Vignoble de l'Orpailleur

What Vignoble de l'Orpailleur does

Vignoble de l'Orpailleur is a privately-held Quebec winery founded in 1982 in Dunham, in the Brome-Missisquoi wine region, recognized as the oldest operating vineyard in Quebec and a founding pioneer of the Route des vins de Brome-Missisquoi. The company produces a portfolio of 14+ wines across core varietals (l'Orpailleur Blanc, Rosé, Rouge, Gris, Réserve), signature cuvées (Cuvée Natashquan, Chardonnay, Gewurztraminer), sparkling (Brut, Frisant), specialty products (Vin de Glace ice wine, La Part des Anges mistelle, La Marquise fortified wine), and ancillary experiential offerings (guided tours, gourmet picnic baskets, personalized bottles). Core technology centers on cold-climate viticulture adapted to Quebec, including ice wine production harvesting frozen grapes at -8°C to -12°C yielding only 12-15 litres of must per 100 kg of grapes, traditional method sparkling with 18 months of cellar aging, oak barrel fermentation and aging, and reasoned agriculture (culture raisonnée) practices formalized since 1996 and culminating in the 'Exceptionnel' tier Biodiversité aux champs certification in May 2026. All wines carry IGP certifications (Vin du Québec and Vin de glace du Québec) and are vegan.

The business operates through four primary revenue streams: (1) direct-to-consumer sales via the estate boutique in Dunham and a Shopify-powered e-commerce site delivering within Quebec (minimum 12 bottles, increments of 6); (2) retail distribution through the SAQ (Société des alcools du Québec) government monopoly, where l'Orpailleur Rouge is described as the most popular red wine; (3) a B2B restaurant/hospitality program offering 14 cuvées with vineyard-direct pricing, on-site SAQ stamp application, and Quebec-wide delivery; and (4) seasonal experiential revenue from the on-site Le Tire-Bouchon restaurant (June 1–October 25), guided vineyard tours ($19.14 CAD/person), and gourmet picnic baskets ($47.50 CAD). Pricing is uniformly unit-based with no subscription or recurring model, ranging from $13.92 CAD for core wines to $25.22 CAD for Vin de Glace.

The company is family-owned, led by founding President and CEO Charles-Henri de Coussergues, with a disclosed headcount of 1–10 employees. Operations are anchored at a single estate in Dunham featuring the vineyard, boutique, tasting room, seasonal restaurant, and an ÉCONOMUSÉE® du vigneron interpretive center. Marketing leverages Quebec wine media, the ÉCONOMUSÉE® network, regional cycling and wine route partnerships, and direct social channels (Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, email newsletter, blog). Distribution is constrained geographically to Quebec (delivery outside Quebec is not offered), though select wines are available across Quebec via SAQ outlets.

Name

Vignoble de l'Orpailleur

Legal name

Vignoble de l'Orpailleur Inc.

Website

https://orpailleur.ca

Company type

Private

Founded year

1982

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Vignoble de l'Orpailleur is a family-owned Quebec winery founded in 1982 in Dunham, producing 14+ IGP-certified wines including a multi-gold-medal Vin de Glace, sold via on-site boutique, Shopify e-commerce, the SAQ retail network, and a B2B restaurant program serving wine tourists and Quebec hospitality buyers.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Wine Production

NAICS

Wineries (312130), Grape Vineyards (111332), Wine and Distilled Alcoholic Beverage Merchant Wholesalers (424820)

SIC

Beverages (2080), Wholesale-Beer, Wine & Distilled Alcoholic Beverages (5180)

akta.pro primary industry

Wine & Sparkling Wine Wineries & Brands (CRADAIAB)

akta.pro secondary industries

Wineries & Vineyards (Tasting Rooms) (THAFALAE), Wine Tastings & Vineyard/Winery Tours (THAJAGAD), Wine Grape Vineyard Operations (Varietal/AVA Practices, Yield & Quality Targets) (AFAGAJAJ)

Keywords

• Cold-climate viticulture
• Ice wine production
• Quebec winery
• Estate wine production
• Wine tourism experiences

Headquarters

HQ city

Dunham

HQ country

Canada

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Supply Chain, Operations, Personnel, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Others

