A Guide to Oregon’s Best Cider Houses and Apple Orchards

If you know Oregon, then you know how amazing it smells in the fall. The air is fresh, the trees are colorful, and apples get ripe for picking. With countless apple orchards and cider houses, Oregon offers the perfect retreats for apple lovers and anyone willing to venture for a rustic experience.

1. Portland Cider Company

Sitting right in the heart of Oregon’s largest city, the Portland Cider Company is a must-visit. This place beautifully marries the English cider tradition with the Northwest’s passion for craft beverages, offering some of the most unique ciders in the state. Remember to try their crowlers – 32-ounce cans you can fill with your favorite cider to take home.

2. Smith Berry Barn

Located in the Tualatin Valley, Smith Berry Barn is the epitome of rustic charm, boasting a variety of apple varieties and award-winning hard ciders. Visiting during the fall, you can enjoy a hayride and join their annual ‘Apple Festival’ – it’s good old-fashioned Oregon fun.

3. E.Z. Orchards

Just outside of Salem, E.Z. Orchards harvests thirteen apple varieties, including the Oregon’s beloved heirloom Gravenstein apples. Remember to grab a jug of their organically processed cider. It’s a bit of honest-to-goodness Oregon in a bottle.

4. Apple Valley Country Store

Call it a throwback, but Apple Valley Country Store in Hood River Valley is like stepping into a classic general store. They sell local produce including homemade apple butter and huckleberry jam. Tip: their huckleberry milkshake mixed with house cider is the stuff of legends.

5. Reverend Nat’s Hard Cider

Over in Northeast Portland, Reverend Nat’s Hard Cider offers a religious experience for cider lovers. With an extensive, rotating tap list, don’t miss out on ‘Revival’ – their flagship cider. Made from a secret blend of apples, it is the perfect combination of tart, sweet, and aromatic flavors.

6. Bauman’s Farm and Garden

A legend in Oregon’s agricultural community, Bauman’s Farm and Garden in Gervais grows over 20 apple varieties. Best advice: try their popular cider donuts and, if you enjoy a little zest, opt for the freshly brewed chili cider.

7. Kiyokawa Family Orchards

Venture into Parkdale and visit Kiyokawa Family Orchards for a memorable experience of u-pick apples. They have over 120 cultivars, a few being unique to Oregon. Their fruit stand also sells their signature apple cider, perfect for a quick refreshment.

8. Airlie Winery

Admittedly, Airlie isn’t a cider house or orchard but rather a winery. Nevertheless, their unique apple wine – a crisp, delicious blend of local apples – deserves a mention. Located in the verdant Willamette Valley, stop by for a taste and the amazing view.

9. WildCraft Cider Works

WildCraft Cider Works is nestled in Eugene, a city known for its hip breweries. This local gem uses Oregon’s wild yeast and whole fruit fermentation for a genuine farm-to-bottle experience. Don’t forget their annual Harvest Party for some real foot-stomping fun.

10. Mt. View Orchards

Lastly, Mt. View Orchards in the scenic Mt. Hood River Valley offers over 50 apple varieties. It’s pure Oregon joy to spend a day here picking apples, sipping on their sweet cider, and soaking in the spectacular mountain views.

So, there you have it – a well-rounded cornucopia of Oregon’s apple offerings. No matter where you go, you’ll get that warm, welcoming Oregon vibe. So grab your boots, bundle up, and get ready for an apple and cider adventure like no other. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you.