Shopping Bag
No products in the cart.
Changing the course of history
The Coopérative forestière du Nord-Ouest ltée was created in 2010. Located in Clair, New Brunswick, it markets fruits and maple products under the ExlPure® trade name and has added a new family of wines under the name NOASKA.
These wines are meticulously crafted from fruits grown in the fertile Acadian terroir and enhanced by the continental climate of the Upper Saint John River Valley.
How NOASKA came to be
Once upon a time there was a fruit that wanted to make itself better known.
Meanwhile, every day, many people were a bit disappointed not to find a locally made wine that could bring them a sense of satisfaction.
Many were looking in vain for a product with beneficial properties for both their health and the environment.
Until the day when a group of bold people decide to change the course of history by using this local vitamin rich fruit, with the appearance of a slightly deformed blueberry, and to highlight it in the form of wine.
After several moons, and thanks to sustained efforts, the valiant producers of this fruit manage to find an expert who will make a vinous elixir, good by nature.
Thus, this gifted oenologist produced much-anticipated wines through his natural allies: Baker Buck, Intrigue, Jazzy and Caprice.
These four followers from the animal kingdom, linked to the noble family of the NOASKA Kingdom, will not only please consumers but also allow them to discover a fruit that will become the pride of its province.
This story is only the beginning of a great adventure that will bring other allies to join it so that the local fruits can conquer the heart of lovers of good wines beyond the borders of this equally delightful province.
Our Team
Guy Paillard
General manager of the Coopérative forestière du Nord-Ouest for more than 14 years and now also responsible for the NOASKA division, Guy brings his expertise to the proper functioning of the organisation in management and operations.
This man, a lover of the great outdoors, nature and good haskap wines, is somewhat the guardian of the orchards producing the fruit behind our precious liquids! He is tirelessly keeping a close watch to ensure a bright future for NOASKA.
Dominic Rivard
Our oenologist and sommelier has over 25 years of experience in wine making and many other industry-related skills.
This globetrotter of winemaking, who now resides in Canning, Nova Scotia, brings a wealth of expertise and skills in the development of the NOASKA range of wines.
Dominic’s passion has brought him around the world, notably in China, Thailand, Chile, Hong Kong, the US West Coast and many places in Canada.
Now it is in Clair, New Brunswick that he brings his magic touch to our wines!
Jason Lee
Our winemaker, originally from Clair, has been working with the Coopérative forestière du Nord-Ouest ltée since the spring of 2024. Jason Lee has a bachelor's degree in chemical engineering, so he was able to blend easily with our dynamic core!
Having the opportunity to put his knowledge to good use in many aspects of the company in his own region is all the more gratifying for him.
His know-how allows him to assist our oenologist Dominic Rivard in the meticulous production of the NOASKA wines.
Jason is dedicated to making the brand shine beyond its borders. Driven by a passion for the land and rigorous work, he puts his heart in achieving the company's objectives.
A sense of pride in his origins and his province is also a strong motivation for his daily involvement in his work as a winemaker!
Paul Bélanger
As the old saying goes, good accounts make good friends. Thanks to our long-time accounting officer, the Coopérative forestière du Nord-Ouest certainly has good friends, thanks to Paul and his expertise.
He is an addition, even an asset and a major component of the COFNO and its ExlPure and NOASKA divisions. He never seems to shy away from rigorous work. His ability to juggle numbers on a daily basis is worthy of a mathematical prodigy.
If some people count sheep before they fall asleep, we suspect Paul of counting haskap berries. His administrative support and vigilance in managing our operations is an undeniable asset to the success of our organisation!
As a good accountant, he works hard, and it is fair to say that we can always count on him!
Bruce Dupuis
A native of Clair, New Brunswick, Bruce is the Swiss Army knife on our team. He is the handyman who has been in NOASKA's entourage for nearly three years. His great versatility and expertise make him an invaluable asset.
Bruce will stop at nothing. He provides support in winemaking, bottling or any other task, as he is always ready to take on challenges. His know-how brings a reassuring element for the team, without trying to split hairs!
With his sharp eye, he ensures that each bottle is perfect, from labeling to marketing. His attention to detail and his contagious energy stand out in his work, allowing NOASKA to aim for the greatest heights!