Meaghan Davies demonstrates how the apples are pruned and the importance of strong trees. She also explained how the apples are processed so that they use every part of the apple throughout the process. Vogel Photos
ARNPRIOR – This was definitely a great stop on an extremely hot day. Tues., Aug. 12 was greeted with anticipation as we entered the farm lane to Farmgate Cider. I had no idea of what to expect but the beauty of this location with the barn structure welcoming visitors to view the apple orchards and to taste the ciders was breathtaking.
The group of us were divided into two with one group being toured by Jim Davies, the co-owner of the facility and the rest of us were with Meaghan who is the marketing and events coordinator.
The tour of the orchards explained how they choose the types of apples they grow and what each type of apple has to offer to their process. Meaghan mentioned that they are not certified organic but they do not use chemicals.
Most of us look for that perfect apple to eat or use but seeing as these apples are being pressed and turned into this amazing cider, they can lay tarps on the ground under the trees and shake the apples free. Picking up the apples to be processed through their presses.
Using their own apples for the majority of their production and their own fermenting process allows them to use their knowledge to create their special blends.
This is truly a family passion as the story began with Jim Davies, the orchardist and master cidermaker who moved from Ottawa’s high-tech engineering sector and purchased the property outside of Arnprior. Inspired by his longstanding love of trees, Jim and his family gradually embraced cidermaking – “a perfect blend of his technical mind and his natural inclinations”.
Jim’s wife, Brenda designs all of the labels and artwork. She has a background in biology, education and fine arts. What a power house!
Now to add the next generation. With two of their sons and daughter in laws involved in the operation they are able to expand some of their offerings.
Meaghan, who is a daughter in law, is definitely an asset to this operation. Her presentation and sharing of the different varieties they offer drew you in to the passion this family shares. Sharing that each of them have their specialties but with the knowledge of the parents they are able to expand and develop so that every part of the apple is used.
Specializing in European-style dry, sparkling ciders – crafted without sulphites, preservatives, or stabilizers. They use estate-grown apples and source some local from the Ottawa Valley. The result is a crisp, refreshing cider that puts forward the pure taste of Ontario apples.
Sitting outside of their building we were able to taste test some of their varieties like Whild Child, Bee Squared, 3 Bros and North Road.
No matter what type of cider you enjoy, there is something for everyone.
I have to admit my favorites were Bee Squared which is infused with honey and the 3 Bros which has three types of apples in this cider.
Jim also mentioned they are in the process at looking at the distributions options now available with the provincial government changes but that has not been finalized, so for now you can either go directly to the farm or visit the local Carp Farms Market to purchase their products.
