A Guide to Oregon’s Best Cider Houses and Apple Orchards
Oregon. A state filled to the brim with nature’s bounty, rugged coastlines, towering mountains, and sprawling wilderness. But perhaps less known, yet equally treasured, are its stunning apple orchards and cider houses. As a local, let me share with you the best of these that are practically an institution here and reflect our Oregonian spirit.
1. Reverend Nat’s Hard Cider
Located in the heart of Portland, Reverend Nat’s is a must-visit for cider enthusiasts. They always push the envelope with their experimental blends that surprise and delight. Heaps of locals line up for the Tepache, a pineapple, cinnamon and clove-infused cider, especially during summer. It’s also next to the popular Sizzle Pie, so grab a pizza to complete your visit.2. E.Z. Orchards
E.Z. Orchards in Salem is an apple orchard and cider house rolled into one. Come autumn, families from all over Oregon come for their Apple Festival, where you can pick your own apples. Try their Roman Beauty Cider, it’s a beautifully balanced cider crafted from a single vintage of Roman Beauty apples.
3. Finnriver Cidery
Though technically just over the border in Washington, Finnriver Cidery is a frequent participant in Oregon’s numerous cider festivals. Their diverse cider blends, ranging from deeply traditional to wildly innovative, attract both the casual tasters and true connoisseurs. Their Habanero cider is truly unique, offering a spicy kick to the norm.4. Kiyokawa Family Orchards
Located in the heart of the Hood River Valley, Kiyokawa Family Orchards proudly boasts more than 120 apple and 24 pear varieties. The scenic drive along Columbia River is an added bonus. During the apple picking season, be sure to taste their prized Honeycrisp apples – Oregonians swear by them.5. Hood River
Drive down the fruitful Hood River’s Fruit Loop, a 35-mile scenic drive filled with gorgeous apple orchards, berry farms, and wine tasting rooms. Don’t miss the picturesque Mount Hood views from The Apple Valley Country Store, and grab some amazing homemade cider doughnuts.6. Bull Run Cider
Located in Forest Grove, Bull Run Cider produces cider from apple trees more than 80 years old. The Gravenstein Single Varietal is exceptional, offering a taste of Oregon’s cider history with every sip. It’s less than a half hour from Banks-Vernonia State Trail, let your adventurous spirit explore while you’re there.7. Smith Berry Barn
An Oregon secret, Smith Berry Barn in Hillsboro not only has a fascinating variety of apples but also offers a range of exciting seasonal activities from berry picking to holiday shopping. Their fresh apple cider is a must-try, and the homemade berry pies are out of this world.8. Applehouse at Douglas Farm
Located outside Portland in Aurora, the Applehouse is a part of the family-owned Douglas Farm. Their cider recipe dates back to the Prohibition era, and they use an eclectic combination of apples, from dessert to wild ones. Also, their U-pick apple harvest event is a beloved local tradition.9. 2 Towns Ciderhouse
2 Towns Ciderhouse in Corvallis is renowned for their dedication to high-quality cider, inspired by heirloom apple varieties. Make sure to try the BrightCider, which is refreshingly crisp making it a perfect partner to the famed Oregon Dungeness crab.10. Portland Cider Co.
Rounding up our journey, visit Portland Cider Co., known for its affection for traditional English cider-making. Their Scrapper variety, with its robust tannins and sharp bite, is a local favorite. Check their schedule for fun events like cider yoga and cider and cheese pairings.So next time you find yourself in Oregon, let your taste buds roam free in its cider houses and orchards. From the kick of an innovative cider blend to the crunch of a freshly-picked apple, this journey through cider houses and apple orchards is quintessentially Oregon. As an Oregonian, I can assure you, there’s nothing quite like it.