Wine Lovers Go to School on Ontario’s Craft Ciders
By David Lawrason, with notes from John Szabo, Michael Godel and Sara d’Amato This feature was commissioned by Ontario Craft Cider Association. I am a “fruit guy” but not a fructarian — the fruit equivalent of a vegan. I start every morning with a vitamin C-laden whole orange or mandarin. Breakfast always includes fresh anthocyanin-antioxidant […]
Tropical Heat Meets Orchard Sweet: Pairing Ontario Craft Cider with Caribbean Cuisine
By: Daniella Noël (She/Her/Elle) Important Note: The author would like to acknowledge that this article was written before Hurricane Melissa devastated much of the island of Jamaica. If you enjoy this article please consider making a donation to relief efforts of your choosing or to The Jamaican Canadian Association via Canada Helps. Our thoughts and […]
Blue Mountains Cider Festival 2025
A Rainy Day of Sips, Smiles & Small-Town Fun It was a soggy Saturday in the Blue Mountains, and the forecast wasn’t exactly on our side. But let’s be honest, The 2025 Blue Mountains Cider Festival at Spy Cider House & Distillery proved that cider lovers are a resilient bunch. Umbrellas popped, raincoats zipped, and […]
SUMMER CIDER TOUR IN THE OTTAWA VALLEY
From charming villages to breathtaking natural landmarks, the Ottawa Valley offers endless opportunities for outdoor adventure and a chance to disconnect from the busyness of city life. Stay refreshed and relaxed on your journey with visits to these local Cider Houses. Calabogie Brewing/Ernest Cider 105 Schneider RoadKanatawww.calabogiebrewing.com If you’re travelling from Ottawa, be sure to […]
Ontario Craft Cider Loves Barbeque: A Match Made for Flavour
Did you know? Craft cider is a great match for spicy food and Barbeque! Pair it with grilled everything — the acidity and effervescence of a refreshing cider balances out spicy heat. Crack open an ice-cold Ontario craft cider for your next backyard celebration. Low in alcohol and gluten-free, Craft Cider is a tasty alternative […]
CIDER IN THE COUNTY: A PERFECT SPRING DAY
Prince Edward County offers weeks of fun, including freshwater beaches, scenic cycling routes, local farm stands, antique shops, and concerts in unique venues. For the cider-curious, we’ve mapped out a perfect day to explore the thriving cider scene, along with some other charming stops. Just a short drive from Toronto, Ottawa, Montreal, or upstate New […]
GLINTCAP AWARDS 2025
CONGRATULATIONS TO THORNBURY CRAFT CO. AND TWO BLOKES CIDER, 2025’s RUNNERS UP FOR CANADIAN CIDERMAKER OF THE YEAR! The Great Lakes International Cider and Perry Competition (GLINTCAP) is the world’s largest cider competition. Held each May in Grand Rapids, Michigan, the competition is renowned for its rigorous judging process, which is conducted blind. Judges, comprising […]
Stock up on Cheese as you wander the Niagara Cider Trail.
While you explore the Cider Houses, Brew Pubs and Wineries producing exceptional ciders of the Niagara Region, consider a stop at Upper Canada Cheese. Each day, fresh, pure A2 Guernsey cows’ milk and goats’ milk is transformed into cheeses of unique taste and texture, revealing a subtle range of flavours influenced by the seasons, forage […]
Ontario Cider Makers Craft Award-Winning Ciders
Winners Announced for 2025 Ontario Cider Competition: On February 19, 2025, the team at Drink Ontario Apples attended the Ontario Fruit and Vegetable Convention where awards were announced for the 10th Annual Ontario Cider Competition by Janice Ruddock, Executive Director, Ontario Craft Cider Association. Cideries from across the province participated and only ciders made from […]
The Roots of Ontario Craft Cider
The art of cidermaking in Ontario has a rich history dating back to the 17th century. Early settlers brought apple seeds and saplings from France and England; but apples are highly ‘heterozygous’, meaning that seeds from one tree can grow into trees with very different fruit characteristics so early New World apple orchards were highly […]
