Explore These Petoskey Area Craft Cideries

This time of year is a veritable overflowing cornucopia of things I love. Namely, colorful and crunchy leaves, gourds and pumpkin décor, classic horror films, and all things apple, including ciders. Now, I’m a bit partial to non-alcoholic cider accompanied by fresh cake donuts, but sipping on a crisp adult beverage doesn’t go amiss, especially in the picturesque Petoskey Area.

The Northern Michigan region is well-stocked when it comes to wineries, breweries, and cideries. I managed to visit a couple this week, and I can also speak to the excellence of two others, all for your benefit.

 

Resort Pike Cidery & Winery

Off the beaten path, tucked a little ways off of US-131 in Petoskey, you’ll find Resort Pike Cidery & Winery, which opened in 2017 and is part of the Mackinaw Trail Winery & Brewery family of businesses. A working farm with fruit-bearing trees and vines, this dog-friendly establishment currently has 20+ ciders on tap boasting an array of flavor combinations.

Before my sunny, blue-bird day visit, I did a little online perusal—yes, I am the person who assesses menus before going to restaurants—and from my research, I knew I had to try the Honeycrisp and The Great Pearkin ciders. As an older millennial, I have entered the phase of life where it is acceptable to have a favorite apple, which, naturally, is a Honeycrisp. So, the reasoning behind that selection goes without saying. As for the latter cider, I grew up watching The Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown, and have a soft spot for witty names, pears, and pumpkins.

With indoor or outdoor seating options, I elected to sample a flight of five ciders ($20) beneath the pergola: The Great Pearkin, Michael Scotch, Mulligan, Apple Cinnamon, and Honeycrisp. And lo and behold, Honeycrisp was my favorite with its clean and crisp apple flavor.

Resort Pike Cidery & Winery takes you into the rolling hills south of Petoskey for scenic views and well-balanced, not overly sweet ciders. With more than 20 ciders available, there’s a flavor profile for all sippers.

 

Gabriel Farms & Winery and Four Labs Beer & Cider

A most picturesque establishment just north of Petoskey’s bustling downtown is Gabriel Farms & Winery and Four Labs Beer & Cider. Surrounded by autumnal colors and the crisp scent of fall, this spot was quite dreamy.

Thanks to another online look, I knew I had to try the Caramel Vanilla Cider, because vanilla is a top-five scent and flavor, and the Pistachio Butter, because it struck me as an expected option. And all the ciders are produced in-house using locally grown or Michigan-sourced products, and I’m all about that.

A working farm offering U-Pick produce opportunities during the summer season and into fall, Gabriel Farms also provides produce to local restaurants, creates jams and preserves, and has become a sought-after wedding and event venue.

While visiting the tasting room, I chose the best of both worlds and sat inside in front of the garage-door opening that presented an autumnal view, a cool breeze, and the warmth of an interior. Owner Kristi Schuil and her son, Keith Hansen, who crafts all beverages—wines, beers, and ciders—even sat down to chat about fun flavors, farm growth, and how the spring ice storm took out most of their apple trees.

For this tasting flight, it was $12 for four ciders, and to accompany the two aforementioned flavors, I added Pumpkin Spice and Maple Praline, which ended up being my two favorites of the bunch.

Aside from the scenery, roaming labradors, and cozy fire pit, one of the coolest features is that you can explore the entire property while partaking in any on-site beverages. So, be sure to walk, sip, and enjoy each corner of Gabriel Farms when you visit, and scratch a pup’s ear if you can.

 

Elder Piper Beer + Cider

Tucked away in Petoskey, dare I say, an off-the-beaten-path, semi-industrial locale, sits Elder Piper Beer + Cider, a recent addition to the local beverage community, and one that’s gaining popularity with every passing day.

An artisanal brewery and cidery, Elder Piper was founded in 2023 to celebrate and explore the art of fermentation and share the findings and concoctions with the community.

Owners Trace and Eeva Redmond proudly craft beers and ciders that draw on the wealth of local agriculture, creating flavor profiles and combinations that intrigue and satisfy the cider curious.

Case in point, the cidery’s Cherry Cider is made with Montmorency cherries—a Michigan favorite—and its Blood Orange Chinook Cider uses Michigan-grown Chinook hops. Elder Piper also offers its Chickadee Session Cider and an Apple Blossom Cider. All four beverages are fresh and crisp while also being gluten-free and vegan.

If you stumble upon Elder Piper on the right day or evening, you may get to enjoy a themed trivia night, a silent book club, or a great seat where you can play a round of euchre or a board game with friends while savoring the unique cider flavors.

 

Pond Hill Farm

A favorite spot, regardless of the season (but especially during fall), is Pond Hill Farm, located on M-119 in Harbor Springs, not far from the magnificent Tunnel of Trees, another year-round area attraction that’s particularly stunning in autumn.

A cafe, winery, brewery, and market all rolled into one, Pond Hill Farm is also a functional farm and a hub of activity. Visitors can shop the well-stocked general store, enjoy brick oven-fired pizzas, traverse the wooded trails, catch live music, and enjoy seasonal events, like the pumpkin patch, corn maze, and bustling Fall Fest weekends that host family-friendly activities.

Amongst all that, Pond Hill Farm is also a perfect spot to enjoy a chilled glass of cider while soaking up the colorful scenery of Harbor Springs. With four delectable ciders to choose from, you won’t be disappointed with the Michigan-centric flavors.

The Strawberry Rhubarb Hard Cider is a semi-sweet treat mixing summer strawberries with tart rhubarb, and the Blueberry Hard Cider infuses the Farm’s original hard cider recipe with sweet blueberries, both of which will give major summer vibes with every sip.

Then, there are two tunnel-themed ciders: Tunnel Vision Hard Cider, the champagne-esque cider that champions Spy and Macintosh apple flavors, and Tunnel of Cherries, which combines cherry wine with the aforementioned hard cider, presenting an equally sweet and sour blend in a Michigan fruit marriage.

And there you have it—four establishments in the Petoskey Area that boast sweet, tasty, and refreshing ciders, ideal for the autumn season. Cheers!

 

About the Author: Alex Dailey is a long-time Northern Michigan resident who happily calls Petoskey home. When she isn’t at her computer writing and editing, you can find her taste-testing craft cocktails, patronizing downtown shops (especially bookstores), and participating in as many local literary events as possible. She looks forward to sharing her Petoskey Area favorites with you!