A Trio of Top-Notch Ciders to Sip This Summer—And They’re All Made in B.C.

Local imbibing does not solely revolve around B.C. wine, craft beer and artisanal spirits. We’re blessed with a homegrown fourth pillar that for years was either relegated to the bulk category (a two-litre of Growers please!) or super nerdy niche (anything that came in a bottle). But the past few years have seen a cadre of hobbyists take the next step and become full blown cidermakers producing fruit-based tipples that are both amazing and perfect for summer al fresco dining. Here are three that come in proper 750-ml bottles, so you don’t have to slam a pack of cans on the table.

1. Sea Cider Wild English, $19.50

Along with Merridale, Sea Cider represents the OG Island branch of the cider renaissance that in many ways set the example for the rest of the province. And this bottle shows their inner Anglophile: bone dry, tannic, earthy. A worthy challenge to a plate of charcuterie or grilled sausages.

2. Sunday Cider Twice Is Nice, $22

This Sunshine Coast-based trio represents the second wave of dreamers making serious juice. This mash-up features apples from the Similkameen and pinot noir grapes and gamay grape skins from the Fraser Valley. The result is dynamite— vibrant pink and seriously jumpy in the glass. Grilled salmon would be a nice counterpoint here. (Note: no relation here to the much more industrial, Eastern Canada-based No Boats on Sunday!)

3. Riley’s Long Lost Apples, $21

On an idyllic corner of Bowen Island, Christine Hardie and Rob Purdy tend a straight-out-of-central-casting heritage orchard that has few equals in Canada for its historical importance. They use these apples (with an assist from Similkameen Macintoshes) to make this literally one-of-a-kind blend that’s not too tart, putting history in a bottle.

The Best Glassware for Delicious Local Cider

Belgian Taster Glass, $2.95

I find that most glassware I’d use for wine works well with hand-crafted ciders, but this glass, while technically for beer, also works like a charm. It’s from Crate and Barrel, is affordable and helps concentrate the nose, but has a heft that keeps it real on the fancy front. And please, no pint glasses! crateandbarrel.ca