Our brewer friends in Montreal were raving about this cider that the locals were drinking — Les Vergers de la Colline. After several missed connections, we were finally able to get our hands on a few bottles, and were impressed. When we learned that these guys are also growing their own fruit, we knew that we needed to bring them to the U.S.

The orchards of the Lasniers have been in the family since 1927. First acquired and cultivated by Valerian, then passed to his son Andrew, followed by Michael, they were one of the biggest suppliers of fresh fruit in Quebec in the 80s. In the 90s, however, the economy slowed and they had several years of scant harvests. It was time to diversify. So in the early 2000s, when Michael’s brother, Marc Antoine, joined the family business with a head full of technical knowledge and a passion for cider, they became a traditional cider house, serving fresh fruit and baked goods as well as the good stuff straight from the cellar door (we are told their pies are world famous, but we are partial to the cider). Marc Antoine has traveled to Europe and North America learning about cider making traditions, and through these fruitful meetings, he’s brought a unique color to Les Vergers ciders. Michael still works in partnership with Marc Antoine, managing the orchards while Marc Antoine makes the cider.

We had no idea how distinct of a terroir Quebec apples expressed, but these ciders are definitely unique and taste of the place they are from. We really enjoy drinking them and think you will too.