Welcome to Ontario’s largest apple growing region and home of Apple Pie Trail CIDERFEST!

Ten days of cider pairings, special events, tours and menu features from Duntroon to Collingwood, Blue Mountain, Beaver Valley, Thornbury and Meaford.

Meet the Maker

New this year at Ciderfest, we’re introducing Meet the Maker, your chance to find out more about each cider maker’s unique process in crafting hard cider from local apples for your enjoyment.

About Vanessa McKean

Born and raised in the Blue Mountains, in the heart of Apple Country, Vanessa grew up & lives on a beef farm. She started her career by attending Niagara College for Wine & Viticulture, followed by a post grad in Wine Business Management.

Since 2011, Vanessa has been making cider for personal use, as well as for hobbyist and commercial clients around Southern Georgian Bay. She gained Cider & Perry Production; Foundations & Advanced certificates from the Cider and Perry Academy offered at Cornell University in 2012, and has gone on to become the cider maker at Ardiel Cider House & joined Georgian Hills Vineyards as winemaker in 2010. In her spare time Vanessa enjoys other “maker” hobbies such as Bee Keeping and producing maple syrup.

Ardiel Cider House Meet the Maker Dates & Times

• Friday, June 7th from 2-4pm

• Wednesday, June 12 from 2-4pm

• Friday, June 14 from 2-4pm

What Is The Best Way to Enjoy Ciderfest?

• Visit the 6 passport stops

• Enjoy food and hard cider pairings

• Get your passport stamped at each stop

• Hop on a Ciderfest Bus Tour

• Attend a Ciderfest Special Event

For more details on purchasing your Passport and events, please visit the CIDERFEST site directly!