For many, mead is a drink of the gods, often portrayed as such in fantasy tales and legends, among others. But Québec produces excellent mead, including that from Hydromellerie du Vieux-Moulinin Sainte-Flavie.
Known and appreciated by the Greeks and Romans, mead later spread to the Gauls. Made by fermenting water and honey in widely varying proportions, this drink of the gods was popular with both families and religious communities in the Middle Ages. It remained widely drunk in Europe until the 19th century. In Norse mythology, the Valkyries fill the horns with mead at the feast of the gods.
Normand Tremblay, who founded this family business 26 years ago (in 2022), has been producing honey for over 40 years. At first, he sold in grocery stores and local businesses. But when the idea of producing mead came up, they needed a building that could house a shop as well as production equipment. In 1995, the family acquired an old flour mill built in 1830, which they’ve occupied ever since.
Nicolas, the founder’s son, now runs the business.
The fabulous honey wines made and produced here have won gold medals several times at various competitions (wines and spirits of the terroir). In the shop, you’ll find many honey products and an observation hive.
Tucked away upstairs is the Musée de la Neufve-France, featuring heritage treasures from Nouvelle-France and exceptional First Nations artifacts, the result of Normand Tremblay’s passion for collecting since the 1970s. Definitely worth seeing if you visit the shop.
Hydromellerie du Vieux-Moulin
vieuxmoulin.qc.ca
141, route de la Mer
Sainte-Flavie, Qc G0J 2L0
418.775.8383