Cideries in Ontario are becoming popular destinations as hard apple consumption continues to grow. While our city is home to a dedicated cider bar, you don't need to head to a local establishment to sip on this crisp and refreshing beverage. Instead, head out of town and get your cider directly from the source.

Here's a round-up of cideries to visit near Toronto.

County Cider Company (Waupoos)
With orchards that practically touch the water, the County Cider Company - which makes Waupoos - is a great place to stop if you're driving around Prince Edward County. Grab a bite at the on-site restaurant and do some tasting's in the cidery's small shop.

Applewood Farm Winery
Applewood Farm Winery in nearby Stouffville will let you pick your own apples and later, drink them too. Seriously, pick a bunch of apples and then head to the tasting room to sip on cider and delicious fruit wines.

Archibald's Estate Winery
This winery in Bowmanville also has an orchard on site, meaning you can pick your own apples and buy hard cider here.

Beaver Valley Cidery
Joshua Mott's (of Her Father's Cider Bar) own this cidery in Grey County. After you visit Toronto's only cider bar, take a drive and head to the tasting room - located in a converted barn - at Beaver Valley.

Coffin Ridge
Despite its ominous-sounding name, Coffin Ridge is a beautiful vineyard near Georgian Bay. Along with its well-known Forbidden Fruit cider, it offers unique one-offs, like strawberry basil-flavoured cider.

Hoity Toity Cellars
It might sound fancy, schmancy, but this cidery is pretty laid back. Make the trek out to Bruce County and taste Hoity Toity's lineup of award-winning ciders.

Ironwood
Grab some Ironwood Cider at the Sunnybrook Farm Estate Winery in Niagara-on-the-Lake. It'll undoubtedly be one of the many stops on your southern Ontario wine tour.

http://www.ironwoodcider.ca/">Spirit Tree Estate Cidery
At Spirit Tree, you can tour the cidery (with cheese pairings!), grab a bite at its on-site bistro and pick up dessert at its very own bakery. How's that for some bubbly indulgence?

Tawse Winery
This biodynamic winery in the Niagara Escarpment also makes hard apple cider. Visit for some tastings or arrange a private tour to see how the magic happens.

Twin Pines Orchards, Cider House and Estate Winery
Along with serving cider, Twin Pines features lush grounds and trails - including a secret garden in the middle of the woods with a man-made waterfall. There's plenty to do here if you decide to visit.

Photo of the County Cider Company by Amy Grief.