From our family to yours
The Verger de Tilly is first and foremost a family story: that of a couple, Denis and Lucie, who took on the challenge of reviving a struggling orchard – a challenge many considered insuperable.
The apple of our eye
Originally planted in 1942, the orchard at the time consisted of almost 1,000 apple trees of just a few apple varieties: Melba, Cortland, Mc Intosh, Lobo and Fameuse. More than 50 years later, in 1993, Denis and Lucie decided to acquire the orchard in the hope of reconnecting with nature and raising their young family there after years spent in the big cities.
But moving to the countryside is no easy task…
Despite a particularly difficult start, when harsh winters decimated half the plantation, the new owners rolled up their sleeves and, one season at a time, transformed what was otherwise a poorly tended production orchard into a truly indulgent destination for all lovers of seasonal fruits.
Every year, new apple varieties are planted to offer an ever-growing selection of this emblematic fruit. And so, slowly but surely, with the help of many family members and friends, Verger de Tilly is being restored to its former glory.
Passionate apple artisans ... and much more!
After more than 20 years of perfecting their apple-growing knowledge and know-how, the time had come for the owners to take on new challenges! Cherries, plums, pears and hardy kiwis made their debut in the fields, in the hope of bringing even more flavours to their agritourism offer.
And what better way to bring out the best in all these fruits than … beer!
It was with this unusual idea that La Confrérie de Tilly microbrasserie and its terrace at the foot of the apple trees were created in 2015, at a time when craft fruit beer was just beginning to win the hearts of the brewing community.
Charmed by this unique concept, Samuel Lafleur-Careau joined the adventure a few years later as official brewer, later also becoming master cider maker of La Cidrerie de Tilly in 2024.
To support all these projects, Catherine Maltais, daughter of Denis and Lucie, returned to her roots and finally joined the team in 2023 to help the family business reach new heights.
Our sustainability initiatives
At Verger de Tilly, everything we do aims to protect nature and produce high-quality fruits. Our sustainable initiatives combine precision, respect for the environment and local biodiversity.
Targeted, rational treatment management
Scouting and targeted interventions reduce the use of phytosanitary products, thus preserving the environment.
Commitment to integrated fruit production
The adoption of good agricultural practices and the use of organic products minimize ecological impact while maintaining a healthy environment.
Strengthening local biodiversity
Reducing chemical treatments allows non-harmful insects to thrive and supports local biodiversity.
Fruit production diversity for a healthy ecosystem
Producing many different varieties of fruits supports genetic diversity and provides a balanced ecosystem in our orchard.
Awards & Certifications
National Order of Agricultural Merit
Bronze Medal
2002 – 24th position
Silver Medal
2007 – 21st position
Royal Agricultural Winter Fair de Toronto
2018 – 1st place – Horticulture | Apples (Honeycrisp)
AGRISO - ISO 14001
2004 – ISO 14001 certification (environmental policy)
What they say about us
Chaudière Appalaches
The expertise of our gourmet stops – Verger de Tilly: a passion for apples, emerging crops, and fruity beers…
Journal de Montréal
The Verger de Tilly
In Saint-Antoine-de-Tilly, a bit further west, a new player emerged last year: the Verger de Tilly…
Journal de Québec
Come and enjoy craft beers that blend American, German, Belgian, and English styles, always revealing a fruity note…
Le bulletin des agriculteurs
Le projet pilote AGRISO progresse à grands pas. En effet, 4 nouvelles entreprises ont récemment obtenu leur accréditation ISO 14001…
