Ontario Cider Competitions

Ontario's Finest Sweet Apple Cider Registration

OFVC is pleased to present the Sweet Apple Cider competition featuring producers from across the province. Entries must be made with 100% Ontario grown apples. Judging is provided by a group of industry experts and is open for OFVC participants to watch and learn. The top three products are rewarded with plaques with the 1st place winner receiving the exclusive bragging rights to the claim "Ontario's best sweet cider" for a year!

A look behind the scenes at judging for the 2023 competition.

Questions?

Erika DeBrouwer, OMAFRA
226-931-4098
Erika.debrouwer@ontario.ca

Kelle Neufeld, OAG
905-688-0990 ext. 236
kelle@ontariotenderfruit.ca

Ontario's Finest Craft Cider Competition Registration

OFVC is pleased to present the Cider competition featuring Ontario cider businesses from across the province. A commercial producer for the purpose of this competition is considered a producer with a manufacturer's license issued by Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO). Entry specifications:

  • Made from 100% Ontario grown apples (exclusive of added ingredients in the specialty category)
  • Carbonated (either naturally or artificially will be accepted)
  • Alcohol content between 4 – 7%
  • Residual sugar between 10 – 50 grams/litre
  • PH 3.3 – 3.8

Ontario's Finest Cider competition allows for entries in two different categories: Common cider and Specialty/Flavoured Cider.

Categories

Modern Cider
Modern Ciders are made from 100% Ontario apples only (no other fruits permitted). A refreshing drink – not bland or watery. Sweet ciders must not be cloying. Dry ciders must not be too austere.
FG: 0.995 – 1.020 ABV: 5 – 8%,
Producers must detail final gravity (FG) with their submission.

Specialty Cider
Specialty Cider category includes:

  1. Fruit Ciders: made from 100% Ontario apples with other fruits or fruit juices (including pears).
  2. Hopped Ciders: made from 100% Ontario apples infused with hops.
  3. Botanical Ciders: made from 100% Ontario apples with spices, herbs, and vegetables.
  4. Barrel Aged Ciders: made from 100% Ontario apple ciders where the wood barrel ageing or fermenting imparts a significant flavour contribution/character to the cider.
FG: 0.995 – 1.020 ABV: 5 – 10%

More Information

Janice Ruddock, OCCA
226-791-4792
janice@ontariocraftcider.com

Erika DeBrouwer, OMAFRA
226-931-4098
Erika.debrouwer@ontario.ca

Kelle Neufeld, OAG
905-688-0990 ext. 236
kelle@ontariotenderfruit.ca