In 1989 we purchased our first goat and cow as part of our growing "homestead" in the Adirondack Mountains in New York. Laurie played around making cheeses that recreated in flavor-form her memories of an idyllic few years living near the beach and working at an international cheese shop in Southampton, Long Island in the 1970's. Raynald soon let his love of cooking guide him to leave work in theatre altogether and build a cheesemaking facility - one of the first micro-fromageries in New York State - in order to make those original cheeses full-time.

16 years later, the farm enterprise Nettle Meadow was well-established as a success beyond their wildest dreams, shipping thousands of pounds of cheese a year to shops and restaurants all over New York (including Southampton) and to individuals all over the U.S.

In 2005, motivated by Laurie's desire to have the uninterrupted time to devote to artwork, they sold Nettle Meadow and the trademarked cheese recipes, but retained the right to make and sell the same cheeses here in Raynald's native Quebec.

Just complete in 2007, Domaine De Courval in Waterville is where cheese lovers can come without a passport to buy Raynald's several critically acclaimed cheeses and especially Kunik, a lavish mix of goat and cow, unparalleled in flavor and richness. The full selection includes a variety of fresh goat cheeses ranging from a delicate whole-milk Ricotta and unsalted Fromage Blanc to the intensely flavored Lemon Pepper or Olive Oil & Garlic. In addition, there are two white mold-ripened varieties, the Kunik mentioned above, and Perle, a more piquant, pure goat cheese.

From the beginning Raynald and Laurie have been dedicated to organic farming and also the principles involved in the concept of food miles . Accordingly their goats eat hay cropped on the neighboring fields, certified organic grains from Compton, and a wide variety of herbs for their overall vitality, most of which Laurie grows or wild-crafts on the farm.

Cheeses can be purchased at the farm De Courval - Waterville:

Wednsday, Thursdays, Friday, Saturday, Sundays, Monday at 11:30-5:30 year round or by appointment.

Complete list (PDF)