An Apple a Day
From an early age many of us were served delicious chilled apple juice as a treat on a hot summer day. The sweet explosion continues in popularity featuring a more serious juice for adults. Hot on the heels of the craft beer craze, craft cider exploded into popularity as a favourite for beer lovers and a delicious option for non-beer drinkers alike. With the region’s agriculture, it’s no surprise that Niagara ciders have really taken off. Some of these cideries are created by local wine brands, such as Fielding Craft Cider and Small Talk Cider. These and others, including Ironwood Hard Cider, Niagara Cider Company, Shiny Cider, and Rood Apples have been putting Niagara on the map as a go-to stop for anyone searching for unique selections of craft cider.
Seasonal ciders are inspired by fresh local produce, keeping us connected to our community, drawing inspiration from fruits of the season, combining their fresh flavours and locally produced apples for a winning combination. Cider juice is pressed from the apples and left to ferment, then finished under pressure. That is why you will find an incredible number of diverse cider offerings being created by the Region’s award winning wineries. Niagara’s ciders come across like a brut and are moderately effervescent and tarte with a hint of sweetness.
Ciders pair beautifully in the summer during BBQ season with grilled meats and fish. In the Fall and Winter, root vegetables, roasts and soups often include cider in the recipes. A perfect reason to sample the many ciders Niagara has to offer.