My mother grew up on an apple orchard in Northwest York County. My grandfather — her father — was an apple farmer his whole life. So, to me, Maine has always been a state uniquely aligned with apple growing.
Of course, Maine is also well-known for its native fruit, the blueberry, as well as its lobster industry and the Maine lobster roll. Even though Maine isn’t the top apple-producing place in the United States — Washington State holds that distinction — Maine continues to have a rich apple-growing tradition. It’s why so many people like to go apple picking in the fall. Now, Maine has become a hub for innovative cider production, capturing the attention of both local and national markets.
Cider Industry in Maine
The state’s vibrant agricultural sector has embraced this trend, with thousands of new trees being planted to meet increasing demand. According to Down East Magazine, Maine’s craft cideries are gaining recognition. Plus, they contribute a small yet rapidly growing portion of the industry’s annual sales reaching hundreds of millions of dollars. According to the American Cider Association, sales of regional hard cider brands grew by over 10% in Maine year over year.
FYI, hard cider is apple cider that has fermented like wine does. Sweet cider, on the other hand, is traditional apple cider and is non-alcoholic.
The popularity of hard cider extends beyond Maine, reflecting a national trend where the number of active cideries has reached impressive numbers. This comeback has been supported by a shift in consumer preferences towards gluten-free and locally produced beverages, a market need that hard cider aptly fulfills. As interest continues to grow, enthusiasts and newcomers alike are exploring the complex flavors and varieties that these cider makers offer.
Increased interest in craft beverages in the early 21st century has spurred this revival. Many apple-producing states, like Maine, have seen a resurgence in local cider production. This is part of a broader trend in which consumers have shown a preference for artisanal and locally sourced products.
Effect on the local economy
Maine, in particular, has experienced a hard cider revival. It became more than just an apple-growing state; it matured into a region known for its unique cider offerings. Cider producers have tapped into the rich history and tradition of cider making, integrating this heritage into modern craft practices.
Maine’s agricultural sector benefits from the hard cider revival. Local orchards are planting thousands of new trees, boosting apple production and creating jobs. This agricultural expansion supports both traditional farmers and new cider producers, diversifying income sources.
Cider production offers a unique opportunity for those seeking gluten-free alternatives. This market segment expands the customer base, appealing to consumers with dietary restrictions and enhancing the industry’s reach. This broadens the appeal of Maine’s cider beyond traditional boundaries.
The state’s commitment to supporting agricultural and small business development plays a crucial role in this economic impact. Local support systems and policies are key to sustaining the industry’s growth and ensuring its continued contribution to Maine’s economy.
Cider Tourism and Agritourism in Maine
In Maine, small-scale producers have been at the forefront, creating niche products that reflect local terroir. This shift has spurred economic growth in the cider industry, helping local economies and fostering a sense of community among cider enthusiasts.
Many special events have popped up to support Maine’s cider houses. Some of these include:
- Downeast Cider and Cheese Festival, November 8-10, 2024 in Ellsworth
- Cider Feast, held annually in May in Portland
Cider tourism has become an integral part of agritourism, such as Maine Open Farm Day and Maine Maple Sunday. These are all opportunities to visit local small businesses and farms that contribute to Maine’s agricultural economy.
Cider Tours and Tasting Events
Cider tours and tasting events are popular attractions in states like Maine. Small-scale cideries invite visitors to experience the cider-making process firsthand. These events often include guided tours of orchards, allowing guests to learn about apple varieties and cultivation methods.
Tasting sessions offer a chance to sample a variety of ciders, showcasing both traditional and innovative flavors. Visitors gain insight into distinct production techniques and flavor profiles, enhancing their appreciation of this craft beverage. Interactive workshops on cider blending or pairing with food provide an engaging experience.
Maine’s Cider Houses and Cideries
Here is a roundup of some of the Maine cider houses you should visit, if you’re interested in trying out Maine hard cider. Only a few are in Southern Maine but since we wanted this article to be regionally inclusive, we’ve added cider houses and cideries throughout the state.
Ayuh Cider
Ayuh Cider in Farmington specializes in sweet and hard ciders made from Macoun apple trees that grow on their property. They also have a tasting room. In season, aka fall, The Cidery is open
- Friday 4-7pm
- Saturday 12-7pm
- Sunday 12-4pm
Absolem Cider
Absolem Cider, situated on a 50-acre farm in Winthrop, ferments, ages, and blends cider in their farmhouse. Their ciders are available year-round in a renovated 1850s barn. The orchard features heirloom apple varieties originally grown in Winthrop in the late 1700s, demonstrating a commitment to Maine’s apple heritage. Guests can create their own charcuterie boards with local cheeses and meats or enjoy offerings from visiting food trucks.
Anoche Cider and Bistro
On Portland’s East End, Anoche is a Spanish-inspired cider house and bistro offering a wide selection of local and international ciders, select spirits, and small plates. With 40 different ciders, there’s something for everyone.
Freedom’s Edge Cider
There are two tasting rooms for Freedom’s Edge Cider. One is in Albion, Maine and the other is in Portland.
Portersfield Dry Cider
Portersfield Dry Cider in Pownal offers small-batch dry ciders from over 225 varieties of modern and heirloom apples. Their tasting room features cider flights paired with seasonal foods from local producers and their own fields, opening mid-April for the season.
Rabbit Hill Farm
Rabbit Hill Farm in Stonington offers organic produce and sweet and hard cider through its Deer Isle Cider Company. They produce a sparkling hard cider made with handpicked wild and heirloom apples foraged from the island of Deer Isle and other Maine locations.
Ricker Hill Orchards
Ricker Hill Orchards offers cider at three locations. The tasting room in Turner, across from the original orchard, has 12 taps featuring classic ciders, limited releases, and seasonal favorites. Vista of Maine Vineyard and Cidery in Greene has a tasting room in a historic red barn, where you can sample Mainiac Hard Cider and Ricker Hill Wines while enjoying mountain and lake views. In winter, you can use their snowshoe trails for free, and children can play in the playground and lumberjack cabin. In Auburn, you can savor their ciders at Wallingford Orchard during the warmer months.
Shalom Orchard Organic Farm and Winery
Shalom Orchard Organic Farm and Winery began the Honey in That Rock Cidery in 2022. Currently, they are making three different kinds of hard cider, all made with local Maine apples. Some vintages have hints of other ingredients, including pear, passionfruit and lemon curd.
Stone Tree Farm & Cidery
Stone Tree Farm & Cidery in Unity is a small-batch winery and cidery. It has a large lawn with games, live music and visiting food trucks. Their ciders range from dry and semi-dry to sweet.
Things to Do in Southern Maine in the Coming Week
Here is a roundup of bargains and/or things to do in Southern Maine. This includes Portsmouth, New Hampshire to Portland, Maine and north to Brunswick along the coast. We also include inland communities in Cumberland and York Counties, and a tiny bit of Oxford County, too. This is all in the next week or so.
If we’ve missed an event you think people should know about, please drop us an email to let us know at news@southernmaineOnTheCheap.com or via our contact page.
Free and Cheap Things To Do in Southern Maine
Here are FREE and cheap things to do in Southern Maine in the coming week.