Embarking on a Canadian cider journey through Ontario’s lush landscapes is like unveiling a tapestry of flavours woven from the region’s bountiful orchards. In the heart of wine country, where vineyards stretch toward the horizon, a different kind of artistry flourishes. The latest chapter in the cider saga introduces us to ten craft cideries that have become the crown jewels of Ontario’s burgeoning cider scene. From the Ottawa Valley to Prince Edward County, these cideries showcase the harmonious blend of nature’s bounty, craftsmanship, and a touch of innovation. Each cidery tells a story, not just of apples transformed into liquid gold, but of families, legacies, and an unyielding commitment to quality. Join us as we journey through orchards, casks, and the rich heritage of Ontario’s craft cider revolution.
1. Farmgate Cider, Arnprior (Ottawa Valley), Ontario
Discover Farmgate Cider, a family-run cidery near Ottawa where every bottle embodies a commitment to quality rooted in family bonds. From planting and pruning to harvesting and bottling, each step is a collaborative labor of love. Uncompromising on values, they prioritize local and sustainable agriculture, refraining from chemicals, additives, and preservatives. The journey began with a heritage stone building relocation and the discovery of a wild apple tree, evolving into their signature Wild Apple Estate Cider. As family members nurtured the orchard, passion turned into perfected cider, inviting you to savor their tree-inspired craftsmanship.”
2. Duntroon Cyder House, Duntroon (near Collingwood), Ontario
Dive into the world of Duntroon Cyder House, where a profound attachment to nature and organic farming principles birthed a premium cyder haven. Stemming from the Schneider Family’s love for the environment, this venture evolved from Dunridge Farms, a 108-acre organic haven nurtured since 2002. Orchards boasting apples, pears, and more flourish in an eco-friendly embrace. In 2015, owners Tim & Kimberly Schneider’s longing for authentic English cyder sparked the birth of Duntroon Cyder House. With training from a French Cyder Master, their traditional cyder debuted in 2016, now gracing LCBO shelves and captivating palates. Join their journey, where farm-to-fermenter evolution crafts a taste of tradition and sustainability.
3. Ernest Cider Co., Bond Head (North of Toronto), Ontario
Experience the essence of true craftsmanship with our exceptional Ontario apple cider. A meticulous blend of seven handpicked Ontario apples ensures a harmonious balance of acidity and sweetness. Patiently waiting for the first harvest blend in early November, we embrace the ripeness of late-season apples. Crafting our cider takes time – a journey spanning over three months from crop to can, where no shortcuts are taken. To perfect the flavour, a touch of raw organic cane sugar tempers the natural tartness. Deeply rooted in sustainability, we’ve become the first cidery in Canada to be Bullfrog Powered, delivering a greener future, one sip at a time.
4. Heartwood Farm and Cidery, Erin (west of Toronto), Ontario
Nestled within our 42-acre farm, a symphony of life unfolds. From cows to chickens, apples to maple trees, we are stewards of a diverse ecosystem. Regenerative Farming is our mantra, enriching soil, water, agriculture, and livestock. Our transformative philosophy connects sunlight to plants, grass to meat, fruit to juice, sap to syrup, and cider to conversations. Since 2004, our ecological journey has been a tapestry of learning, ignited by the enchantment of natural interconnections. Ethical livestock practices and 15 years of maple syrup tradition define our commitment. The orchard’s evolution birthed our cidery, weaving the essence of transformation into every sip.
5. West Avenue Cider House, Freelton (near Hamilton), Ontario
With a consistent track record of Ontario’s Best Cider accolades, West Avenue Cider invites you to experience authentic excellence. As creators of small-batch hard cider, their focus on premium fruit quality and meticulous slow fermentation embodies the orchard’s essence. The commitment to heritage is evident in the Orchard, where thousands of trees thrive, ensuring the perpetuity of their Heritage Ciders. Step into West Avenue Cider’s world, where every sip tells a story of tradition, craftsmanship, and genuine dedication.
