Producer
Dunham · Cantons-de-l'Est · Canada
Vignoble de l'Orpailleur
In a few words
A pioneer of Quebec wine who has cultivated vines in Dunham since 1982 and helped build modern viticulture here.
Origin
Cantons-de-l'Est · Canada
Appellation
IGP Vin du Québec
Grape varieties
Seyval · Vidal
The producer
Who are they?
Founded in Dunham in 1982 by Hervé Durand, Charles-Henri de Coussergues, Frank Furtado and Pierre Rodrigue, Vignoble de l’Orpailleur is one of the pioneers of Quebec viticulture. The first vines were planted as soon as the farm was purchased and the first harvest came in 1985. That same year, Gilles Vigneault suggested the name L’Orpailleur. Over the decades, the estate has helped structure the Quebec wine industry, notably through its work on traceability, sustainable viticulture and the recognition of the IGP Vin du Québec. Today, it produces a very diverse range and remains one of the major wine-tourism destinations in the Eastern Townships.
Their approach
What sets them apart.
Making wine in a northern climate
For more than forty years, L’Orpailleur has adapted grape varieties, viticulture and winemaking to the realities of Quebec’s climate.
Cultivating with the living world
The estate has long practised sustainable viticulture and is now multiplying actions in favour of biodiversity, notably flower strips and habitats for beneficial insects.
A pioneering role
L’Orpailleur has been actively involved in developing the traceability of Quebec wines, their official recognition and their presence in the SAQ.
In the vineyard
What they grow.
Le Premier Verre
Why we follow them.
Because it’s impossible to tell the modern story of Quebec wine without L’Orpailleur. The estate also offers a very concrete way to see how viticulture has adapted to the local climate, with approachable wines and a particularly comprehensive visitor experience.
Discover
Their wines.
At the winery
Visit.
Visits
Yes
Address
1086 rue Bruce, Dunham, Québec J0E 1M0, Canada
Reservation
Not required
Good to know
The winery welcomes visitors in Dunham for tastings, guided tours, the discovery of the winemaker’s Économusée and the boutique. Some activities can be reserved in advance, but walk-ins are also accepted depending on availability. The seasonal restaurant Le Tire-Bouchon rounds out the experience during the warmer months.
Online
Official website ↗