Artisan Hard Cider from AeppelTreow Winery

I was thrilled to discover a local source for artisan hard apple cider, AeppelTreow Winery.  (AeppelTreow is Old English for “Apple Tree”.)  Their impressive array of cider and wine is hand-crafted in Burlington, WI from local ingredients.  For the past several years, I’ve made an annual visit to the Winery to stock up on their delicious products (all of which are alcoholic beverages). 

AeppelTreow makes a variety of traditional ciders. One of my favorites is their Barn Swallow Cider; it’s crisp and refreshing, bursting with apple flavor.  I also enjoy the Red Poll Cran-Apple Cider which adds a bold hit of cranberry to the apple.  Both ciders are lightly carbonated and absolutely refreshing, suitable for any situation where you might otherwise serve white wine, rosé, or beer.  I keep a couple bottles in the fridge and find there’s no better aperitif on a warm summer evening. 

I’m also a fan of AeppelTreow’s elegant sparkling apple wines, Appely Brut and Appely Doux.  The Appely Brut is very dry and crisp; I serve it in a flute either straight up or with a splash of cranberry juice.  The Appely Doux is semi-dry with a hint of green apple.  Uncorking either one of these bottles of Wisconsin bubbly is a treat, like drinking my favorite Cava, Prosecco or Champagne except the peachy or citrus notes typical of sparkling wines are replaced by apple. I like to keep a few bottles on hand to give as hostess gifts. 

But you don’t have to take my word for it.  Visit the winery in nearby Burlington, WI and sample the products yourself.  You can try up to five products at no charge.  During July and August, AeppelTreow Winery is open to visitors on Fridays and weekends (Friday 12 – 5 pm, Saturday 10 – 5 pm, and Sunday from 12 - 5 pm).  

AeppelTreow Winery is very close to the Bong State Recreation Area, so I like to combine cider shopping with a hike or bike ride in the park.  The Winery is on the grounds of Brightonwoods Orchard, which makes it a good destination during apple season in the Fall.  During September and October, AeppelTreow Winery is open every day except Tuesday (click here for hours).

In addition to traditional and sparkling ciders, AeppelTreow makes a variety of dessert wines, table wines, and liqueurs, including apple brandy made from Wisconsin apples, aged in Wisconsin oak barrels.   All AeppelTreow products can be purchased at the Winery. 

A visit to AeppelTreow Winery has become a summertime ritual for me.  Their apple cider is one of my favorite Wisconsin foodie finds.  You can find AeppelTreow Winery online at their website, where you’ll find hours, directions, and lots of information about their products.