Ontario Craft Cider Week Launches at Ironwood Cider House

NIAGARA-ON-THE-LAKE, ON / ACCESS Newswire / September 9, 2026 / The Ontario Craft Cider Association (OCCA) will launch the 2026 Ontario Craft Cider Week on Thursday, September 17 at Ironwood Cider House, the event's purpose is to officially launch the 2026 Ontario Craft Cider Week.

The launch takes place from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Ironwood Cider House, 1425 Lakeshore Road, Niagara-on-the-Lake, and includes networking, brief remarks from government and industry representatives, and lunch. Media wishing to attend or arrange interviews ahead of September 17 are encouraged to contact OCCA directly (details below).

"The launch of the 2026 Ontario Craft Cider Week celebrates the best of Ontario's orchard-based producers and the rural communities they support. This week shines a spotlight on the quality, innovation, and farm-driven craftsmanship that define the Ontario Craft Cider industry. We also acknowledge the vital role the Ontario government plays in strengthening rural economic development and creating the conditions for Ontario Craft Cider makers to grow, invest, and thrive. Their collaboration helps ensure that the success we're celebrating this week continues to build momentum across the province," said Janice A. Ruddock, Executive Director, Ontario Craft Cider Association.

Public Partnership Behind a Growing Industry

Ontario Craft Cider is made from 100% Ontario-grown apples and produced by artisans in rural communities across the province, from the orchards of Niagara to the micro-climate groves of Collingwood and Prince Edward County. OCCA credits sustained collaboration with the Ontario government, the LCBO and regional tourism bodies with helping the sector expand retail listings, reach new consumers, and strengthen the rural economies built around orchard agriculture. The September 17 gathering is the formal, public expression of that partnership, timed to open Ontario Craft Cider Week and set the stage for the province-wide celebration that follows.

What Follows: Ontario Craft Cider Week, September 19 - 26

Following the launch, Ontario Craft Cider Week runs September 19 to 26, giving cider lovers across the province the chance to explore one of Ontario's fastest-growing beverage categories. Cideries across Ontario will open their doors to celebrate the apple harvest and the 2026 vintage with exclusive releases and festive fall programming, including a Cider Maker Dinner and Taproom live music at Thornbury Craft Cider, orchard tours and tastings at Ottawa's Farmgate Cider, apple picking and the Handcrafted with Love Artisan Market at Spirit Tree Cider in Caledon, and a wellness pop-up alongside live music and a featured cider cocktail at Spy Cider House & Distillery in the Blue Mountains.

Consumers can plan visits using the new digital Ontario Craft Cider Trail, a free, browser-based tool that requires no log-in or app download and works on mobile or desktop. Participating cideries and partner businesses are marked with official Ontario Craft Cider Trail door stickers, so visitors can easily identify stops along the trail. Fans can also look for the Drink ON Apples Can Van at festivals and events throughout the week to sample a range of Ontario craft ciders.

About the Ontario Craft Cider Association

The Ontario Craft Cider Association (OCCA) supports and promotes the interests of Ontario cider producers and fosters a sustainable, growing cider industry across the province. Learn more at ontariocraftcider.com and explore the trail at ontariocidertrail.ca.

Follow along: #DrinkOntarioApples #OntarioCraftCiderWeek | @LCBO @ontarioapples @ontariotravel @farmers_markets_ont

Media Contact

Janice A. Ruddock, Executive Director
Ontario Craft Cider Association
[email protected] | 226.791.4792

Prepared and distributed by Wine by Renée on behalf of the Ontario Craft Cider Association and the Drink ON Cider campaign.

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SOURCE: Wine By Renee