Revenue model

1. Direct Wine Sales (Boutique & E-commerce): The company sells wine bottles directly to consumers through its on-site boutique in Dunham and through its Shopify-powered online store. Minimum order of 12 bottles applies for home delivery within Quebec; no minimum for on-site pickup. Bottles range from approximately $13 to $25 CAD. Merchandise such as canvas wine bags ($26.09) is also sold.
2. Tasting Packages and Experiences: Guided vineyard tours ($19.14/person, 60 minutes) include outdoor walking tour and tasting of 4 wines with a souvenir glass. The gourmet picnic basket ($47.50 CAD, taxes included) offers local food products paired with estate wines. These are sold on-site and online as bundled experiences.
3. Seasonal Restaurant (Le Tire-Bouchon): The seasonal restaurant Le Tire-Bouchon operates from June 1 to October 25, offering farm-to-table dining highlighting local products and estate wines. Table reservations are managed through Libro Booking. Cards are not accepted at the restaurant, limiting revenue to on-site dining only.
4. Restaurant / Hospitality Distribution: A dedicated B2B restaurant sales program provides wines directly to Quebec restaurants with direct-from-vineyard pricing, on-site SAQ stamp application, and reliable delivery across Quebec. The program targets restaurants seeking premium local wines and offers 14 different cuvées.
5. SAQ Retail Distribution: Select wines are distributed through the SAQ (Société des alcools du Québec) government retail network, making them available across all SAQ outlets in Quebec. The Orpailleur Rouge is notably described as the most popular red wine in SAQ.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

Vignoble de l'Orpailleur is a Quebec estate winery that cultivates cold-climate grape varieties, produces and bottles a portfolio of still, sparkling, ice, and fortified wines (including the Vin de Glace and signature Cuvée Natashquan), and sells them direct-to-consumer via its Dunham boutique and Shopify-powered online store, through the SAQ retail network, and to restaurants across Quebec. It also operates a seasonal on-site restaurant (Le Tire-Bouchon), guided tastings and tours, gourmet picnic baskets, and a sister cidery/winery (Union Libre cidre & vin).

Product overview

Vignoble de l'Orpailleur is a Quebec winery founded in 1982 offering a portfolio of 14+ wines including core varietal wines (l'Orpailleur Blanc, Rosé, Rouge, Gris, Brut, Frisant), reserve wines, signature cuvées (Cuvée Natashquan, Chardonnay, Gewurztraminer), specialty products (Vin de Glace ice wine, La Part des Anges mistelle, La Marquise fortified wine), and experiential offerings (guided tastings, gourmet picnic baskets). The winery operates an e-commerce boutique powered by Shopify and a seasonal restaurant (Le Tire-Bouchon), with a combined tasting experience at sister vineyard Union Libre. Products are IGP-certified (Vin du Québec and Vin de glace du Québec) and distributed through the SAQ, restaurants, and direct-to-consumer channels.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Union Libre cidre & vin: Adjacent vineyard and cidery located 5 minutes from the main vineyard, producing ciders and wines under the Union Libre brand.

