History

Domaine Lafrance was founded in 1925 by Georges-Étienne Lafrance and his father Wilfrid, and the family has over generations built a business that blends tradition and innovation in fruit-based products. Over the years the estate has expanded to become one of the region's largest fruit and spirits destinations, with a focus on cider and craft products.

Key Milestones: - 1925: First apple deliveries to Montreal (according to the on-site history). - 1953: Expansion of orchards to meet growing demand. - 1986: Modernization of production facilities. - 2000: Launch of sales in SAQ (the province's state liquor retailer in Quebec). - 2013: Launch of the first spirits with the purchase of distilling equipment. - 2023: Major investments in innovation, without compromising craft and traditional methods.

Ownership and Structure: Domaine Lafrance is operated by Éric Lafrance (owner and president) and Julie Hubert (vice president). The estate is described as one of the most significant producers of cider and spirits in Quebec, while also functioning as an agritourism site with the opportunity to experience production from field to bottle.

Production / Manufacturing

Domaine Lafrance is a family-owned supplier focusing on craft ciders and spirits. The productions span from ice cider to spirits and liqueurs, with emphasis on products naturally produced on their own orchard and using traditional methods.

Ice Cider is produced by pressing apples and storing the juice outside in winter at around -25°C. A natural sugar concentrate forms, and this juice product is fermented into a sweet, full-bodied and tangy treat (11% alc./vol., 375 ml and 50 ml). The cidery describes the process as a unique creation, where juice and acids come together in harmony through selected apple varieties and cold storage.

In addition to ice cider, there are regular and sparkling ciders, still ciders and apple-based spirits/liqueurs. The range extends from Sparkling Cider and Rosé Sparkling Cider to Quartier Lafrance Orange Apple Brandy and other apple-based brandies (aged in oak barrels). In addition, gin (Dandy Gin and Dandy Old Tom Gin), apple vermouths, apple brandies (e.g. Pure Légende and Georges-Étienne) and a range of other liqueurs and fruit-like spirits such as Limoncello and various fruit-flavored spirits are produced.

Emphasis is placed on the entire fruit-to-bottle process (Cidery) with a focus on craft, quality and the use of their own apples. In addition, use of own oak for aging certain spirits and a general approach to innovation and sustainability in operating practices are mentioned.

Products

Domaine Lafrance offers a wide range of ciders, ice ciders and spirits. Some key products include: - Ice Cider (11% alc./vol., 375 ml and 50 ml; available in SAQ) – produced by natural pressing and cold storage. - Cuvee Spécial and Premium Ice Cider (11% alc./vol., 375 ml and 50 ml). - Sparkling Cider and Rosé Sparkling Cider (9.5% alc./vol., 750 ml) – sparkling apple-based beverages. - Quartier Lafrance Orange Apple Brandy (40% alc./vol., 750 ml) – apple brandy with orange-like aromas and oak aging, available in SAQ. - Apple Brandy variants: Pure Légende (42%), Georges-Étienne (42%), and other apple-based products. - Gin and tonics: Dandy Gin (42.3%), Dandy Old Tom Gin (40.2%), Dandy Sloe Gin (24%), Lafrance Dry Gin (40%), as well as Limoncello Domaine Lafrance (24%). - Vermouth and aperitifs: Apple Vermouth (Rouge Gorge blanc and Rouge Gorge rouge, both 18%), Spritz variants (7%), and other alcoholic blends. - Still & sparkling cider variants: Jardin d’Éden (12%), Légende d’Automne (9%), Le Cidrérable (10% – maple-flavoured), as well as other style and bubbly variants. - Maple products and desserts: Maple syrups (pure, apple and aged), maple products and fritters in the shop.

Thus their products range from sparkling wines and cider to apple-based brandies, liqueurs, gin and vermouth, all driven by apples from their own orchards with a clear focus on craft and terroir.

Visits and Experiences

Domaine Lafrance offers seasonal experiences and the opportunity to experience production and the area through various activities: - Apple Picking (August to October): Over 13,000 apple trees and various varieties; pick-your-own, on-site activities, mini-farm, playgrounds and picnic areas. Bistro Lafrance serves simple meals, and there is an opportunity to sample local products in the area. Price and access rules are posted on-site (5$ admission per person for 9 years and older; children 8 and under free; dogs not allowed). - Blooming Apple Trees (May): Apple trees in full bloom and provide a unique scenic experience with picnic areas, walks and opportunities to photograph family moments; 13,000 trees bloom simultaneously. - Ice Cider Season (January): Visit to the cidery and a guided tour of the cidery/distillery; possibility of frost-picking, tastings of ciders and spirits, as well as Bistro Lafrance and hot dishes. In winter additional activities such as snowshoeing and fires with cocktails and sweet treats are added. - Sugar Season (March–April): Maple-flavored ciders and spirits, maple-related products, and maple syrup and maple fritters; food experiences and a quartet of products in the shop. - General Experience: Throughout the season there are tastings of local products and the opportunity to enjoy a Bistro experience with local dishes and a focus on sustainable gastronomy.

The shop and cidery are open year-round, and Bistro Lafrance offers seasonal themed menus and a terrace overlooking apple trees and Saint Joseph’s Oratory.

Philosophy and Values

Domaine Lafrance emphasizes a strong commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainability. They speak of organic farming techniques, conservation initiatives and environmental protection as central elements of their operations. Innovation and development are highlighted as keys to optimizing production and quality through sustainable farming methods and improved processing facilities, as well as planning expansions and developing new product variants that preserve traditional methods and respect for terroir.

Contact and Address

1473 Chemin Principal, Saint-Joseph-du-Lac, QC J0N 1MO. Opening hours: Monday–Sunday 10:00–17:00. Bistro Lafrance is closed outside the season. Tickets and payments can be purchased on site.