In recent years, cider works are popping up everywhere, and we’re all for it! There’s something for everyone when it comes to cider. Here you’ll find farmhouse ciders employing innovative techniques, delicious classic ciders, ciders that occasionally include berries and even ciders made from wild apples. Here are three very different cider works to discover this fall on a Charlevoix getaway!
Day 1
La Cidrerie et Distillerie Baie-St-Pomme
Day 1
La Cidrerie et Distillerie Baie-St-Pomme
In Bas-de-la-Baie, you’ll discover a small cider works and distillery run by Nicolas, a man with a passion for agriculture. In addition to having a few orchards, the Baie-St-Pomme team works mainly with wild apple trees to create unique products. You can taste thirst-quenching farmhouse ciders, including some sparkling products, apple spirits such as Kalvad’ours “apple brandy” and even fortified cider. The seasons, the temperature and the different fruit flavours are what dictate the products that appear on the shelves, and it’s the rarity and uniqueness of these bottles that will keep you coming back year after year.
If you’re feeling particularly adventurous, you can even book a “safari” with Nicolas, to learn about and taste apples in a way you won’t soon forget.
La Cidrerie et Vergers Pedneault
La Cidrerie et Vergers Pedneault
A local classic to rediscover every season! After taking the free ferry to Isle-aux-Coudres, admiring the magnificent scenery and its changing colours along the way, you can set off on a tasty journey by bike or car this fall. Head on over to the shop for a chance to sample an array of ciders made with fruits such as pears, plums, saskatoon berries and many other specialities only available on the island! Once you’ve chosen a few products to bring home, you can keep the fun going at the u-pick with your family in the Pedneault orchards. A calm, soothing place where you can take your time and choose the perfect apples for the recipes you’ll want to prepare in the warmth of your own home.
Day 2
La Cidrerie Port-au-Persil
Day 2
La Cidrerie Port-au-Persil
In a little slice of paradise, with a breathtaking view of the river, you’ll discover an artisanal cider works housed in a barn just a hop skip and jump from the Port-au-Persil pier. Meet the friendly owners, pick up a bottle of strong cider or of a cider cocktail flavoured with rose petals, then sit down at an available picnic table to enjoy. If the mood strikes you, you could even pick up a few local products before you get there, like sausages and cheeses that go well with cider, so you can make the most of the view of the river and mountains and breathe in the salt air at your leisure.