These 9 Charming Cider Mills In Minnesota Will Have You Longing For Fall
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Betsy Rathburn
Author
As the birthplace of the honeycrisp, Minnesota has a definite place in the fall tradition of apple-related goodies. From apple pies to apple donuts, Minnesotans have no shortage of ways to enjoy our homegrown fruit. As the weather cools down, there’s one more way to crank up our apple love: by sipping a fresh glass of apple cider. Here in Minnesota, we have several cider mills and apple orchards that serve up delicious, local apple cider – the kind you just can’t get at a grocery store. We made a list of nine of our favorites that are sure to have you longing for fall.
Established in 1904, the Pine Tree Apple Orchard has been producing Minnesota-grown apples for more than 100 years. The cider at this orchard is perfectly sweet and tart with no sugar added. It's great both cool and warm, and you can buy it at the orchard in 12-ounce, 1/2-gallon and gallon containers. Address: 450 Apple Orchard Road, White Bear Lake.
Did you know La Crescent is the Apple Capital of Minnesota? So it should come as no surprise that at least one of our cider hotspots is located there. The Hoch Orchard is a certified organic farm that grows dozens of different types of apples. Aside from great cider, they also sell applesauce, jelly, and vinegar. This fall, the farm is open on Saturdays from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Address: 32553 Forester Road, La Crescent.
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In addition to great wine and amazing food, Four Daughters is also a cider mill that produces some excellent hard ciders. Their line of ciders is called Loon Juice, and it comes in several interesting flavor combinations. Try the classic Honeycrisp Hard Cider or the intriguing apple/tea blend. Address: 78757 MN-16, Spring Valley.
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If you’re a fan of hard cider, you’ll want to pay Milk & Honey a visit. The ciders are special because they use uncommon apple varieties such as Northern Spy or Winesap, then carefully fermented to create the perfect flavor of cider. The cider has a brand-new tasting room in 2017 that is perfect for finding your favorite fall hard cider. Address: 11738 County Road 51, St. Joseph.
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Harbo Cider is another amazing spot to grab some cider. It’s located on Welsh Heritage Farms in Lake Crystal, Minnesota. This scenic spot is lovely for a fall day trip. You can check out the charming farm surroundings, and then you can buy both regular and hard cider at the Harbo store, which also sells cheese and wine. Address: 20758 528th Avenue, Lake Crystal.
Number 12 Cider is named after the award-winning 12 recipe that started this cider mill on a path to greatness. Since it achieve this first recognition in 2011, Number 12 Cider House has continued to improve its process and introduce several new varieties, each with a distinct flavor. The small-batch ciders can be purchased in some stores, but they’re best enjoyed at the Number 12 Taproom in Buffalo. They’re open for the season Saturdays and Sundays starting September 9. Address: 1903 10th Street Southwest, Buffalo.
Though it’s not far from the Twin Cities, Sweetland Orchard seems like a world away. It’s a charming orchard on a beautiful piece of land in Webster, Minnesota. They describe their hard ciders as tart and dry, and there are currently five to choose from. They’re available at the orchard and at several Twin Cities locations throughout the apple season. Address: 26205 Fairlawn Avenue, Webster.
This orchard is located in Northfield, about 40 minutes south of the Twin Cities. They offer several varieties pre-picked apples in their store, as well as many other apple products. From candied apples to apple pies, you’ll find a tasty treat to satisfy you. But perhaps the most delicious is the apple cider, which you can buy by the gallon. Better stock up. Address: 2225 Lonsdale Boulevard East, Northfield.
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Keepsake Cidery is another beautiful spot that is well worth a visit during the fall season. Specializing in hard ciders, Keepsake has several varieties to choose from. They are made using traditional methods, so no two ciders are alike. Keepsake also sells other local produce like garlic, meats, and maple syrup. Address; 4609 135th Street, Dundas.
Do you have any other favorite cider mills? Let us know in the comments below! And for more fall fun, be sure to check out the dreamy fall road trip that will take you to the best fall foliage in Minnesota.
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