Ciders
- 7 Trail Stops
Ardiel Cider House - Georgian Hills Vineyard
It has been almost a century since great grandfather Leonard Ardiel first planted apple trees on the home farm. He was succeeded by grandfather Fred who focused on expanding the orchards. His legacy has been perpetuated by his son John, along with his wife Lynda, and their sons Greg and Liam.
They continue to grow the apple business and plant more orchards in the Beaver Valley. The recent cider revolution has led the Ardiel family to preserve and nurture the older apple orchards to ensure Ardiel Cider House continues to produce and craft locally grown distinct and delicious ciders.
Available at stop #10 and select LCBOs.
The Duxbury Cider Co.
Exemplifying simpler times, The Duxbury Cider Co is the culmination of over a decade of craftsmanship into the art of cider making.
Duxbury Cider is Meaford’s first craft hard cider and is made exclusively with Georgian Bay apples, including heritage and organic varieties. This dry, crisp and flavourful cider is made in small vintage batches and is available only at select dining establishments. So look for the trademark Percheron horse drawn wagon and order up a glass of Duxbury Cider.
Available at stop #6 and select LCBOs.
Coffin Ridge Boutique Winery
A bold experiment in northern viticulture, Coffin Ridge Vineyard and Winery is located along the beautiful and rugged northern end of the Niagara Escarpment.
In 2008 they added cider production to their artful ways and began producing the exciting, crisp and dry Forbidden Cider. Their craft cider program has since expanded to include regular limited edition special releases exclusively available at their Tasting Bar. Made from 100% Grey County apples this artisanal cider is cold pressed and filtered to preserve the fresh, crisp, new harvest apple flavours.
Available at stop #28 and select LCBOs.
Grey & Gold Cider
Grey & Gold believes that their role as cider makers is to guide and facilitate the natural process of fermentation with minimal intervention. They don’t use sulphites or commercial yeasts, allowing wild, native yeasts to do their work and allowing the fruit to be the star.
Stop in to their little slice of heaven and enjoy some cider on the farm at their orchard-side bottle shop. Visit their trail stop for more information.
Available at stop #10
Spy Cider House & Distillery
Spy Cider House and Distillery is mission-driven – they aim to pay tribute to the Blue Mountains through a philosophy of excellence that can only be expressed through the local fruit of ciders and spirits. Every Spy drink was crafted intentionally.
Enjoy an array of organic options in Spy’s memorable tasting room and deck. Here you can check out Spy’s German-made copper distiller, the only one of its kind in the area. For a truly unique offering, try Spy’s artisanal apple brandy! Their creative food pairings will leave you with a pleased palette and promises to return.
Available at stop #6, #12, #18 and select LCBOs.
Thornbury Craft Co.
Thornbury Cider is the flagship product of Thornbury Craft Cider House & Brewery; located in the heart of apple country.
Thornbury Premium Cider is a truly original Canadian cider that tastes like a traditional English cider: dry, crisp and premium. It’s made with 100% fresh-pressed local apples (not from concentrate), this 5.3% ABV cider is cold filtered to maintain maximum flavour and aroma. Great news for those with gluten sensitivity, Thornbury Premium Apple Cider is 100% gluten-free.
Available at stop #20 and select LCBOs.
Windswept Orchard Cider
Perched between the Beaver and Big Head River Valleys, Windswept Farm is a micro-cidery and fermentory on a little slice of paradise. They have spent the past couple years grafting and planting over 1000 trees, and they’re always on the hunt for new sources and varieties of heirloom apples, pears and other edibles to add to the orchards.
Windswept practices a low intervention approach to cider making which focuses on the natural characteristics of the fruit and orchards they work with. Their Jun Probiotic Honey Tonics, also know as the champagne of kombuchas, are rich in antioxidants, great for your gut and absolutely delicious – learn more here.
Available online at windsweptcider.com and at trail stop #27
Prefer Craft Beer or Wine?
Apple country has it all, from cider to beer and wine. Make sure to visit the vineyards and breweries throughout the region as you travel the Trail. Learn how the Niagara Escarpment’s unique microclimate allows a diversity of fruit to be grown and made into your favorite beverages.