Merridale Cider Works:The Largest Cider Apple Orchid in North America
by Scott A. Sumner
Thunder Bay Business
It is always interesting to see unique buinesses in operation and on a recent trip to Vancouver Island, B.C. I was able to visit Merridale Cider Works. This boutique family owned company makes some of the best cider products you will ever find.
“ We grow apples and make unique cider that is still handcrafted, all natural and amazing. We are very small but focus on the quality not the quanity with a copper still from Germany. There is amazing foresight from our owners to focus on th romance and quality of food,”
said Andrea Butler of Merridale Cider Works in Cobble Hill, BC. “ Our owner Rick’s philosophy after talking to the great cider masters in England was to look at the orchard as a great palate of colour, instead of painting with one colour. It is a lot of scientific but a lot of love and art goes into making the cider. We have 8 different ciders and 4 new distillery products so something for everybody. People can pop in here, do a self guided tour, see the orchards, have a drink on the deck and do a tasting of great food from our chef from England. It is seen more as comfort food, back to basics like soul food.”
The business also offers a full package including a spa where we they do massages, pedicures and manicures and offer a full wedding package. You can have dinner, and spend the night. It is a very relaxing and very soothing place said Andre Butler.
