The County Cider Company is located on Ontario’s island of Prince Edward County. Most famous for the giant sand dunes and golden beaches of Sandbanks Provincial Park, the County also enjoys a dramatic history.

Following the American Revolution of 1776 the Township of Marysburgh—home to the County Cider Co.—was one of many established for the settlement of United Empire Loyalists. Named in honour of Princess Mary, a daughter of King George III, it became home to a small group of disbanded German mercenaries under former Lieutenant Baron von Reitzenstein. This party, numbering about 40 persons, was one of the earliest German-speaking groups to settle in Ontario. By October 1784 they had begun to clear and cultivate the land. Henry David and his wife Elizabeth were among these early settlers and it was in 1830, that their son Conrad David, was given title to the lot, which the County Cider Co. now calls home.

Today, the 1832 Conrad David House is an area landmark. Set on the brow of the Waupoos escarpment, the stone house is an excellent example of Regency Cottage architecture. It features dramatic French doors, over-sized windows and veranda as well as a hipped roof. Next door, the property's picturesque 1832 stone barn houses the County Cider Co.'s tasting room and retail store. Visitors are invited to take advantage of the million-dollar view of Lake Ontario from our patio and enjoy a cold, refreshing cider and a lightlunch.

THE ORCHARDS

Our family farm has been producing apples since 1850. It is located in the township of North Marysburgh on the island of Prince Edward County. A region renowned for its breathtaking views of Lake Ontario, which has a moderating effect on local air temperatures, it also benefits from fertile soil—ideal conditions for cultivating fruits of unparalleled flavour and quality.

From the first blossoms in spring through the chilly winter months we carefully nurture our orchards, taking full advantage of the County's native assets. We grow over 15 varieties of apples at our two orchards, which comprise approximately 40 acres of apple trees and 12 acres of grapes. The orchards produce roughly 1,600 tonnes of apples each year. Among the varieties that we use to create our ciders are Bulmer's Norman, Ida Red, Russets, Northern Spy, Yarlington Mill, Dabinett, Michelin and Tremlett's Bitter. These apples provide tannins and acidity—key ingredients when making quality cider. In addition, we grow common varieties such as Cortland, Red and Golden Delicious and Jersey and Marshall Mac.