The County Cider Company is a farm cidery in the Waupoos area, at 657 Bongards Crossroad, known for ciders made from over 16 apple varieties grown on site. Flavours include a blackberry-peach, an elderflower sour and a harvest spice cider, and new flavours appear weekly according to its site. The bottle shop and tasting room is open Thursday and Friday from 11 am to 4 pm and Saturday and Sunday from 11 am to 5 pm, with cider tastings booked through the site. A licensed waterfront patio serves lunch from a wood-fired oven in season, but it closes for the cold months. Take-home four-packs and growlers are sold in the shop.
What to do
Book a cider tasting, then choose bottles or a growler from the shop. The ciders range from dry and crisp to fruit-forward, and the farm setting among the orchards is part of the visit. In season, the patio looks over the water and serves wood-fired food, which makes it a good lunch stop, but the patio is closed in the off-season.
Seasons and planning
The bottle shop and tasting room are open Thursday to Sunday in the cooler months, with the patio closed. Summer hours are longer, so hours can differ by season. Phone or email the cidery before you travel in the cooler months, and book the tasting in advance on weekends.
Fitting it in
Allow an hour for a tasting and a purchase. The cidery is on the eastern side of the county, a drive from Picton, and it pairs with Waupoos Estates Winery nearby for a day of cider and wine. Designate a driver, and pack bottles carefully, since glass travels badly in a loose bag. The farm is described as family friendly and pet friendly, so children and dogs are welcome in the right areas.
What to expect
The experience
A farm cidery with a bottle shop, bookable tastings and, in season, a waterfront patio with a wood-fired oven.
Best time
The bottle shop and tasting room run Thursday to Sunday in the cooler months; the patio closes, so summer is the best time for lunch.
How long
About an hour for a tasting and a purchase.
Tips
Book a tasting in advance, contact the cidery before a November visit and pair it with Waupoos Estates.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Cider fans who want to taste varietal ciders at the farm where the apples grow.
- Families
- The farm is described as family friendly and pet friendly, so children and dogs can visit.
- Couples
- Share a tasting flight, then take a growler or a four-pack home.
- Pair with
- Waupoos Estates Winery, Picton and Lake on the Mountain.
- Time needed
- About an hour, plus the drive from Picton.
Good questions
Is the cidery open in November?+
The bottle shop and tasting room are open Thursday to Sunday in the cooler months, with the patio closed. Confirm hours before you go.
Do I need to book a tasting?+
Cider tastings are booked through the site, and booking ahead is wise on weekends.
What ciders do they make?+
Ciders from more than 16 apple varieties grown on the farm, including blackberry-peach, an elderflower sour and a harvest spice style. New flavours are added every week.
Can I buy cider to take home?+
Yes, the shop sells four-packs and growlers of seasonal ciders.
Where is it?+
At 657 Bongards Crossroad in the Waupoos area, a drive from Picton.
