A Local’s Guide to Oregon’s Best Cider Houses and Apple Orchards
It’s fall, the season of mists and mellow fruitfulness, and what could be more quintessentially Oregonian than a leisurely drive through scenic landscapes, dotted with lush apple orchards and quaint cider houses? Blessed with a flourishing apple-growing climate, Oregon is a paradise for cider lovers. Taking you off the beaten path, let’s explore 10 of the very best cider houses and apple orchards that Oregon has to offer.
1. E.Z. Orchards
Renowned for its farm-direct produce and hospitality, E.Z. Orchards in Salem is a local favorite. Come harvest season, the farm turns into a celebration—families and friends enjoy tractor rides, cider tastings, and picking fresh apples straight from the trees. Don’t leave without sampling their award-winning cider, ‘Hawk Haus,’ and grabbing a bag of the best cider doughnuts.
2. 2 Towns Ciderhouse
As the flagship cider producer in Corvallis, 2 Towns Ciderhouse boasts a diverse array of flavors. They source their ingredients from local farmers, not just apples but berries, and even pumpkins. Embark on a tasting adventure with their ‘Serious Scrump’ or ‘Made Marion’ ciders.
3. Apple Valley Orchard
Set in the picturesque countryside of Boring, Apple Valley Orchard is a quintessential farm visit. Come for the apples, stay for the jaw-dropping views of Mount Hood. Tasting their freshly pressed apple juice is pure sensory overload – it’s like biting into a crisp apple, but better!
4. Reverend Nat’s Hard Cider
Nestled in the heart of Portland, Reverend Nat’s Hard Cider offers experimental cider flavors that encapsulate the spirit of the Pacific Northwest. The ‘Revival’ is a go-to, best enjoyed in their charming taproom offering a glimpse into their brewing process.
5. Carlton Cyderworks
In the northern Willamette Valley, Carlton Cyderworks does more than just craft ciders—it also organizes educational trips that paint a vivid picture of the cider-making process. Their ‘Citizen’ cider, featuring a blend of heritage apples, oven roasted ones, and even local honey, guarantees a sensory treat like none other.
6. Draper Girls Country Farm
This Hood River gem is the apple-loving visitor’s dream. Draper Girls Country Farm offers not just succulent apples, but also pears, cherries, peaches, and even a B&B to stay and fully immerse in the farm’s lush landscapes. Check the apple varieties available for picking before visiting; Jonagolds in autumn are a real treat!
7. Bauman’s Cider Company
Stalwarts in Gervais, the Bauman family has been growing apples for more than a century. Bauman’s Cider Company is famous for exciting flavor profiles like ‘Clyde’s Dry’ and seasonal ‘Peach Raspberry,’ sure to tickle your taste buds and echo that true Oregon spirit.
8. Art + Science Cider and Wine
Located in Amity, Art + Science practices highlight organic and biodynamic methodologies, resulting in natural ciders that are as unique as they are delicious. Their devotion to biodiversity reflects the true essence of Oregon’s agricultural richness.
9. Kiyokawa Orchards
If you’re in the Hood River area, Kiyokawa Orchards is a must-visit. Loved for its mountain views and plethora of apple varieties, Kiyokawa offers a rich picking experience. Every fall, they host an ‘Apple and Pear Festival’—a fantastic family affair filled with music, food, and the joy of picking your own fruits.
10. Schilling Cider House Portland
Rounding out this guide is Schilling Cider House in Portland. With over 50 ciders on tap, this is a cider aficionado’s paradise. Schilling takes pride in nurturing a community of cider lovers, hosting events like potlucks and educational tastings, engendering a sense of camaraderie that’s very much an integral part of the Oregon spirit.
Whether you’re quenching your thirst with a uniquely crafted cider or getting your hands dirty picking your own apples, Oregon’s cider houses and apple orchards promise a confluent trail of flavor, natural beauty, and pure joy. So buckle up, take that scenic drive, and immerse yourself in the mellow richness that our beloved Oregon offers.