And what about cider?

I used to hate it, but now I love it!

These are the sentiments that best describe the modern history of Quebec cider. Cider got off to a rocky start. Often made from table apples, it didn’t have the best taste. Conclusion: Not all apples make good cider.

Fortunately, the situation has changed completely! In the history of orchards, the Côte-du-Sud has been an innovator. And it still is. Suzanne Gagné, from the La Pomme du Saint-Laurent orchard in Cap-Saint-Ignace, was Quebec’s first female cider producer in the early 2000s.

A few trees in the La Pomme du Saint-Laurent orchard, now known as Le Domaine Ritt

After producing three generations of fruit growers, the Gagné family sold their orchard to Jean-François Ritt.

Now known as Domaine Ritt, the orchard contains cider apples such as Geneva Red and Golden Russett. It also grows a heritage variety known as Canada Reinette, which is a cooking apple.

Let’s visit Jean-François Ritt’s cider house to see some of the operations involved in cider making.

A short description of cider making – Enjoy this video with a transcript

Quebec’s ice ciders are among the most popular ciders. Some have won prestigious awards in international competitions. Why do we call this type of cider ice cider? Watch the video to find out.

Delicious ice cider – Enjoy this video with a transcript