Dead Horse Cider Company, based near Winkler, will launch an innovative outdoor experience on May 21st at their newly planted orchard. Visitors will be invited to stop by the taproom, grab a drink and enjoy the cidery’s scenic property on a picnic or walk. The public can also book a tour to learn about the facility and production process. This is the first orchard cider tasting experience in the province.
In keeping with their enduring business model, Dead Horse Cider will focus on working with local providers and businesses to enhance visitor experience. In addition to selling their own ciders, juices and wine, Dead Horse will offer a sampling of Manitoba goods in the form of a 'ploughman’s lunch’ – their take on an 18th-century rustic picnic basket that has a long history alongside cider. The lunch will include products from vendors like Loaf and Honey (local fromagerie), Valley Bakery & Pastry Shop and more.
“Our goal is to provide an authentically Manitoban experience in every sense. This is an opportunity for visitors to enjoy our products - and those of other local vendors - while connecting with the land that supplied them,” said Matthew Zacharias, who co-owns Dead Horse Cider with Marcus Wiebe. “People will have the opportunity to learn about our process and facility, or they can just kick back on a blanket and enjoy the budding trees in May, the apple blossoms in summer or harvest season in early fall.”
The Dead Horse Cider taproom and orchard is located next to its namesake Dead Horse Creek and is bordered by picturesque Manitoba wheat fields. Visitors can sample their full selection of ciders, as well as their award-winning Rosé, which was voted ‘Best in North America’ in 2021 at the Great Lakes International Cider and Perry Competition (GLINTCAP). The drinks are made mostly from Manitoba-grown apples provided by the orchard, and from people from all over Manitoba. The cidery buys apples from locals and has a custom apple pressing program, as well as an initiative where Manitobans can trade their apples for a Manitoba Community Apple Blend Cider. Some apples are purchased from BC to keep up with demand.
“We find a delicious use for these apples that would otherwise go to waste,” said co-owner Marcus Wiebe. “Our priority has always been to connect with the community and have them feel some ownership over what we do. It’s a mutually beneficial relationship that avoids food waste and brings people together.”
Dead Horse Cider’s orchard experience will officially launch mid-May (weather permitting). The orchard and taproom will be open Fridays 3pm to 8pm, Saturdays 12pm to 8pm and Sundays 12pm to 6pm. For Winnipeggers or those outside the Morden/Winkler region, a visit to the cidery can be paired with a trip to the Rendezvous Brewery and Taproom in Morden, the Morden Golf Course or a stay at Bella’s Castle bed and breakfast. Dead Horse Cider Company is located 10 minutes north of Winkler, about 100kms from the Winnipeg perimeter.