Products and services

• l'Orpailleur Blanc A dry white wine, the first ever produced by the vineyard, with expressive aromas of pear, green apple, and boxwood. Awarded Silver at Coupe des Nations 2026.
• l'Orpailleur Rosé A pressed rosé with salmon color, featuring aromas of small red fruits and acacia blossoms, balanced with notes of white flowers and strawberries. Gold medal winner at Coupe des Nations 2026 (4th consecutive year).
• l'Orpailleur Rouge A dry red wine made from Frontenac and Marquette grapes, with ruby color and aromas of wild berries and cherry. Described as the most popular red wine sold through the SAQ (Société des alcools du Québec).
• l'Orpailleur Gris A demi-sec grey wine with aromas of muscat and lychee, featuring rose notes, exotic fruit flavors, and a round, balanced palate.
• l'Orpailleur Réserve A reserve wine with notes of fruit, vanilla, and white flowers on the nose, complemented by subtle oak and smoky notes with elegant, melted tannins on the palate.
• l'Orpailleur Brut A dry sparkling wine produced via the traditional method with second fermentation in bottle and 18 months of aging. Features golden color with fine, persistent bubbles and notes of cooked apple, pear, and biscuit. The only sparkling wine from Quebec featured in the Guénaël des Champagnes guide.
• l'Orpailleur Frisant A semi-sparkling wine (frisant) priced at $19.13, featuring phacelia on its 2025 rosé label to highlight vineyard biodiversity.
• l'Orpailleur Vin de Glace A prestigious ice wine (vin liquoreux) made from Vidal grapes harvested frozen at temperatures between -8°C and -12°C. From 100kg of grapes yielding normally 70-75L, only 12-15L of must is produced. Awarded Gold at Vinalies Internationales 2026 and numerous international medals since 1997.
• La Part des Anges A mistelle made from Vidal grapes assembled with brandy, aged for a minimum of 24 seasons in demijohns exposed to outdoor elements. Features complex aromas of Grenoble walnut, prune, roasting notes, butter, honey, and caramel.
• La Marquise de l'Orpailleur A fortified aperitif wine with golden color and citrus and spice maceration. Features generous citrus nose with festive flavors of fruit, chocolate, and candied orange zest with a light vanilla finish.
• Cuvée Natashquan The vineyard's signature dry white wine made from Vidal and Chardonnay, aged 12 months with 30% in new oak barrels. Features aromas of peat, undergrowth, and white pear with buttery, vanilla, and tobacco notes. Gold medal winner at Coupe des Nations for 5 consecutive years.
• l'Orpailleur Chardonnay A signature Chardonnay with green-tinged yellow color, featuring acacia, hazelnut, almond, flint, and butter on the nose. Fermented and aged in oak barrels for 12 months. Gold medal at Coupe des Nations 2026 with over 15 awards since its first vintage in 2017.
• l'Orpailleur Gewurztraminer A demi-sec white wine with pale yellow color and flattering notes of white flowers, rose petals, and exotic fruits (mango, pineapple). Pairs well with spicy Asian, Indian, Mexican, and Moroccan cuisine.
• Visite Animée & Dégustation (Guided Tour & Tasting) A 60-minute guided tour of the vineyard followed by a tasting of 4 wines with a souvenir glass. Available in French from June to October, priced at $19.14/person.
• Panier Gourmand (Gourmet Picnic Basket) A gourmet picnic basket at $47.50 (taxes included) featuring local products including cheese from Fromagerie Missiska, charcuterie from Charcuterie Scotstown, and vineyard products, presented in a basket with plates and utensils.
• Restaurant Le Tire-Bouchon A seasonal farm-to-table restaurant at the vineyard offering a country-style dining experience featuring local products and vineyard wines. Operates June 1 to October 25, 2026.
• Union Libre cidre & vin A sister vineyard and cidery located 5 minutes from l'Orpailleur, owned by the same family, producing ciders and wines (Pinot Gris, Riesling, and other wines and ciders). Offers combined tasting packages with both vineyards.
• Bouteilles personnalisées (Personalized Bottles) Personalized bottle service allowing customers to customize wine bottle labels for special occasions.
• Canvas Wine Bag (Sac à vin en toile) Canvas tote bag with Orpailleur imagery and an exterior pocket designed to carry a wine bottle. Available at the boutique for $26.09 plus taxes.

Quantifiable outcome

• 44 years of continuous operation, making it the oldest operating vineyard in Quebec
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers1 record

