As summer finally gives way to fall, Philadelphia’s western suburbs begin to turn from a luscious green to a vibrant red-orange just as we shift from iced coffees to hot apple ciders. Whether your ideal cider is served steaming hot on a brisk fall day, cooled in the fridge or fermented as an alcoholic beverage, the Main Line area’s apples provide options for cider enthusiasts of all ages.
Linvilla Orchards
137 W Knowlton Rd., Media
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One of the western suburbs’ most popular orchards, Linvilla also serves up some of the tastiest apple cider anywhere in Pennsylvania. After a fulfilling day picking fruit and filling your basket, retreat to the farm shop for a hot cup of the farm’s finest cider, or grab a jug to take for later.
Wolff’s Apple House and Weaver’s Orchard Cider
81 Pennell Rd., Media
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Weaver’s Orchard ships its cider all over the Main Line area. You can pick it up at the farm shop in Morgantown or grab a jug at Wolff’s Apple House in Media. If you’re looking to immerse yourself in those fall feelings and get the freshest apples and farm products the western suburbs have to offer, Wolff’s is a great place to start.
Highland Orchards
1000 Marshallton Thorndale Rd., West Chester
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Highland Orchards offers a variety of ways to drink your apple cider. Want to order it by the gallon online? Go ahead. Want to pick up individual cans of nonalcoholic sparkling apple cider in person at the farm? Highland Orchards is ready for you.
Glen Willow Orchards
1657 Glen Willow Rd., Avondale
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Glen Willow Orchards doesn’t always have apple cider in stock due to high demand, but don’t miss out when it does. Available starting in mid-September, this orchard’s cider is considered one of the top products across the Main Line area. Deliciously fresh, the cider is a must-try for anyone who stops by the shop in Avondale.
Alcoholic Ciders
Dressler Estate
Various farmers markets or delivery
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Dressler Estate works with local orchards to brew fine craft ciders, taking a winemaker’s approach. This style allows the flavor of the fruit to shine through and represent its growers from the southeastern Pennsylvania region. Dressler has over a dozen offerings to keep sippers coming back for more.
Frecon Cidery
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Frecon Ciders are sold at 17 different locations throughout the Philadelphia area. The farms are located in Boyertown, but there’s probably a bottle shop near you that sells the products. The brand’s standout canned drink is the Early Man, a light-bodied cider made from McIntosh and Gravenstein apples. Bringing in other unique flavors, Frecon’s catalog extends to a smooth and sweet Cidre Cherry, as well as the Crabby Granny made with crab, Granny Smith and Winesap apples to create a refreshing, tart flavor that packs a powerful punch with an ABV of 10 percent.
Old Stone Cider
959 Chesterville Rd., Lewisville
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Open only four days a week, from Thursday to Sunday, Old Stone offers seven house-made ciders. Food trucks are onsite at the location during all operating hours, and live music begins every Saturday at 5 p.m. Bring your pup and enjoy a sip of fall while enjoying good music or hanging out with friends during one of the many events throughout the fall season.
Excursion Ciders
14 Prizer Rd., Phoenixville
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With ciders made using local apples that are pressed and fermented in-house, Excursion Ciders offers a crisp breath of fresh air with its take on classic hard ciders. Made with whole ingredients from fresh fruit, herbs and other locally sourced goods, these ciders are jam-packed with fruity fall flavors. Stop in to try Of the Farm: Core, which has an ABV of 7.5 percent. Made with apples sourced from Plowvill Orchard, where author John Updike spent his formative years, the cider is named in honor of his novel Of the Farm. Rich in history and local flavors, this cider is a hit.Â
Chester County Ciders
207 S. Bolmar St., West Chester
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Inspired by the beauty of fall in Chester County, these fine ciders are crafted in small batches to fully capture the unique taste of the season. The 2023 vintage Gold Rush Cider is made with apples sourced from West Chester’s Highland Orchard. This sparkling cider is a tantalizing treat that bubbles over every taste bud. Order online and pick up from the West Chester location or check out one of the many distributors across the Main Line.Â
Related: The Dining News You Need to Know Around the Main Line in September
