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3 Michigan Hard Ciders Rank Among World’s Best

Author Kayla Morgan

Sweater weather is now upon us and trips to the cider mill are in full swing. However, some of us occasionally lean toward a more spirited choice, like hard cider. Food & Wine magazine rounded up the best handcrafted hard ciders from around the world. Three Michigan ciders earned a spot on their list.

According to the magazine, the list includes 30 of the best hard ciders from artisan producers. Each features a variety of innovative selections. They mentioned that these ciders come from major apple regions across the U.S. and the “three best-known international cider countries: England, Spain, and France.”

3 Michigan ciders secure a spot on the ranking.

Michigan’s Left Foot Charley Henry’s Pippin claimed the 14th spot on their list. It was praised for its intricate yet approachable cider produced through the Solera Method, blending various vintages. Left Foot Charley, located at the former Northern Michigan Asylum in Traverse City, is known for its red and white wine varietals, hard cider, and sparkling wine, as outlined on their winery’s website.

Closely following at number 15 is Virtue Lapinette from Fennville, recognized for its French style, evoking the essence of farmhouse ciders. Virtue Cider’s origin can be traced back to former Goose Island brewmaster Gregory Hall. According to the Virtue Cider website, after attending an English cider festival, Hall was inspired to bring outstanding ciders to Michigan.

Wrapping up Michigan’s mentions on the list at number 16 is JK’s Scrumpy, produced on a farm in Flushing. The magazine highlighted JK’s Farmhouse Ciders’ remarkable cider-making heritage, spanning over 150 years. According to the farm’s website, their cider-making process has seen little change since the 1850s, maintaining the use of apples from the same orchards, dating back to before the Civil War.

Check out more of the best ciders from around the world featured on their list here.

Get Your Cider Fix: 16 Metro Detroit's Cider Mills to Visit this Fall

The cool breeze is creeping in, and Fall is sneaking up on us here in Michigan. We’re more than halfway through August, and it’s time to gear up for some autumn fun. Among these activities are haunted attractions that’ll make you jump and pumpkin patches begging for your best jack-o’-lantern face. But before we jump into spooky season, we are excited about apple orchards and, of course, cider mills.

The excitement

There’s a thrill that comes with the mention of apple orchards. You have the aroma of cider mills in full swing, and the irresistible allure of freshly made, warm sugary donuts. These elements combine to create an experience that captures the essence of fall. Michigan is home to numerous cider mills, with some particularly favored ones scattered throughout the Metro Detroit area.

Michigan apples

It’s worth noting that the state has emerged as a significant contributor to the apple market; there are a substantial number of apple orchards in Michigan. According to information from the Michigan Apple Committee, Michigan holds the rank of the nation’s third-largest apple producer. The state has over 14.9 million apple trees that span 34,500 acres and are distributed among 775 family-operated farms.

Michigan is one of the best states for homemade donuts and apple cider. For those who appreciate the charm of cider mills, it’s no secret that each one has its own distinct personality. With an assortment of activities, specialties, a variety of donuts, and a specific blend of apples, no two cider mills are quite the same. And quite a few cideries have jumped on the trend of offering hard cider as well.

Whether you’re planning a full day out with the family, keeping up a cherished tradition, or simply curious to see what all the fuss is about, these cider mills should definitely be on your radar. With offerings ranging from hayrides and u-pick experiences to petting zoos and corn mazes, check out these cider mills in Metro Detroit.

  • Long Family Orchards, Commerce

    Now open at 1540 East Commerce Rd in Commerce, you’ve got the Long Family Orchard ready to welcome you. They have a cider mill, a corn maze, and a play area for visitors. Alongside their cider and donuts, you can also pick up apples, pumpkins, and other fresh produce from their offerings.

    Young girl at Long Cider Mill, Commerce, MI

    Kayla Morgan/ BBGI Detroit

  • Plymouth Orchards & Cider Mill, Plymouth

    Experience fall to the fullest at Plymouth Orchards & Cider Mill. Treat yourself to a cinnamon donut and fresh cider, and don’t miss the wagon ride to the pumpkin patch or the hay bale maze. Located at 10685 Warren Rd. in Plymouth, they’re opening up for Labor Day weekend.

