About Domaine Ives Hill
Our mission: to make you (re)discover blackcurrant differently! Domaine Ives Hill specializes in the growing and processing of blackcurrant. The agro-touristic site puts forward its passion for nature by setting peaceful areas in the respect of its environment and by promoting biodiversity.
At Domaine Ives Hill, you can sample our unique fine blackcurrant spirits, enjoy our orchard while savoring our local picnics, or live it up on our new terrace while enjoying a drink.
Historical
It was in 1992 that Yves Cousineau and Jean-François Prévost, two co-workers, decided to start growing a little-known small fruit in Quebec: blackcurrant. To do this, they acquired the land of a dairy farm located in Compton, in the wonderful Valley of Coaticook.
The preparation of the fields takes five years. The first harvests are intended for the manufacture of a blackcurrant puree that will be sold for food processing. However, the idea of creating a “wine” of blackcurrant was growing in the head of Yves, who, two years later, came up with the first version of the drink we know today. The orientation of the young company then took an entirely different turn: we would now sell our blackcurrant in the form of alcoholic beverage. The Apéri-Fruits Compton was born.
In August 2010, Marc Déragon became Yves Cousineau’s new partner, and the two owners looked to the future with optimism with their heads full of beautiful projects for Domaine Ives Hill. Since 2011, several changes have taken place at Domaine Ives Hill in order to improve the agro-tourism offer. A boutique, a bistro corner and a historical figure from “The Way of the Pioneers”, Mrs. Farwell-Ives, are installed.
In addition to improving the agro-tourism offer, Domaine Ives Hill is expanding its range of products. In 2013, six new products appeared in the store to better make you discover all the facets of blackcurrant.
Our challenge is to limit the environmental impacts associated with agriculture, particularly with regards to the use of chemicals and greenhouse gas emissions. We are committed, in all our actions, to develop an agro-tourism focused on the art of living and sustainable development. That is why, as a responsible company, we make it our duty to limit our impact on the environment.
In 2020, Domaine Ives Hill changes hands, a young couple, Lise Pratte and Bruno Salvail, two agro-tourism enthusiasts, wishing to give a new impetus to Domaine Ives Hill. In the first year, they developed a new wine, Orsis, which in its first participation in the Canadian Wine Align competition, deserved the mention of the best product in its category. In 2021, a blackcurrant cream finally makes its appearance on the shelves of Domaine Ives Hill. Flagship of the blackcurrant products, the Blackcurrant Cream will satisfy lovers of this must for the bar, kirs lovers and epicureans of all ages. New products are in the process of being developed to make you discover blackcurrant differently…
The advantages of blackcurrant
Blackcurrant, a small fruit to discover!
Blackcurrant is probably the small fruit the less known, available in Quebec. However, it contains multiple therapeutic properties in addition to being delicious to the taste!
Among small berries offering flavor and well-being combination, blackcurrant is the one that contains the most antioxidant substances, more than blueberries and cranberries. Thanks to its high concentration of antioxidants, Blackcurrant is said to have anti-inflammatory properties and an ability to strengthen the immune system. Also, it is said to be four times richer in vitamin C than oranges! Furthermore, it retains its properties even when dried or cooked.
Blackcurrant is a concentrate of energy and active ingredients:
- Its iron and its abundances in vitamin C make it an excellent anti-fatigue and anti-infective.
- Its calcium also contributes to the bone health.
- It promotes the elimination of uric acid.
- It stimulates liver and kidney functions.
- It is beneficial in cases of circulatory disorders and hypertension.
Book your visit to Domaine Ives Hill
Are you a group of more than 20 people? Would you like a guided tour and learn more about blackcurrant in a different way? Contact us, we have different offers for you.
Are you alone or in a small group? It is possible to reserve a place to enjoy a tasty local picnic in the summer. We always have a few picnic baskets ready to go. We strongly recommend that you reserve.
Free visit allowed every day when the shop is open. You can see the historical figure (with audio box) of the Way of the Pioneers and various interpretation panels. Dogs are allowed with leashes.
You are camping in a RV. Would you like to stay with us for one night? You must be 100% self-sufficient sanitarily. Contact us by email at administration@iveshill.ca for more details. Reservations required.