Oregon’s Best Cider Houses and Apple Orchards: An Authentic Local’s Guide

Welcome to apple country, my friend! Oregon is renowned for its pristine beauty, a diverse mish-mash of trails and bridges, cascading waterfalls, dense rainforests, and extensive coastline. But the real treasure trove cascades from the trees. Oregon’s apple culture flourishes throughout the state, offering vast orchards and unique cider houses that capture the magic of the beloved apple. It’s an apple-lover’s paradise like no other.

1. Portland Cider Company

In the heart of Clackamas, there’s something truly special brewing – The Portland Cider Company. It’s a unique blend of traditional English cider crafting techniques infused with Northwest’s vibrant apple varieties. You can’t miss their year-round flavors such as Kinda Dry, Sorta Sweet, and Hop’ Rageous. It’s the kind of place that offers an unforgettable cider experience full of laughter, friendship, and apple magic.

2. E.Z. Orchards

Not far from the Capital city, Salem, E.Z. Orchards forms an integral part of Oregon’s apple heritage. The Zielinski family has been growing apples since the 1920s. Every fall, they welcome cider enthusiasts to their Cidre Dinner, where you can feast on a meal guided by cider pairings. However, the showstopper here is their Roman Beauty variety, a hearty apple ideal for the perfect glass of cider.

3. Smith Berry Barn

A delightful blend of rustic charm and modern finesse, Smith Berry Barn in Hillsboro offers a carefully curated pick-your-own-fruit experience. In the fall, grab a basket and wander through acres of apple trees with over 20 different varieties, including rare, heirloom apples. Don’t forget to drop by their country store for a selection of their fresh-pressed ciders.

4. Reverend Nat’s Hard Cider

If you’re after unique cider flavors, then Reverend Nat’s in Portland should be high on your list. Their diverse cider offerings push the envelope and experiment with flavors that range from hopped to spicy. ‘Revival,’ their flagship cider, is a must-try for any cider lover; it’s an exotic combination of apples, Mexican pineapple, and a family of spices.

5. Raintree Nursery in Morton

Located in the green embrace of Morton, away from the city’s hustle-bustle, Raintree Nursery is a haven for those looking to embrace the peaceful life of an apple grower. They specialize in providing rare cider apple tree varieties for those interested in crafting their cider at home. The nursery staff is incredibly knowledgeable and always ready to dispense cultivation advice.

6. Kiyokawa Family Orchards

Nestled in Oregon’s Hood River Valley’s heart, Kiyokawa Family Orchards is the place to indulge your apple cravings. They are renowned for their over 120 apple varieties, including cider-specific apples like Kingston Black and Yarlington Mill. On a good day, Mount Hood’s majestic beauty will present the perfect backdrop as you sample the multitude of apple goodness.

7. 2 Towns Ciderhouse

Expressing the pride of the bountiful Pacific Northwest, 2 Towns Ciderhouse in Corvallis sits at the forefront of the craft cider revolution. They seek not just to create a cider that quenches thirst but an experience that truly celebrates Oregon’s fantastic apple variety. Their quirkily named ciders like “The BrightCider” and “Pacific Pineapple” are sure to make a lasting impression.

8. Farmhouse Forest Grove

Farmhouse Forest Grove is both an apple orchard and a cider house, making it the ideal spot for those keen to understand the journey from tree to tap. Their rustic tasting room houses a delectable range of farmhouse ciders. Pop in on a weekend and you might just catch live music to complement your cider tasting journey.

9. Cider Riot!

Stepping into Cider Riot in Portland is like crossing into another world where apples rule supreme. With cider names like “Chaos de Tejas,” “Black Bloc Cherry Bloc,” and “Burncider,” it’s truly a riot of cider flavors. They specialize in crafting traditional dry ciders while infusing some good old Oregonian spirit.

10. Apollo Grown

Incorporating the best of Oregon’s natural bounty, Apollo Grown in Eugene curates ciders that incorporate local flavors from berries, stone fruits, and Oregon apples. They stand by sustainable sourcing and advanced production methods resulting in ciders that burst with freshness. Their Cidernik’s cider is a delightful blend of apple and mint that challenges the usual cider palate.

Enjoy the sweetness and spice of the apple harvest carefully fermented and pressed into glasses at these unique cider houses around Oregon or pace around the apple orchards soaking in the beauty they offer. As an Oregonian, nothing beats the joy of basking in the golden autumn sun with a refreshing cider in hand, and the lush beauty of our apple orchards spanning the horizon. So, welcome, friends, to this special corner of the world we call home. Enjoy, savor, and remember, in Oregon, every apple tells a story!