Though apple picking season may be a bit behind us, that does not mean it is too late for great cider (as if it were ever!).
That is why I was so excited to hear all that is going on in one of my favorite cider sources- Champlain Orchards!
While they are celebrating 25 years under the same name and family ownership, Champlain is far from resting on their laurels. These days they are growing over 150 different kinds of apples (did you know there WERE so many?!) as well as a massive mix of pears, plums, cherries, and more! After every harvest, the Champlain team sell some of this premiere produce directly and making amazing ciders and other tasty treats out of the rest.
Recently, the Orchard started tapping into their sugar maple trees in order to add organic maple products to the mix to make such sweet stuff as a a maple cider syrup that is truly the best of both worlds!
Among my favorites of their ecologically-processed products are such Good Food and other award-winners like their Mac & Maple (which is reminiscent of their amazing new cider syrup), their cider-Sangria mashup called Sidria, the Honeycrisp ice cider, and their sugar-free selections like their top-selling Kingston Dry that are great refreshers after a day of shoveling (or not).
Though Champlain distributes throughout the region, a visit to their Shoreham, VT, mothership will be made all the sweeter with the opening of their new Cider Garden, which offers full pours, small bites, fire pits, lawn games, and plenty of pick-your-own pleasure!
Champlain Orchards has long been a favorite, but as they continue to expand their offerings, I hope that I do not fall behind trying them all.
I will surely enjoy the effort!