Calling all cider lovers! If your idea of happiness involves sipping on a crisp Ontario cider while feasting on farm-to-table delights, then buckle up because we’ve got four juicy itineraries to satisfy your apple-loving soul. And guess what? Every stop is Feast On®-certified, meaning they’re as passionate about local food as you are about cider. So, grab your crew, gas up the car, and let’s hit the open road!
A Quick PSA: Before we dive in, let’s keep it responsible, folks. Drinking and driving don’t mix—ever. Plan ahead by designating a driver, booking a guided tour, or arranging a rideshare where possible. Enjoy the cider, but make sure you’re staying safe and legal out there.
Ontario’s Southwest: Sip, Snack, Repeat
Why Visit?
Ontario’s Southwest is basically the countryside’s love letter to cider fans. Think rolling fields, farm-fresh vibes, and just enough indulgence to make you feel like royalty. With Highway 401 guiding your way, this route is as smooth as a well-fermented cider—just don’t forget to stop and stretch those legs (preferably with a cider in hand, of course).
Visit a Feast On® Cidery:
Heeman’s (Thorndale, just outside of London):
Berries, bees, and booze. Heeman’s has it all, including cider flights that’ll make your taste buds do a happy dance. Roll up to this family-owned greenhouse and head to the on-site Beanery Café (right inside the greenhouse) where you can sip and savour a flight of their craft cider alongside their famous strawberry shortcake using strawberries from their own field, cookies and more.
This spot is known for some especially cool ingredients used in their ciders like Ontario-grown kiwis (yes, you read that correctly), pink lady apples and more.
When you’re finished, go for a stroll through the greenhouse to soak up some tropical vibes or take part in one of their on-site events like arrangement workshops and cider tastings!
Other Stops Serving Up Ontario Craft Cider
Oxley Estate Winery (Harrow):
Cozy vibes, stellar food, and ciders that taste like a summer picnic in a glass. This Feast On® certified winery boasts three large patios, a vine house and an on-site restaurant that will help you see the beauty of EPIC Wine Country along Lake Erie’s north shore.
Sip and savour a selection of Ontario-made ciders from Carolina Cider Co. right in Harrow.In particularly, we love the easy-drinking, dry Goldrush cider with subtle notes of peach and a spicier finish.Looking for something extra special? Enjoy live music, holiday snacks and warm beverages during EPIC Taste of the Season, November 30th-December 1st.
SixThirtyNine (Woodstock):
This place takes farm-to-table to a whole new level. Seasonal menus and Ontario cider pairings? Don’t mind if we do. Located in the heart of Woodstock, Ontario, this spot is only about 90 minutes (depending on traffic) from Toronto and serves up a delicious menu that speaks to the seasons.
Serving up West Avenue Cider, we recommend asking your server for a great dish to pair with it and don’t forget to grab some of their drive-worthy nasi goreng fried rice balls to go along with it!
Make It Cheeky:
Turn up the charm with a playlist of country hits and don’t be afraid to round out your trip with one-of-a-kind experiences like a Taste of Farm Life with Udderly Ridiculous Farm Life in Bright, Ontario, a scamp along the Oxford County Cheese Trail or Windsor’s Follow the Flavours Trail. Alternatively, headfrom Heeman’s into London for an unreal dining experience that tells the stories of black food ways at Yaya’s Kitchen.
Stay the Night
Stamp House (Stratford):
A hidden gem where the cider is as good as the coffee—and trust us, that’s saying something. Located in the charming town of Stratford, Ontario, Stamp House is known for their on-site cooking classes and menus with loads of local ingredients incorporated. Feel at home as you sip on Woodfolk Cider out of Simcoe County.
Niagara Parks: Cider with a Side of WOW
Why Visit?
Niagara Parks is a two-for-one deal: jaw-dropping scenery and cider for days. Perfect for cider fans who also love chasing waterfalls (and snapping selfies with butterflies). The QEW will whisk you away to a cider adventure packed with nature, history, and bubbles that sparkle like your personality.
Stops to Make:
Niagara Parks Restaurants:
Every restaurant here is Feast On-certified, so you know you’re getting legit local eats with Ontario cider to match. We recommend starting your journey at Table Rock House Restaurant for the best view of the falls and an epic menu of modern twists on old classics like braised lamb shank under the helm of the new head chef, Chef Chris Totah.
Want something a little more casual? No worries, all nine on-site restaurants are certified.
So what can cider lovers expect to sip? Glad you asked! Enjoy a variety of craft Ontario ciders from the likes of Thornbury Craft Cider and Niagara Cider Company, made extremely close by. With the winter menus now in play, that appley goodness is sure to strike a balance with your meal!