    Sweet cider donuts freshly baked on shelf

    GummyBone/ Getty Images

  • Yate's Cider Mill, Rochester Hills

    Right at 1990 E. Avon in Rochester Hills, this place is open for business. They have cider, pastries, and fudge. They also have a petting farm with sheep, horses, and Lucy the Llama. And if you’re up for a walk, there are riverside trails to explore. They’re open every day from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Find more information about Yates Cider Mill here.

    Yate's Cider Mill, Rochester

    Kayla Morgan/ BBGI Detroit

  • Paint Creek Cider Mill, Rochester

    This family-operated cider mill and restaurant serves up scratch-made meals year-round. You can enjoy lunch and dinner here, and when fall rolls around, they have cider and donuts too. They also offer a variety of baked goods and ice cream, including a fun treat called the Apple Cider Milk Shake. Located at 4480 Orion Rd. in Rochester.

    Cup of apple cider and half dozen of cinnamon donuts on wooden table

    Kenishirotie/ Getty Images

  • Blake's Orchard & Cider Mill, Armada

    Blake’s Orchard & Cider Mill is open and waiting for you at 17985 Armada Center Rd. in Armada. They’ve got not one, but two spots to explore: Blake’s Orchard Funland and Blake’s Big Apple Funland. They have a petting farm, water duck races, an animated scarecrow band, and wagon rides at each spot. Plus, they’ve got tasty treats sourced locally. Blake’s has got more to offer with an open-air apple press, a tasting room, and even a restaurant.

    Ripe red apple close-up with sun rays and apple orchard in the background.

    olga_d/ Getty Images

  • Blake's Lyon Township, South Lyon

    This 104-acre apple orchard and mill used to be called Erwin Orchards and Cider Mill. It opened a few weeks ago and has everything from doughnuts, cider, and U-pick apples to a petting zoo. And they offer Blake’s Hard Cider, wine, yummy cider mill treats, and baked goods. This is located at 51475 Silver Lake Rd. in South Lyon.

    Sampler Flight Tray of Apple Cider Alcohol Drinks on a Wood Table Outdoors

    SEASTOCK/ Getty Images

  • Franklin Cider Mill, Franklin

    They’ve got an open-air market, the Apple Shack, and the Franklin Tent where you can grab homemade jams, maple syrup, honey, salsas, meats, and cheeses. And they’re bringing back Cider Dogs, which are hot dogs soaked in cider. You can even watch them making the cider inside the mill. Head to 7450 Franklin Rd. in Franklin when they open up on Saturday, September 2nd.

    Making homemade apple cider donuts. The final step is to roll the warm donuts in cinnamon sugar.

    DepthofField/ Getty Images

  • Three Cedars Farm, Northville

    Starting September 1st, head over to 7897 Six Mile Rd. in Northville. When you arrive, you’ll be greeted by a colorful entrance packed with fall flowers, mums, corn stalks, and, of course, the chance to pick your own pumpkins. Don’t miss the big red barn and cider mill – that’s where the hayrides start every 10 minutes. And if you’re up for a challenge, there’s a 7-acre corn maze for both kids and adults. Plus, Three Cedars offers 10 private bonfire sites for rent all season long.

    Farm fresh apple cider doughnuts donuts being made at a farm pumpkin festival

    Malinda Peron/ Getty Images

  • Parmenter's, Northville

    Opening its doors on August 26, you can find this place at 714 Baseline in Northville. They have all the good stuff like cider, doughnuts, cider slush, and more tasty treats. And if you’re into fresh hard cider and beer, check out Parmenter’s Northville Winery and Brewing Co. This year marks their 150th anniversary.

    Cup of apple cider and half dozen of cinnamon donuts on wooden table

    Kenishirotie/ Getty Images

  • Spicer Orchards, Fenton

    Spicer Orchards is open all year round and has been growing fruit for six generations. They got their Hartland farm in 1967 and set up another market there in 1980. They do apples and cider, and they also have a winery, a doughnut shop, and a bakery. You can check them out at 10411 Clyde Rd. in Fenton.

