Domaine Côte d'Ardoise Vignoble

What Domaine Côte d'Ardoise Vignoble does

Domaine Côte d'Ardoise Vignoble is a privately held vineyard and winery located in Dunham, Quebec, operating since 1979/1980 and recognized as the oldest commercial vineyard still in operation in Quebec. The estate sits on a 180-hectare property (150 hectares wooded) with 13.5 hectares planted to ~60,000 vine plants across hybrid and Vitis vinifera varieties, plus an orchard of approximately 2,000 apple and pear trees. Production reached approximately 50,000 bottles annually as of 2021 across more than 14 wines and ciders, including reds, whites, a rosé, fortified wines, ice wines, and ciders — notably La Pomeličre, the first ice cider produced in Quebec in 1991. Viticulture relies on a documented microclimate delivering 182 average frost-free days (versus a 144-day regional average) and on the renchausssage winter-protection technique (earthing up vines with 30cm soil mounds) practiced since 1980.

The business operates across three monetization channels: direct-to-consumer agrotourism (tasting packages from $15 to $125 per person, bistro food service, private event rentals across Chapiteau, Terrasse, and VIP room venues, plus the Nature et Création outdoor sculpture exhibition attracting seasonal visitors from June to October); wholesale retail distribution through the SAQ, Metro, IGA, and local dépanneurs in Quebec; and direct online sales via WooCommerce with 100km-radius local delivery for 12+ bottle orders. The product portfolio has been progressively certified organic (full Bio status achieved for the 2021 vintage in 2022), and the estate holds IGP (Indication Géographique Protégée) certification obtained in 2019. A new chai constructed starting August 2021 became operational in 2022, with a new tasting room completed by the end of 2023, materially expanding production capacity.

The company is owned by four co-owners — Steve Ringuet, Julie Tassé, Marc Colpron, and Ginette Martin — who acquired the vineyard in 2010. There is no institutional investor, fund-raising, or parent-company structure disclosed. The estate has accumulated an extensive award record including multiple Grand Or and Or medals at the Coupe des nations (2009-2025), gold at the Sélections mondiales (1986), and recognition at Great American International (2018, 2019), supporting brand positioning as a premium Quebec producer despite a regional footprint.

Name

Domaine Côte d'Ardoise Vignoble

Legal name

Domaine Côte d'Ardoise Vignoble

Website

https://cotesdardoise.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1979

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Domaine Côte d'Ardoise Vignoble is Quebec's oldest commercial vineyard (since 1979), producing ~50,000 bottles annually of organic wines and ciders from a 13.5-hectare estate in Dunham, serving consumers via on-site agrotourism, Quebec retail (SAQ, Metro, IGA), and direct online sales.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Wines and Ciders

NAICS

Wineries (31213), Wine and Distilled Alcoholic Beverage Merchant Wholesalers (42482), Grape Vineyards (111332), Beer, Wine, and Liquor Retailers (445320)

SIC

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 Grape Vineyard Operations (Varietal/AVA Practices, Yield & Quality Targets) (AFAGAJAJ), Wine Tastings & Vineyard/Winery Tours (THAJAGAD), Beer, Wine & Spirits Wholesale Distribution (CRAOAIAA), Wine Shops (Off-Premise) (CRANAAAB)

Keywords

• Cold-climate viticulture
• Quebec winery production
• Ice cider production
• Agritourism experiences
• Organic vineyard wines

Headquarters

HQ city

Dunham

HQ country

Canada

HQ region

North America

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Supply Chain, Operations, Personnel, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Direct Wine and Cider Sales: On-site retail sales of wines, ciders, and ice ciders directly to visitors. Products include reds (Côte d'Ardoise, Gamay, Une Belle Histoire), whites (La Marédoise, Monarc, Riesling, Gewurztraminer, Givré d'Ardoise), rosé (Côte d'Ardoise Rosé), fortified wines (Le Petit Vallon, Estafette Rouge), and ciders (La Pomelière, Humble & Kind, Franc & Sans Dol).
2. Retail Distribution: Wholesale distribution through Quebec retail networks including Metro grocery chain, SAQ (government liquor monopoly), IGA supermarkets, and convenience stores. Delivery available within 100km radius for minimum 12-bottle orders.
3. Agrotourism Experiences: Revenue from tasting packages (15$ basic, 100$ discovery for 2, 125$ VIP per person), bistro food service (cheese plates, paninis, wine by glass), sculpture exhibition admission (5-6$), and event venue rentals (Chapiteau, Terrasse, VIP room).
4. Private Event Rentals: Rental of event spaces including Chapiteau (up to 80 seated), Terrasse (40 seated), and VIP room (50 seated) for private celebrations, corporate events, and family gatherings. Reservations via email.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels7 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

Domaine C\u00f4te d'Ardoise Vignoble is a Quebec vineyard and winery that cultivates, produces, and sells a portfolio of wines (red, white, ros\u00e9, fortified, sparkling, and ice wines) and ciders (farmhouse and ice ciders, including the pioneer La Pomeli\u00e8re). Beyond bottle sales, the estate operates an on-site tasting room, a bistro, three private event venues, and an outdoor sculpture exhibition (Nature et Cr\u00e9ation), making wine-and-experience agrotourism its primary commercial format.