6. Clafeld Cider House & Market, Waupoos, (Prince Edward County), Ontario
Set against the backdrop of the picturesque Lake Ontario, Clafeld Cider shares its waterfront haven with Waupoos Winery. Nestled amidst lush orchards and vineyards, Clafeld opened its doors in 2014, offering a captivating range of award-winning hard apple ciders. Crafted from 100% Waupoos Ontario apples, including varieties like McIntosh, Honeycrisp, and more, their flagship ‘Smashed’ cider is a harmonious blend. Indulge in the allure of their naturally infused ciders, steeped with dried flowers, herbs, and fruits. Savor a cider or flight on their patio, capturing the essence of Waupoos and Lake Ontario. A haven of flavours, views, and history since 1975.
7. Saunders Cider, Ottawa Valley, Ontario
At Saunders Farm, freshness isn’t just a philosophy—it’s a way of life. This vibrant haven, established in 1974 by Bill and Anne Saunders in Munster, ON, began as a humble strawberry field and evolved into an agritourism paradise. Mark and Angela now steer this family legacy, infusing innovation into the land’s beauty. They introduced Saunders Cider during the 30th Haunting Season, culminating years of Mark’s cider dream. The century-old Log Barn transformed into Saunders CiderHouse, offering a warm haven for fresh, delectable cider experiences. Join their journey, where a cider orchard blossoms as memories and traditions intertwine.
8. Ironwood Cider House, Niagara-on-the-Lake
Nestled in the heart of wine country lies Ironwood Cider House, a captivating haven where the art of crafting cider is elevated to perfection. Amidst the breathtaking backdrop of picturesque orchards, patrons are invited to indulge in a symphony of refreshing flavours that dance upon their palates. The harmonious fusion of meticulously brewed ciders and seasonal wine cocktails tantalizes the senses, while the laid-back ambiance invites relaxation. Complete with a tempting array of tapas, Ironwood offers an exquisite culinary complement to their beverages. For cider enthusiasts, the bottle shop proudly showcases both the latest innovations and timeless classics. Ironwood Cider House is a rendezvous with taste, nature, and sophistication, all flawlessly united.
9. Shale Ridge Estate Winery & Cidery, Thedford, Ontario
Alicia and Garren, are a dynamic duo behind a third-generation family farm in Thedford, Ontario. Their journey began with a mission to revolutionize the alcohol industry, which often prioritized mass production and questionable ingredients. With roots in winemaking and grape farming, they embarked on a transformative path. From their farm, nestled alongside their loyal dog companion Denver, they pioneered a new era of alcohol crafted with care. Starting with cider in a humble two-car garage, they ventured beyond traditional norms. Alicia’s passion for naturally fermented farm-fresh produce led to a variety of innovative ciders and wines. Committed to transparency and quality, their farm-to-glass approach emphasizes real ingredients and local sourcing. Experience their farm’s bounty in every sip—a true testament to their dedication to wholesome refreshment.
10. Loch Mor Cider Co., Prince Edward County, Ontario
Sara and Gary, are the visionaries behind a thriving cider company established in 2017. Drawing from their roots in Europe and the USA, they embarked on a journey to introduce Ontario to the art of crafting dry ciders from traditional cider apples. Nestled in Prince Edward County, their orchard is a testament to their commitment. With over 10 acres and 3300+ trees, they’ve meticulously planted each one, infusing the essence of generations past. Their ciders, a fusion of heritage and cider varieties, are pressed on-site and undergo slow fermentation, yielding natural effervescence. Celebrated for their dedication to authentic flavours, their ciders have earned prestigious awards, including the innovative Pommeau. As cider connoisseurs, Sara’s insights on food pairings elevate the tasting experience. With gnarly, texturally rich apples, nurtured in unique limestone bedrock soil, their ciders encapsulate the beauty of tradition and terroir.
Canadian Cider is here to stay…
It’s evident that Ontario’s craft cider landscape is a vibrant tapestry woven with dedication, innovation, and a deep respect for the land. These ten Canadian cideries, each with its own unique tale and flavour profiles, stand as testaments to the power of family, tradition, and the unrelenting pursuit of excellence. From the family-run haven of Farmgate Cider to the visionary transformation of Shale Ridge Estate Winery & Cidery, each sip tells a story of passion and purpose. As the seasons change and the orchards evolve, Ontario’s craft cideries continue to offer a taste of nature’s finest handiwork, inviting all to partake in their spirited journey.
Raise a glass to the artisans who turn apples into ambrosia and to Ontario’s undying spirit of craftsmanship. Cheers to the future of Canadian cider, where every bottle uncorks a story waiting to be savoured!
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