    Spicer Orchards, Fenton

    Kayla Morgan/ BBGI Detroit

  • Diehl’s Orchard & Cider Mill, Holly

    Diehl’s Orchard and Cider Mill is open daily from mid-August to Halloween, 9 am to 6 pm. They serve apple cider, homemade donuts, apple butter, honey, jams, pies, candy, and more fall favorites. A visit to Diehl’s feels like a trip “up North” rather than a typical Metro Detroit cider mill.

    Glass jars with butter, jam on the wooden shelf  on background of a dark wall, breakfast concept, kitchen background, healthy eating concept, conservation concept

    Matveev_Aleksandr/ Getty Images

  • Stony Creek Orchard & Cider, Bruce Township

    Eat fresh apple cider straight from their mill and enjoy hot, homemade donuts at the Donut House, all while your kids play on straw bales in the picnic area. No need for an admission fee at their farm. You can pick your own apples, pumpkins, and raspberries (red, yellow & black) or buy pre-picked ones. They also offer apples, homemade pies, caramel apples, pre-picked pumpkins, gourds, jams, jellies, honey, maple syrup, and more. You can even check out antique tractors on display for fun photo ops.

    A closeup shot of an apple cider doughnut on a plate

    Wirestock/ Getty Images

  • Wiard's Orchards, Ypsilanti

    Right now, you can head over to Wiard’s at 5565 Merritt Road in Ypsilanti. With a history of almost 170 years, they have a petting farm, corn maze, wagon rides, mini golf, fire engine rides, paintball, karaoke, and a super big inflatable slide. You can also pick your own apples and pumpkins. And if you’re up for a scare, check out Wiard’s Haunted Thrill Park on weekends in September and October. They’ve got a Haunted Barn, MindShaft, and Asylum waiting for you. Wiard’s is open Wednesday through Sunday, and there are even more cool things happening on weekends.

    fall - an apple, a jug of apple cider and a bag of donuts on a red picnic table

    sparkia/ Getty Images

  • Westview Orchards, Washington

    For an fall family outing, check out Westview Orchards in Washington Township. They offer u-pick apples, a farm market, and bakery, along with activities like The Black Hole, Giant Slide, Corn Maze, and more. Visit on Saturdays and Sundays in September and October from 10 am to 5 pm.

    Female gardener, farmer picking ripe red organic apples into box in orchard. Excellent harvest of apples, farming, gardening, natural bio fruit, eco food, healthy eating concept

    Valeriy_G/ Getty Images

  • Apple Charlies, New Boston

    Located at 38035 S. Huron Rd. in New Boston, Apple Charlie’s is set to open next month. The star of the show at Apple Charlie’s is their wide array of apples and fresh-pressed cider. For the little ones, there are pony rides and a farm with animals to enjoy. You’ll also find food truck vendors on-site.

    Seven-Year girl and baby goats.

    flySnow/ Getty Images

  • Miller's Big Red Orchard, Washington Township

    Located at 4900 32 Mile Rd. in Washington Township, they’re gearing up to open in mid-September. It’s a fully operational farm with much more than apples and pumpkins. Alongside their cider, Millers has a Country Store stocked with pies, bread, jams, jellies, donuts, and more. They’ve also got a greenhouse filled with various plants. Throughout the seasons, you can enjoy U-Pick strawberries, cherries, pumpkins, raspberries, and three types of apples. Plus, they have their own ice cream parlor and craft their own mackinaw fudge.

    Freshly baked apple pie

    aetb/ Getty Images

Kayla is the midday host on Detroit’s 105.1 The Bounce. She started her career in radio back in 2016 as an intern at another Detroit station and worked her way here. She's made stops in Knoxville, TN, Omaha, Ne and other places before returning to Detroit. She’s done almost everything in radio from promotions to web, creating content on social media, you name it. She’s a true Michigander, born and raised. So, you can catch her camping or vacationing up north to exploring the downtown Detroit or maybe even catching a sports game. During her free time, Kayla enjoys watching movies, roller-skating, crafting, and music festivals. She and her husband together dip into many of the great things Michigan has to offer. Together they also like to travel. A few hobbies of hers include wine and beer tastings, crafting, hiking, roller skating, movies, home improvement projects, gardening, and festivals. She’s always looking to take on more local events happening in the community. She loves connecting with the community. When writing, Kayla covers topics including lifestyle, pop culture, trending stories, hacks, and urban culture.
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