cantina, Vallée d’Oka, Blanc Gold at the All Canadians.
Vignoble Rivière du Chêne, QC 2021 Phénix Rouge Gold
Double Gold **Trophy, Best Dessert Wine of the Year
Vignoble Rivière du Chêne, QC 2021 Monde
Resources:
Vins du Quebec
Bing Chat
winesofcanada.com
Wine Trail Traveler