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration12 records

Feature4 records

Partnerships

Nine partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Union Libre cidre & vincoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerUnion Libre is a sister vineyard also owned by the de Coussergues family, located 5 minutes' walk from Vignoble de l'Orpailleur. The two estates offer a combined tasting package (forfait dégustation combiné) where visitors can taste 8 wines and ciders from both properties with a $5 discount on the second tasting. This partnership expands the wine tourism offering in Dunham and cross-promotes both brands.
• Route des vins de Brome-MissisquoicoreGTM or Marketing PartnerVignoble de l'Orpailleur is an initiator and anchor partner of the Route des vins de Brome-Missisquoi, a designated wine tourism route. The vineyard actively participates in cycling events promoted by the route and co-markets wine tourism experiences.
• Club Conseil Gestrie-SolminorOthersDeveloped the Biodiversité aux champs certification program alongside Dura-Club inc. The program evaluates agricultural enterprises on biodiversity actions including habitat creation, cultivation practices, and plant protection.
• Dura-Club inc.minorOthersCo-developer of the Biodiversité aux champs program with Club Conseil Gestrie-Sol. Formally presented the Exceptional certification plaque to Vignoble de l'Orpailleur in 2026.
• Zoo de Granby / Fondation de la Faune du QuébecminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnered with the Zoo de Granby and Fondation de la Faune du Québec in adapting the Biodiversité aux champs certification program to the viticultural sector. Contributed to developing a specific standards document for vineyards.
• Tourisme Cantons-de-l'EstminorGTM or Marketing PartnerPartnered with Tourisme Cantons-de-l'Est for the 'Fièrement Vélo!' cycling event, offering 15% discounts on tasting packages to cyclists as part of the regional tourism initiative.
• Société du réseau ÉCONOMUSÉE®minorGTM or Marketing PartnerVignoble de l'Orpailleur is certified as an ÉCONOMUSÉE® du vigneron, participating in an international network of over 120 artisan members. The label promotes craft-based tourism experiences and heritage preservation.
• TeregominorGTM or Marketing PartnerTerego is a network offering RV camping on member properties. Three RV spaces (up to 55 feet) are available at Vignoble de l'Orpailleur from May 15 to October 31. Bookings are managed directly through Terego's platform.
• ShopifycoreTechnology or IntegrationThe vineyard's e-commerce platform is powered by Shopify. Shopify processes payments, manages orders, and provides the underlying infrastructure for the online store, including personalized advertising features.

Scale indicators8 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Broad incumbents

• Jackson-Triggs: One of Canada's largest wine producers, with broad distribution across provinces and a portfolio spanning still, sparkling, and ice wines. Comparable as a Canadian wine producer with provincial retail distribution, but operates at a much larger scale with broader SKUs.

Direct peers

• Vignoble du Marathonien: Quebec vineyard in the Brome-Missisquoi wine region producing estate wines with a similar focus on cold-climate viticulture and Quebec terroir. Comparable as a peer vineyard in the same Route des vins de Brome-Missisquoi tourism network.
• Château des Charmes: Family-owned Canadian winery in Niagara with a multi-generational heritage and a portfolio of estate-bottled wines. Comparable to Vignoble de l'Orpailleur on private family ownership, estate brands, and tourism-driven DTC sales.
• Inniskillin: Canadian winery widely regarded as the pioneer of Canadian ice wine, producing Vidal and Riesling ice wines from Ontario vineyards. Directly comparable to Vignoble de l'Orpailleur as another cold-climate Canadian producer with a flagship ice wine franchise and international award pedigree.
• Pillitteri Estates Winery: Niagara-region Canadian winery best known for ice wine production and numerous international awards. Comparable as a Canadian ice wine specialist with similar cold-climate viticulture expertise, multi-channel distribution, and a strong export presence.
• Vignoble de la Bauge: Quebec vineyard producing estate wines with a sustainability and reasoned agriculture emphasis. Comparable as a small Quebec wine producer with similar DTC, on-site tasting, and B2B distribution channels.
• Domaine de la Rivière: Quebec vineyard in the Eastern Townships producing estate wines with a similar Quebec terroir focus. Comparable as a small Quebec wine producer with DTC, on-site tasting, and B2B distribution within Quebec.
• Coteau-du-Fleuve (Domaine du): Quebec vineyard producing estate wines with a focus on cold-climate viticulture and Quebec terroir. Comparable as a Quebec wine producer with IGP certification and SAQ distribution.
• Le Cep d'Argent: Quebec vineyard in the Eastern Townships producing estate wines and ice wines. Comparable as a small Quebec wine producer in the same tourism region with similar IGP labeling and multi-channel Quebec distribution.

Others

• Société des alcools du Québec (SAQ): Quebec's government-controlled alcohol retail monopoly and the primary off-premise distribution channel for Vignoble de l'Orpailleur's wines. Listed as a peer given its structural role as both the dominant distribution channel and a key pricing/listing gatekeeper for the subject company.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/@vignobledelorpailleur7432
• Facebookfacebook.com/vignobledelorpailleur
• Instagraminstagram.com/vignobledelorpailleur
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/vignoble-de-l-orpailleur

Compliance5 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles5 records

Subsidiaries1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Vignoble de l'Orpailleur