Wagner Orchards introduces hard apple cider, again

Wagner Orchards and Estate Wineryhas been a popular place to pick apples since it opened in the early 1990s.

Located in Lakeshore, theWagner family hassteadily expanded their business by sellingpies, jamsandother pastries, hostingevents, and producinghoney,beef and Berkshire pork.

When they entered into thewine business a little over a decade ago, hard cider seemed like a natural part of the lineup.It didn't last long.

"Cider wasn't really a big deal back then," explains HaroldWagner.

Fast forward a few years, and hard cider isfinally getting its due. As a result of growing public interest,the family decidedtoget back into the business,tappingheavily into theirknowledge of wine in order to make it.

The first batch debuted a few weeks ago, just in time for the start of apple season.

Click on the audio player to hear my conversation with Harold Wagner about his new, improved cider.

Windsor Morning6:57Food with Jonathan Pinto - Wagner's Hard Cider

Hard apple cider is getting really popular - and now, it's made here in Windsor-Essex.

Ready to try some locally produced hard cider?

You can find Wagner's hardcider at three locations in Windsor-Essex.

The first is at the orchard itself, where you can purchaseit by the glass or in a large growler to take home.They're located at 1222 Lakeshore Rd 103 in Lakeshore.

The cider is also available ontap atRino'sKitchenon Elliott Street in Windsor andTiki Sushi on Erie Street, also in Windsor.