» Take a Cider Tour of the World

Take a Cider Tour of the World

We know that people travel far and wide to sample the best wines in places like France, Italy and New Zealand, or to discover the best beers in Germany, Belgium and the Czech Republic. So, why not do the same for cider? Hard cider is becoming incredibly popular in Canada – with many craft cideries popping up all across the country. Why not go beyond our borders to learn about local orchards and delve into the unique history of apple fermentation in these cider-producing communities?

Meet farmers and producers, sample the products and pair the ciders with a lovely local meal!


Normandy, France

When we think of France and adult beverages, we often think of grape-based drinks, such as wine and champagne. However, Normandy is famous for another fruit-based drink – cider. Due to the century’s old tradition of apple growing in the region, it’s become the place to go for alcoholic cider. Take the Cider Route through Normandy and discover France’s other adult drink of choice.

Cideries to visit: Ferme de Billy, Calvados Pierre Huet, Le Père Mahieu

Apple varieties: Over 800 varieties!

What makes it unique: Unlike a lot of North American ciders, Normandy ciders taste more like sweet beer. It has a low alcohol content and is relatively affordable.

Food pairings: Pont-l’Évêque cheese or camembert, boiled mussels in white sauce (Moules à la Normande) or chicken Normandy (Poulet à la Normande) – with apples and onions in a cream and cider sauce). Normandy is known for its soft cheeses, but also seafood, as it’s located on the coast. Many recipes incorporate apple into the dishes, so they pair well with a glass of cider.


Upstate New York, New York

Upstate New York has been a well-known apple-producing region for generations. You can find premium orchards in the Niagara region, the Hudson Valley, the Catskills and the Finger Lakes. Many local growers are using their apples to make cider through the fermentation process.

Cideries to visit: Angry Orchard, Finger Lakes Cider House, Gravity Ciders, Bellweather Hard Cider, Aaron Burr Cider

Apple varieties: 20 Ounce, Acey Mac, Braeburn, Cameo, Cortland, Crispin, Empire, Fortune, Fuji, Gala, Golden Delicious, RubyFrost®, SnapDragon®, Zestar® and more!

What makes it unique: Many farmers are trying more traditional methods, using heirloom apples and techniques borrowed from the French and English cidermakers.

Food pairings: While beer and wings are a typical combo, you could try classic Buffalo wings with a cold glass of cider. You could also pair it with local cheeses.


Somerset, England

Somerset, UK, is known as a superior cider producing region due to its optimal soil conditions and climate. The art of cider making has been in the UK since ancient times – brought over with the Normans during the invasion.

Cideries to visit: Wilkins Cider Farm, Worley’s Mendip Hills, Hecks and Sheppy’s

Apple varieties: Dabinett, Yarlington Mill, Somerset Redstreak, Tremlett’s Bitter, Brown Snout, Stoke Red and more

What makes it unique: Somerset cider is often characterized as bold, fruity and complex. Typically, these ciders are made using bittersweet apples. You can find Somerset ciders that are gentle and unassuming, and also some that are bold and tart.

Food pairings: White onion and cider soup and chicken and celery in a cider sauce are two British dishes that incorporate cider into the recipes. The white onion and cider soup is a UK take on the popular French onion soup.


County Armagh, Northern Ireland

County Armagh, part of Ulster in Northern Ireland, is known for its apple orchards. While hard cider is made in various parts of Ireland, Armagh is known as the Orchard County due to the abundance of Armagh Bramley apples.

Cideries to visit: MacIvors, Armagh Cider Company, Long Meadow Cider

Apple varieties: The Bramley apple (which is celebrated at the Apple Blossom Festival in May)

What makes it unique: There’s a story that William of Orange served his troops Armagh cider as they made their way to the Battle of the Boyne. Also, the Bramley apple has what’s called PGI status – Protected Geographical Indication, which recognizes its origin and uniqueness to a specific geographical location.

Food pairings: Desserts made using Bramley apples, of course!


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