Fall in Montgomery County, Maryland, means crisp air, colorful leaves, and plenty of reasons to get outside. And if you love apples, there’s no better way to celebrate the season than with a glass of cider in hand. From traditional pressed apple cider to small-batch hard ciders, MoCo’s orchards and cideries are serving up the perfect tastes of fall.
Butler’s Orchard
Head out to Butler’s Orchard in Germantown, a charming farmstead that has been a local favorite for generations. Embrace the rustic atmosphere as you explore the orchards, and be sure to stop by their farm market.
Butler’s Orchard Farm Market has hard cider in stock from Doc Waters Cidery. If you’re looking for a non-alcoholic cider, they also craft small-batch ciders that capture the essence of their bountiful harvest. Grab a bite to eat at The Farmer’s Porch on select weekends. During Pumpkin Festival in September – October, pick your own pumpkin to take home and grab a glass of cider while you have fun around the orchard blasting pumpkins from a cannon, and chilling with the animals at farm park. Enjoy the rustic charm and the warm hospitality that define this Montgomery County treasure.
Doc Waters Cidery
Just minutes from Butler’s Orchard, Doc Waters Cidery is a local favorite known for its artisanal approach to cider-making. Nestled in Montgomery County’s Agricultural Reserve, it’s a must-visit spot for anyone who loves hard cider.
Explore their range of meticulously crafted ciders like their award-winning Oak Aged Still Cider or sweet Pink Lady Cider. A cider matching the changing fall season is their Goldrush Cider. This is an unfiltered single-varietal cider that is slowly cold fermented to bring out its best flavor. Each cider tells a story of passion and precision. With a commitment to quality, Doc Waters Cidery in Germantown, MD, is sure to leave a lasting impression on your palate.
Two Story Chimney Ciderworks
Experience the depths of flavor at Two Story Chimney Ciderworks, a cidery in Gaithersburg that elevates the craft to new heights. Tucked away in the county, this cidery offers a diverse range of ciders that are a testament to both tradition and innovation. Try the Crab Tree Semi-Sweet Cider, a mildly sweet cider with a refreshing apple taste, or the seasonal Foraged & Farmed series Fruited Cider. Two Story sources fruit from surrounding farms throughout Maryland.
From traditional blends to adventurous infusions, Two Story Chimney Ciderworks promises a unique tasting experience.
Homestead Farm
Located in Poolesville, Homestead Farm offers a pick-your-own produce experience along with the chance to grab some cider to try right on the farm. Head to their farm market and purchase freshly pressed apple cider straight from their orchard. Pay the $4 admission fee, then take your complimentary apple picking bag and grab CrimsonCrisp and Daybreak Fuji varietals.
Other goodies you can find at the farm market are fruit preserves, local honey, and more apples, tomatoes, peppers, potatoes, and more.
