Ontario Cider pairs perfectly with your favourite foods. For more information click the buttons below. Cheers!
Cider and cidermaking in Ontario have a rich history dating back to the arrival of European settlers in the 17th century. These early settlers brought apple seeds and saplings with them, establishing the first orchards in the province. Apples quickly became a staple crop, and cider, a practical and popular beverage, was made by fermenting apple juice.
Throughout the 18th and 19th centuries, cider production flourished in Ontario. It was a common household activity, with families making their own cider for personal consumption. The abundance of apple varieties, including heritage types like the Northern Spy and Russet, provided diverse flavours for different styles and types of cider production. Did you know that in 1811, John McIntosh found the first McIntosh apple tree, growing wild on his farm? It’s a truly Ontario apple that can make a truly 100% Ontario cider.
The early 20th century saw a decline in cider production due to several factors, including the rise of beer and wine, urbanization, and Prohibition (yes! there was Prohibition in Ontario, from 1916-1927). Many traditional orchards were abandoned or converted to other crops. But that wasn’t the end of the story…
Today, cider is making a comeback! With a seven-fold increase over the past five years, craft cider made with 100% Ontario apples is the fastest growing category of alcoholic beverages in Ontario. With a renewed emphasis on locally sourced food, our shared agricultural heritage, and artisanal products, Ontarians are rediscovering cider as a part of our heritage.
Ontarians have lots of styles and flavours to choose from. Ontario’s cider industry is diverse, ranging from small, family-run orchards to more urban-focused operations. Many Ontario cideries focus on using locally sourced apples, emphasizing the importance of terroir – the unique environmental factors that affect the taste of the cider. The Drink Ontario Apples logo is your assurance that all of the apples used to make your cider were grown right here, in Ontario.
Ciders with the Drink Ontario Apples logo are found in the LCBO and supermarkets across the province, but don’t forget that Ontario’s cideries often offer tasting rooms and tours, allowing visitors to experience the cidermaking process firsthand and purchase directly from the producer. With a combination of traditional craftsmanship and modern innovation, Ontario’s cider industry continues to grow, attracting both local enthusiasts and international acclaim.