Other Stops to Check out at Niagara Parks
- Niagara Power Station: End the day with an epic light show. Nothing pairs with cider like a little magic, am I right? When you’re finished up your meal, be sure to check out this brand-new experience as you travel 180-feet below ground in a glass elevator to and absolutely breathtaking view of the falls.
- Butterfly Conservatory: Because after a few ciders, nothing is more delightful than a butterfly landing on your shoulder like you’re some kind of Disney princess. Beat the winter blues and take in the balmy vibes of the conservatory. You’ll be grateful you did.
Make It Cheeky:
Wear comfy shoes because this trip is all about exploring. And don’t leave without pretending to hold up the Horseshoe Falls in at least one photo. Classic.
Waterloo Region + Huron/Perth/Wellington County: A Cider Crawl Worth the Calories
Why Visit?
This region is the low-key MVP of Ontario cider. It’s got everything: charming small towns, heritage apples, and a food scene that makes you want to stay forever. Cruise along Highways 7 and 8 for a cider crawl so good, you’ll need stretchy pants.
Visit a Feast On® Cidery:
First things first, two cideries take the cake in this splendid region: West Avenue Cider and Heartwood Farm + Cidery. Picking really comes down to geography as they both offer loads of fresh air and delightful ciders!
West Avenue Cider (Freelton):
West Avenue Cider prides themselves on turning heritage apples into liquid gold. With a great mix of year-round staples (like their classic Heritage Dry) to seasonal staples like their Gold Dust— a funky little number that’s barrel-aged and made with a single varietal of Golden Russet, there’s always a reason to return.
Real cider enthusiasts will find their thrill here, sipping and savouring a great selection of award-winners from the cellar like their Northern Lights (a very special ice cider aged in cognac barrels) or their special spring cider — Firecracker— which is made with a maple syrup evaporator and leaves notes of caramel, honey and baked apple pie.
Want to really experience the farm? Call ahead to book a tour or to book one of the outdoor fire pits which can fit up to ten people. There’s nothing quite like sipping cider around an open flame when the snow starts to fall. Of course, you’ll want to pair it with some of their made-on-site eats like woodfired pizzas, soup flights and more.
Heartwood Farm + Cidery(Erin):
Meet the cider makers and hear all about their farm-to-glass philosophy while sipping on their artisanal creations at this small family-owned cidery in Erin (that’s near Guelph). This regenerative farm is not only known for their environmental practices but also the love and care that goes into each sip.
So what should you try? Well for one, we love their Eve Goes Badass cider— a sparkling number with farm-grown ghost and cayenne peppers, sweetened with honey.
Alternatively, try their Community Harvest Cider which is made using crab apples collected by the local community and tastes a little different each time or try their Forest Garden cider which pays homage to the mighty maple forest where Heartwood sources sap for their maple syrup each year.
Want to kick things up a notch? We recommend booking their Cider with the Cows experience! This two-hour experience invites you to join Farmer Val out in the cow pasture as you sip through a cider tasting with their cows and calves. How sweet is that? You’ll get to take in the sights, sounds and smells of this regenerative farm as you learn a little bit more about it. Alternatively, as we approach spring, their maple tapping experience is a can’t miss.
This time of year, the farm is open for pre-booked experiences and on-farm pickup.
Other Stops Serving Up Ontario Craft Cider
Little Mushroom Dining Lounge (Cambridge):
Open Thursdays, Fridays and Sundays, Little Mushroom Dining Lounge in Cambridge is a can’t-miss for seasonal delights! We recommend enjoying their tapas menus (dinner Thursdays and Fridays) for great eats like cheddar-stuffed meatballs slathered in Forty Creek BBQ Sauce, bison sliders topped with Gunn’s Hill’s Moo Brew Espresso Cheese or fondue for two!
Also on deck? Ciders from Howell Road Cider in Brant County. Made right on the orchard, this cidery’s flagship is oh-so-dry and enjoyable, leaving things simple and delicious. Those who think of cider as too sweet have another think coming with this one. Grab a can (or two) and sip to your heart’s content!
Wellington Brewery (Guelph):
Have a few craft beer lovers on your crew you want to keep happy too? No worries! At Wellington Brewery, they can sip away on a fantastic selection of craft brews while you do the same with a Pommie’s cider, also served in-house.
With a number of events running through out the year, you can take in a trivia night, brewery tour, drag show and more while you’re there! It’s a great addition to any trip.
Neighbourhood Hospitality Group Restaurants (Guelph and Kitchener):
Alright, we’d be remiss if we didn’t pint out alllll the wonderful Feast On® hangouts that make up the Neighbourhood Hospitality Group. Starting with Borealis (locations in Kitchener and Guelph), this spot takes farm to table dining to a new level with dishes like wild board poutine, the Three Sisters Bowl and smoked Ontario pork chops— yum.
