Before there is the cider, there is the apple. And there’s nothing as good as going to taste said cider at the orchard-based cidery, straight from the source. Each cidery tasting room has its own feel to exemplify its ethos, from the farm-side barns to the stunning scenic locales, specifically designed to emit a certain mood which pairs with the ciders they produce. Some tasting rooms may just feel like tasting rooms, but the following cideries that have paid close attention to creating an experiential tasting room to take sipping cider to the next level.
Finnriver Farm and Cidery || Chimacum, WA || The brand new Orchard and Cider Garden tasting room opened in May and welcomes visitors to the center of the Olympic Peninsula by way of cider. The renovated historic dairy farm now hosts a taproom and outdoor seating for many, majestic mountain views and fresh food served with a side of live music on the weekends. Not to mention seasonal releases and limited batch ciders will be poured exclusively here.
Methow Valley Ciderhouse || Winthrop, WA || Located right outside the outdoor destination and Western-themed town of Winthrop is where you’ll find yourself in a warm and pleasant tasting room (or on their spacious covered patio) with a cider-in-hand taking in all of the beautiful landscape surrounding the cidery. Although not on the orchard (they recently relocated to be closer to town), the ciderhouse is centrally located to take in the everything the north Cascade Valley has to see.
Westcott Bay Cider || Friday Harbor, WA || Nestled into the eponymous Westcott Bay of San Juan Island, this hillside, orchard-based tasting room is ready for all to meander to where the good stuff comes from. The orchard is one of Washignton State’s oldest, so be sure to check out these age-worthy trees and see where both the cidery and its sister distillery source from. Natural and organic, the sunset view looking out over Vancouver Island is a must-see, so enjoy your stay until the magic happens.
Sea Cider Farm and Cider House || Saanichton, BC || This tasting room at the fringes of the Canadian province brings the same feels of a European dining commons, instead delivering delicious ciders instead of beer. Long, dark grained wood tables parallel each other with chairs lining each row. Large, metal renaissance-looking chandelier hang over the tables emitting warm lighting. The noise level sits at a good decibel with high vaulted ceilings allowing sound to dissipate. Don’t let all this distract you; there’s still cider to drink.
Rack and Cloth || Mosier, OR || This Hood River Valley cidery brings their farm to your table. Unfortunately, the orchard isn’t open to the public yet, but their pizzeria and taproom is. The very small restaurant in this very small town brings one-on-one service and attention to detail that isn’t lacking. Although the actual building may be small, their ciders have a huge flavor, it’s probably best if you enjoy it outside because it’ll blow you out of this world. Many half-reclined chairs rest on the patio outdoor all waiting to make your life that much better.
The Gorge White House || Hood River, OR || Up the highway and toward the stately Mount Hood is this historic home, kept intact but retrofitted with a tasting room, food truck and expansive U-pick farm. All ages are welcome in the tasting room which is modeled with a farm-house style color scheme, including pictures of serene landscape which searches out and brings every ounce of energy back to you. No disco balls, no disk jockeys – only fine cider with a bar stool waiting just for you at the farm.
