Traverse City Cider: Apples Are So In Right Now
Cider Houses in Traverse City
It’s a question that we’re fielding more and more frequently from guests while helping them to plan their Traverse City beer and wine tours; “We were wondering – do you have any good cider places to check out up there?” Oh yeah. You can bet your hat we do. When you’ve tried the wine, and then the beer, you can be left looking for a new tasting adventure. Cider has stepped up big over the last few years to become of one the best ways to taste your way around Northern Michigan. You have these awesome Northern Michigan cider establishments to thank for that.
Taproot Cider House
In downtown Traverse City, there’s one true home for cider. Taproot has one of the largest, most diverse collections of cider on any drink menu around, offering up the best ciders from Northern Natural, Vandermill, Blakes, and Northern Michigan favorite Starcut Ciders. Tasting flights are generous and inexpensive, helping you to pick out your new favorite cider from among their large selection.
Left Foot Charley
Nestled under the branches of the Commons, Left Foot Charley is one of the best places for cider you might not have thought of trying out. They have an assortment of unique ciders, like Strawberry Apple Cider, Perry (made from Pears), and Henry Pippin’s Hard Cider for you to throw your eager taste buds at. However, it’s the Cinnamon Girl that causes all the fuss at our family get-togethers – if you’ve never tried the Cinnamon Girl, it’s about time you did.
45 North Winery & Vineyard
After a quick ride on our tour bus through Leelanau County, you and your friends will be at 45th North, one of the most beautiful vineyards in The County. Having one of the most stunning vineyards in Leelanau is no small feat. Similarly, their ciders stand out as the highlight of any wine or cider tour. The more traditional Hard Cider delivers a perfect balance of sweetness that is sure to delight most pallets. But, if you’re a bit more adventurous, you can try the Citra Cider or the Hard Chapple, two ciders that are decidedly more experimental, but equally delicious.
Tandem Ciders
Even as one of the fastest growing cider producers in the region, Tandem as done an excellent job of retaining their unique and quaint vibe. There’s just something inherently cool about ordering your drinks through the window of an old farmhouse. While Tandem produces a unique experience at their tasting venue, their ciders match that uniqueness as well. The Smackintosh is a taste to behold, while the Early Day is a personal favorite of mine. In total, they have seven of their own delicious ciders on hand for you to sample and enjoy. Picking your favorite will likely force you to make more than one visit!
Suttons Bay Ciders
Last in our write-up, but far from the least popular, is Suttons Bay Ciders. Being singularly focused on producing cider certainly has its advantages, and those advantages are easily witnessed with one tasting of any of the ciders on offer. With seven ciders to choose from, guests have their work cut out for them. As laborious as cider tasting may sound, we’re sure you and your crew will be able to tough out a stop at Suttons Bay Ciders. As a helpful tip, the Saskatoon is one of the most popular on most of our tour stops.
If you want to see what cider is all about, get yourself on a tour. You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter to take a tour vicariously through other people to see if it’s something you’d be up for. For specials, wine and beer events in Northern Michigan and much more, be sure to sign up for our newsletter at the bottom of our homepage!