Product overview

Domaine Côte d'Ardoise Vignoble is a vineyard and winery in Dunham, Quebec operating since 1979. The company offers a diverse portfolio of wines and ciders including: Red wines (Côte d'Ardoise, Gamay, Une Belle Histoire); White wines (La Marédoise, Monarc, Riesling, Gewurztraminer, Givré d'Ardoise, Les Copains d'abord, Ringuet & Colpron); Rosé (Côte d'Ardoise Rosé); Fortified wines (Le Petit Vallon, Estafette Rouge); and Ice ciders/Cidres (La Pomelière, Humble & Kind, Franc & Sans Dol). The estate also offers experiential services including wine tasting packages, bistro dining, private event spaces (Le Chapiteau, La Terrasse, Salle VIP), and the Nature et Création outdoor sculpture exhibition. In 2021, a new chai (winery) was constructed and became operational in 2022, enabling expanded production capacity.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Nature et Création: An outdoor sculpture exhibition featuring 75+ artist sculptors and 130+ artworks along nature trails at the foot of the vineyards. Organized by the non-profit society Nature et Créations de Dunham since 2001.

Products and services

• Côte d'Ardoise (Red Wine) Red wine produced from the estate's oldest vines (around 25 years), limited to roughly 10 grape clusters per plant and aged in dense oak barrels, giving a supple, well-structured palate with smoky finish for wine enthusiasts and food-pairing consumers.
• Gamay Red wine with balanced fruity and spiced nuances, displaying pink and green pepper notes, balanced acidity and body, suitable for everyday red-wine consumers and pairing with charcuterie or light meats.
• Une Belle Histoire 100% Cabernet Franc red wine with notes of red meat, cheeses, and cooked vegetables; suitable for consumers looking for a food-friendly red. Distributed via the estate boutique and SAQ.
• La Marédoise Semi-dry white wine produced since 1985, blending Seyval blanc and Acadie blanc with muscatel notes and floral aromas; targeted at consumers preferring a sweeter, generous white.
• Monarc (375 mL) 375 mL late-harvest Vidal white wine with pineapple, pear, apple and exotic fruit aromas, balanced by fine acidity; targeted at consumers seeking a dessert-style white. Award winner at Coupe des nations 2023 and 2024.
• Monarc (750 mL) Organic 750 mL format of the late-harvest Vidal Monarc white wine, sharing the same aromatic profile as the 375 mL format.
• Riesling Dry organic Riesling from vines cultivated over 20 years, with fruity nose, floral aromas and slightly spiced finish; targeted at consumers preferring dry aromatic whites. Award winner at Coupe des nations 2024 and Grands Vins du Québec 2012.
• Gewurztraminer Organic white wine from Gewurztraminer vines planted in 2012, with aromas of lychee and rose petals; targeted at consumers seeking aromatic, slightly sweet white wines. Gold medal at Coupe des nations 2020.
• Givré d'Ardoise Organic white ice wine produced from Vidal grapes frozen on the vine, with caramelized apple flavors; targeted at consumers seeking premium dessert wines. Recipient of the Victor Dietrich Prize at Coupe des nations 2009.
• Les Copains d'abord Dry oak-aged Vidal white wine with golden-orange color, vanilla, light woody and spiced notes, balanced roundness and acidity; targeted at consumers seeking a structured premium white.
• Ringuet & Colpron First white sparkling wine of the estate: dry and fresh, blend of 80% Acadie blanc and 20% Vidal, fine bubbles, with white peach and brioche nose and long honey and pear finish. Gold at Coupe des nations 2024.
• Côte d'Ardoise Rosé Rosé made from red grapes with red-fruit aromas and fresh white-wine characteristics, blending Seyval blanc, Acadie, Frontenac gris, Seyval noir and Aurore; targeted at consumers seeking a fresh summer rosé.
• Le Petit Vallon Fortified wine made like a white wine and aged with brandy, blending Seyval Blanc, Aurore, Riesling and Vee blanc; targeted at consumers pairing strong cheeses, desserts or as a digestif. Gold at Coupe des nations 2022.
• Estafette Rouge Porto-style ruby-colored natural sweet fortified wine with candied fruit, vanilla, caramel, chocolate and hazelnut notes; aged in barrel. The first sacramental wine in Quebec.
• La Pomelière Ice Cider First ice cider produced in the world, made from estate organic apples with a caramelized apple taste; originally called cidre liquoreux before the term ice cider was derived from ice wine. Targeted at consumers seeking premium Quebec ice ciders.
• Humble & Kind Cider Mistelle cider made from organic estate apples, aged 20 months in vats with brandy for a high-alcohol sweet taste with caramelized apple and pear aromas; Grand Gold winner at Coupe des nations 2025.
• Franc & Sans Dol Cider Light, refreshing farmhouse organic cider with good acidity and natural bubbles, bottle-fermented with significant deposits showing complexity; apple and floral notes. Distributed on-site and through IGA and other retailers.
• Wine and Cider Tasting Packages Three on-site tasting experiences: Basic ($15, 6 products), Discovery ($100 for 2, includes sculpture visit, cheese platter and 2 take-home bottles), and VIP ($125/person, 90 min guided tasting in VIP room, cuverie visit). Targeted at agrotourists and wine enthusiasts.
• Bistro Food Service On-site bistro pairing estate wines with cheese plates ($18 individual, $30 for two), paninis with crudités ($18), and wine by the glass ($10/8oz or $6 with food). Targeted at tasting-room visitors and event guests.
• Private Event Venues (Le Chapiteau, La Terrasse, Salle VIP) Rental of three on-site venues for private events and celebrations - Le Chapiteau (up to 80 seated), La Terrasse (40 seated, open covered and enclosed), and Salle VIP (50 seated, tasting table, fireplace). Targeted at event organizers, families, and corporate planners.