More in the mood for pub-style eats? No worries, check out The Wooly Pub for monthly burger specials, anijitos, bahn mi tacos and more. Alternatively, head to Miijidaa where date night is extra special and enjoyed alongside Ontario grown and raised ingredients like Manitoulin Island trout, cast iron brown butter pumpkin bread and more. This all pairs perfectly with their selection of Heartwood Cidery and Pommie’s to choose from at both locations.
Want to try something different? Head to Park Eatery for sips from Revel Cider (more about them below)!
Of course, this all pairs perfectly with some Ontario craft cider, right? Right! All of these locations have both Heartwood Cidery (made just minutes away) and Pommie’s to choose from!
Stay the Night + Sip Your Cider
Want to keep the sipping going as you kick back in luxury for the night? Good on ya! Check out these accommodations in the region serving up the good stuff.
Langdon Hall (Cambridge):
Feel bougie AF at this luxe inn where cider pairs with gourmet fare like they were made for each other. We recommend staying the night and enjoying a luxury visit to the spa all whle sipping on specialty ciders from Revel Cider out of Guelph. Revel is known for their experimental fermentation, use of unique fruits and all-around quality.
Make It Cheeky:
Want to keep discovering Wellington County? Check out all the fun activities to enjoy this festive season!
York, Durham, Headwaters: Farm Fresh and Fabulous
Why Visit?
This one’s for the adventurers who like their cider with a side of trails, orchards, and small-town charm. Just a quick jaunt up Highway 404 or Highway 10, this area provides the perfect mix of cider and outdoorsy fun (without roughing it, of course).
Visit a Feast On® Cidery
Slabtown Cider (Uxbridge):
Small-batch cider in a picture-perfect countryside setting— what could possibly be better? This Feast On® cidery is nestled into the rural charm of Uxbridge and serves up some amazing options (particularly in winter).
This time of year, we suggest hitting the bottle shop before grabbing a bite to eat at the on-site restaurant. We love enjoying their Cider House Rules— aged with cinnamon, cloves and orange zest and named after John Irving’s bold writing style. You can even sip this one warm right at the restaurant or bring it home to heat!
Spirit Tree Estate Cidery (Caledon):
A cidery, bakery, and restaurant all rolled into one? It’s the ultimate triple threat of cider stops. Located on a ridge of the Niagara Escarpment overlooking the GTA, Spirit Tree Estate Cidery sits on 46 acres of beautiful farmland. The property itself has loads of wild apples growing and it really is a beautiful spot for a cidery.
Enjoy sipping on their concoctions made with Ontario apples and grab a woodfired pizza. Alternatively, pick up some cider to go and don’t miss out on some drool-worthy pastries and baked goods.
Other Stops to Make:
Fig Kitchen + Market (Caledon):
Brunch, cider, and cozy vibes. You’ll feel like you’ve stepped into a Hallmark movie. That’s not all though. Just minutes from Spirit Tree, the Fig Kitchen menu is dynamite with eats like honey mustard chopped cob salads, tempura cauliflower and more. Paired up with Thornbury Craft Cider, it’s pretty unbeatable.
Pingle’s Farm Market (Hampton):
Pingle’s Farm Market is sooo much more than a farm market. Bring the whole family out for a visit to check out the bakery and on-site market alongside seasonal events that leave little to be desired. During the holiday season, check out the family-friendly Red & Green Whobilation complete with an animal barn, visits from Santa and the Grinch, holiday treats at the Cindy Lou Who Café, festive cocktails and more. Sip the season away with a great beverage from local, Slabtown Cider while you’re there!
Alternatively, their Ugly Sweater Party is an adults-only, all-you-can-eat event that invites folks out to enjoy a special holiday menu, festive drinks and more!
Check out all the seasonal fun on their website.
Work up an appetite with some trail time, then reward yourself with cider. It’s called balance (duh). With 6000 acres of outdoor space to explore, Trail Hub is the perfect spot for outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy Durham Region’s beauty. Rent an e-bike (weather permitting), bring your snowshoes (also weather permitting) or just do a bit of hiking.
When you’re finished, head to the on-site restaurant The Nest for a farm-to-table dining experience alongside ciders from Thornbury Craft Cider and Slabtown Cider.
Farm-to-table eats with cider pairings that’ll make your heart (and stomach) happy is what you can expect here! This long-time Feast On® certified stop serves up Slabtown Cider and Ernest Cider out of Bond Head, Ontario. Try their hearty and fresh menu of eats with items like spinach fritters, bison burgers and ore on deck.
Make It Cheeky:
Bring your stretchy pants and a camera because this trip is basically a cider-and-donut-fueled photo op. Don’t forget to Instagram your cider flight—#CiderGoals.
