The Vineyard blows out 40 candles and acquires Union Libre
Montreal, June 14, 2022 – A pioneer in its industry and the first Quebec vineyard to sell its wine at the SAQ, Vignoble de l’Orpailleur is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year. Located in Dunham in the Eastern Townships, the vineyard was founded by four enthusiasts, Hervé Durand, Charles-Henri de Coussergues, Frank Furtado, and Pierre Rodrigue, who are still involved in this beautiful human adventure 40 years later. L’Orpailleur was also the first Quebec vineyard to study and adopt the principle of sustainable viticulture in 1996.
From left to right: Hervé Durand, Charles-Henri de Coussergues, Pierre Rodrigue, and Frank Furtado.
A leading wine tourism destination in Quebec, Vignoble de l’Orpailleur has been welcoming visitors since 1985, introducing them to the work of artisan winemakers in a northern climate. The vineyard features an agritourism site, the Économusée du vigneron, and a restaurant, Le Tire-Bouchon. L’Orpailleur is also marking a significant turning point in its history this year with the acquisition of Vignoble et verger Union Libre. To celebrate this anniversary, a sparkling rosé wine is also joining the Orpailleur family, as well as a book signed by Hervé Durand: Le Vignoble de l’Orpailleur | 40 ans! 1982-2022.
In 1984, Gilles Vigneault, the originator of the name "L'Orpailleur," said of the vineyard's wines: "From the Dunham vineyard to your glass... it is authentically from here." – Charles-Henri de Coussergues – Co-owner winemaker of L'Orpailleur
L'ORPAILLEUR AND UNION LIBRE: AN EXCEPTIONAL ALLIANCE
Because L'Orpailleur firmly believes in the great potential and future of Quebec viticulture, acquiring Union Libre is a natural progression in their history. Established in 2010, Union Libre has grown over the years into a thriving 70-acre vineyard and orchard, featuring interesting grape varieties, over 30,000 well-maintained vines, and producing high-quality grapes. Located on a hillside with magnificent views and a due-west exposure, this makes it an ideal location for viticulture. Furthermore, Union Libre has its own distinct terroir, different from that of L'Orpailleur.
"For a winemaker, what an opportunity and a chance to have a very different terroir just a few meters from his vineyard!"
– Charles-Henri de Coussergues – Co-owner winemaker of L'Orpailleur
L’Orpailleur is located on the first foothills of the Appalachian mountain range, and on ancient beaches of the Champlain Sea (sand and gravel) at an altitude of 130m (height above sea level). Its soil is characterized by glacial deposits, a heterogeneous mixture of gravel, pebbles, limestone, shale, and even slate in places. L’Orpailleur's exceptional terroir is thus composed of an amalgam of clay, sand, gravel, and rocky blocks.
The terroir of Vignoble de l'Orpailleur.
Located at an altitude of 170m above sea level, Union Libre is situated on a hillside with a completely different history. These soils remained wooded for millennia, resulting in different soils rich in minerals and organic matter, all resting on slate strata. This expression of the terroir is found in its wines, characterized by a distinct freshness and minerality. An exceptional terroir for exceptional wines.
The terroir of Union Libre
Today, the winemaker and co-founder of the Vineyard, Charles-Henri, is notably surrounded by two of his daughters and his son-in-law: Laure, communications manager, Sarah, viticulture and winemaking technician, and Alain Bazinet, crop manager. The quartet works together to showcase Quebec's wine products.
Charles-Henri de Coussergues and his granddaughter Aurélie, the winemaker's daughters Sarah and Laure de Coussergues, his grandsons Louis and Samuel, and his son-in-law Alain Bazinet.
“Union Libre is already marked by its history; we will continue the work accomplished so far, which means preserving its terroir, developing the production of quality wines with unique expressions there. This will be done with its own grapes, its vinifications and aging in its cellar, and welcoming visitors within its walls. Quebec viticulture is still very young and in full development; several vineyards are expanding, while others will be born. L’Orpailleur is part of this movement by bringing its experience to Union Libre. L’Orpailleur lives!” – Charles-Henri de Coussergues – Co-owner winemaker of L’Orpailleur
ABOUT L'ORPAILLEUR
L’Orpailleur, a pioneering vineyard in its industry in Quebec, planted its first vines in 1982 in the beautiful Dunham valley. Its winemaker and co-owner Charles-Henri de Coussergues, also former president of the Quebec winemakers' association and current president of the Association de l'Agrotourisme et du Tourisme Gourmand, is a precursor to the advancement of the wine industry in Quebec and a defender of the implementation and evolution of numerous laws fueling the influence of Quebec vineyards in Canada and abroad. With the support of Quebecers, it remains today the leader in the Quebec wines category with four of its wines sold at SAQ and available in over 300 branches.
ABOUT UNION LIBRE
Union Libre cidre et vin, both a vineyard and an orchard, is inspired by the union of the two cultures as well as the fire-ice duality to create ciders and wines characterized by distinct freshness and minerality. Union Libre cidre & vin continues to innovate to bring new products to market that encourage drinking to the last drop!
Press Relations | Thara Communications
Thara Tremblay-Nantel | 514-208-6897 | thara@tharacommunications.com