Everyday until June 17th, Ontario’s largest apple growing region is playing host to its first ever Apple Pie Trail Ciderfest — eleven days of cider pairings, special events, tours and menu features from Collingwood to Meaford and beyond.
Participating cideries include Duntroon Cyder House, Beaver Valley Cidery, Coffin Ridge, Ardiel Cider and of course, Thornbury Cider House.
We hit the road to explore the region and the many apple themed experiences at its core. Here are the highlights.
Sipping Cider in the Sunshine
At Duntroon Cyder House, they’re offering up a tasting of their classic English style cider “Standing Rock”– made with cider apples grown on their property — paired with house made salses featuring the other love of their lives: garlic.
Kim and Tim Schneider started Duntroon Cider on the same farm as their growing garlic business. Dunridge Farms grows organic garlic and other market vegetables.
Sensational, Seasonal Sippers
Local powerhouse Thornbury Village Cider is also on the CIDERFEST passport. They’ve got their full line of ciders on offer — paired with sweet treats from nearby Thornbury Bakery — as well as some exciting seasonals. Currently on tap is a refreshing Blood Orange Apple Cider that drinks like a radler.
This weekend, the celebrated cidery is hosting a Ciderfest Patio Party. Join the team on their sunny patio for snacks, sippers and plenty of sunshine celebrating what the village of Thornbury does best: craft cider!
An Unexpected Pairing
As Beaver Vallery Orchard and Cidery, they’re pairing their Organic Ginger Cider with sushi! Passport participants can sample Ontario asparagus and cucumber sushi rolls on their garden patio while sipping their spicy, ginger-infused cider. Also on offer are tasting flights featuring their Bumbleberry Cider, the Classic Dry and a tart Cranberry variety.
Pretty in Pink
Over in Meaford, the folks at Coffin Ridge are sampling the newest member to their Forbidden Cider family: PINK. Made with 100% Canadian apples and ripe raspberries, it’s tart, playful and pairs perfectly with their tasting board. On the board you’ll find strawberry cream cheese and balsamic bites, a grilled apple and cheese sandwich, plus a peach salsa with crispy tortillas.
A Welcome Discovery
New to the area, and not on the passport, is Windswept Cider – a passion project by former chefs who fell in love with the area. Their ‘tasting bar’ is open by appointment only and is little more than a picnic bench overlooking their stunning property. You can taste their ciders at a number of Toronto farmers’ markets though. Click here for details.
The Perfect Pairing
There’s no shortage of amazing restaurants in the region to supplement your cider tastings. We recommend visiting a Feast On Certified restaurant to keep the local love flowing.
Head over to Casero Kitchen Table in Owen Sound, Northwinds Brewhouse in Collingwood (and in The Village!), Bruce Wine Bar in Thornbury or The Pottery at the Blue Mountain Inn.
CIDERFEST runs until June 17th in The Blue Mountains. Your $25 Cider Pairing Passport includes pairings at 6 Cider Stops.