Quantifiable outcome

• 3 Gold medals at Coupe des nations 2025, 2024
• +4 more outcomes

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature4 records

Partnerships

Four partnerships are on record, tiered core, supportive and minor.

• Nature et CréationcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2001Annual outdoor sculpture exhibition organized by non-profit organization Nature et Créations de Dunham. Since 2001, has become Quebec's largest outdoor sculpture exhibition with 75 artists and 130+ artworks along 1km nature trails through vineyard. Includes 80+ indoor gallery pieces. 21st edition organized with support from multiple partners.
• Ville de DunhamsupportiveStrategic or Co-development PartnerCity of Dunham collaborates with and supports the Nature et Création sculpture exhibition held at Domaine Côte d'Ardoise. Part of municipal cultural tourism development.
• SoftvoyageminorGTM or Marketing PartnerTourism marketing partner for Nature et Création sculpture exhibition. Helps promote the exhibition to visitors.
• CIBC Wood GundyminorGTM or Marketing PartnerFinancial services sponsor for Nature et Création sculpture exhibition.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Regional players

• Vignoble Coteau des Artisans: Quebec vineyard focused on hybrid grape varieties and natural wines. Comparable as a small-batch cold-climate producer with tasting room experience in the Quebec wine ecosystem.
• Pelee Island Winery: Canada's largest estate winery (Lake Erie North Shore, Ontario) with broad varietal portfolio and significant DTC tourism. Comparable as a Canadian cold-climate winery with agrotourism and DTC emphasis, though at much larger scale.
• Vignoble Sainte-Pétronille: Quebec winery on Île d'Orléans producing wines and ice ciders. Comparable cold-climate viticulture, ice cider product line, and on-site tasting/experience business model.

Direct peers

• Cidrerie Michel Jodoin: Quebec ice cider pioneer and largest ice cider producer in the province, located in Rougemont. Directly comparable as a fellow Quebec cold-climate producer with ice cider heritage and SAQ distribution.
• La Face Cachée de la Pomme: Quebec artisanal cider and ice cider producer (Hemmingford) sold internationally. Directly competes with La Pomelière in the ice cider category with similar cold-climate heritage and craft positioning.
• Vignoble du Marathonien: Quebec vineyard and winery in Dunham producing cold-climate wines from hybrid grape varieties. Geographic and product-line overlap with Domaine Côte d'Ardoise makes it a close regional peer.
• Vignoble de l'Orpailleur: Quebec winery in Dunham (Eastern Townships) producing hybrid and vinifera wines with on-site tasting room, bistro, and event venue. Comparable in scale, cold-climate viticulture approach, and agrotourism-led GTM.
• Domaine Lavoie: Quebec vineyard in the Eastern Townships producing cold-climate wines and ice cider with tasting room. Comparable in hybrid/vinifera mix, small scale, and Quebec retail distribution through SAQ.

Broad incumbents

• Jackson-Triggs: Largest Canadian wine producer with wineries in Niagara and British Columbia. Serves as broad incumbent reference point for Canadian cold-climate winemaking at scale, though not Quebec-specific.
• Peller Estates / Pillons: Major Canadian wine producer (Niagara) with national distribution. Comparable as a Canadian wine brand at scale, though not a cold-climate/Quebec specialist like Domaine Côte d'Ardoise.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks7 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfr-ca.facebook.com/cotesdardoise
• Instagraminstagram.com/vignoblecotesdardoise/?hl=fr

Compliance2 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles5 records

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 Domaine Côte d'Ardoise Vignoble