Wagner Orchards introduces hard apple cider, again

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

Located in Lakeshore, the Wagner family has steadily expanded their business by selling pies, jams and other pastries, hosting events, and producing honey, beef and Berkshire pork.

When they entered into the wine 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 Harold Wagner.

Fast forward a few years, and hard cider is finally getting its due. As a result of growing public interest, the family decided to get back into the business, tapping heavily into their knowledge 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 hard cider at three locations in Windsor-Essex.

The first is at the orchard itself, where you can purchase it 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 on tap at Rino's Kitchen on Elliott Street in Windsor and Tiki Sushi on Erie Street, also in Windsor.