The Connecticut Hard Cider Scene and Cideries
Connecticut’s hard cider scene has grown into a diverse community of craft producers who mix tradition with innovation. The state’s 260 orchards, 60+ apple varieties, and unique New England climate provide the perfect playground for cideries to create distinctive flavors that show off the local apples.
At our Portland, CT winery, Arrigoni proudly sources apples from the orchards located just across the street. Every sip of our cider reflects the richness of the land, the quality of the produce, and the creativity we bring to every batch.
For Arrigoni and our cidery neighbors, the CT cider scene is very special because of the connection to local agriculture. By maintaining a close relationship with nearby orchards, we ensure quality ingredients while supporting the state’s farming heritage.
Cider Tasting Experience at Arrigoni Winery
Whether you are a new or experienced cider drinker, you can always expect a welcoming atmosphere and knowledgeable staff who will guide you. Our cider flights are a great way to explore the varieties we offer; here is what you can expect.
The Scenery
Outdoors Seating Overlooking the Vineyard
The outdoor area truly shines during Connecticut’s warmer months, from late spring through early fall, when the vineyard bursts with life. Our rustic wooden tables are comfortable for groups of various sizes and strike a great balance between privacy and community. You can also find a break from the sun under our umbrella-tabled patio and covered pavilion, complete with an outdoor heater and a fireplace.
Cozy Indoor Taproom
During very cold and inclement weather, our rustic tasting room and indoor seating area offer cozy quarters for sampling and conversation. The space welcomes visitors with warm wooden accents, exposed beams, and soft lighting that creates an intimate atmosphere regardless of the season or weather outside.
Cider Tasting Menu
We offer two delicious hard cider flights for you to enjoy. Flight 1 features our ciders on tap, while Flight 2 highlights our bottled selections. Each flight includes 6 ciders, giving you a fun and flavorful way to discover the ones that suit your taste best.
For Dry Hard Cider Lovers
If you love dry cider you appreciate the low sugar presence and sharp taste. Dry ciders have a crisp taste that makes them ideal for food pairings. Try Arrigoni’s Signature, a honey crisp New England-styled cider.
For Sweet Hard Cider Lovers
Sweet cider is the most sugary variety and is similar to dessert wine in its sweetness. It offers rich, fruity flavors and if you enjoy sweeter beverages, this cider is a perfect match. Try Arrigoni’s Prickly pear cider or Maple Madness maple-infused cider.
For First Time Cider Drinkers
If you’re new to hard cider, don’t worry—just relax and enjoy the ride! Our cider flights are a fun way to explore different flavors and find what you love.
Our team is always here to answer questions and help guide you toward your new favorite sip.
Food Pairings We Love
Our hard ciders are made for pairing with food. From cheeses to spicy dishes, here are our favorite combinations.
Signature hard cider + charcuterie board
A honey crisp, traditional New-England-styled craft-blend apple cider is so versatile and goes great with cheeses and charcuterie.
Sugarhouse hard cider + pancakes and croissants
Maple flavor madness that brings delight when paired with breakfast foods.
Cranberry Love hard cider + turkey sandwich
Splash in the bog with this refreshing wine infused with sweet, tart cranberry. Goes well with everything from a favorite turkey sandwich to grilled chicken.
Orchard Valley hard cider + chicken, pork, fish
In this refreshing and delightful wine, orchard fresh apples are transformed into a down-to-earth wine. Chill this fun wine and enjoy with chicken, pork, fish, or your favorite spicy dish.
Live Events and Activities
Live entertainment has become a crowd favorite at Arrigoni Winery. Showcasing some of the area’s hottest talents, our patio and pavilion offer the perfect “stage-side” seats for enjoying an intimate musical serenade while sipping a glass of your choosing.
You can also expect events such as yoga, paint night, food trucks, farm-to-table, and fundraisers. Keep an eye on our entertainment calendar for upcoming activities.
From Local Apples to Hard Cider: How It All Started For Us
CT Apples from Across the Street: Gotta’s Farm and Cider Mill
The journey of our hard cider begins just across the street at a family-owned orchard that’s been growing apples in Connecticut for over 5 generations. We couldn’t have asked for a better stroke of luck than having access to fresh, locally grown apples within walking distance of our cidery. The short distance between orchard and press means our apples travel minimal food miles, maintaining freshness and reducing environmental impact.
Our Hard Cider Making Process
Fermentation and Flavor Development
We use the old school, traditional cider-making process which starts with crushing the apples to extract the juices. We then place the juices in a vessel for primary fermentation that uses wild yeasts naturally present in the apples. This can take several weeks.
The secondary fermentation takes place in another vessel where it undergoes further maturation, this is the period when the mellow and complex flavors develop. This can take a few weeks to several months.
Our making process has minimal intervention, meaning minimal added sugar, flavoring, or processing steps. We use wooden barrels for aging and maturation which allows the ciders to breathe and develop distinct flavors.
Sustainability in Production
We proudly practice sustainability in our cider production. We use locally sourced apples and repurpose the apple pumice for composting, keeping waste to a minimum. We also cut back on plastic by offering refillable growlers, and because our ciders are sold directly on-site, there’s very little transportation involved.
Hards Ciders on Tap or Bottled
Our hard cider on tap is poured fresh from a keg and has a crisper, more effervescent taste. It’s usually served cold and consumed soon after production, keeping the flavor lively.
Our bottled hard cider is packaged for a longer shelf life. It may be slightly less carbonated and can vary more in flavor. Want some cider to take home? We’ve got glass cider growlers to go in 32 or 64 oz.
Hard Cider is So Easy to Love: Here’s What You Need to Know
Hard Cider vs. Cider in CT
The terminology can get confusing between “cider” and “hard cider,” and it is location specific. In Europe, “cider” exclusively means the alcoholic beverage, with the non-alcoholic version simply called “apple juice.”
Generally, when Americans want to specify the alcoholic version, we use the term “hard cider.” This fermented drink contains alcohol content typically ranging from 4% to 7% ABV, similar to beer. We use “cider” when referring to the fresh, unfiltered apple juice found at farm stands and grocery stores during the fall. But there is no standard definition in the U.S., leading to some ambiguity in its usage.
When you’re in CT, it’s important to know how the terms are used locally in the growing cider scene. Here, both “cider” and “hard cider” are used to refer to the alcoholic beverage. So when you see “cider tasting” advertised at local orchards and craft beverage producers, they’re inviting you to sample alcoholic hard cider, not sweet apple juice.
Hard Cider vs. Beer
Cider is made from fermented apples and offers a naturally sweet or tart taste profile and typically contains more sugar and calories than beer. Ciders are naturally gluten-free, making it a good option for those with gluten sensitivities. From various apple varieties, a whole spectrum of flavors can be created. The taste can range from sweet to dry, still to sparkling, and clear to cloudy.
Beer is brewed from malted grains, typically barley and hops, and has a lower sugar content. Beer appeals to those who enjoy a more grounded drink with grains and hops.
Alcohol Content
Alcohol content can vary between 4.5% to 7% ABV per drink. But some craft ciders, like our bottled ciders, pack a bigger punch at 11% ABV, so don’t let it sneak up on you.
Does Hard Cider Go Bad? Does it Need Refrigeration?
Eventually, hard cider will go bad, but bottled cider usually has a long shelf life. Once opened, ciders start to lose their flavor and fizz after a few days.
You should absolutely refrigerate ciders. Once opened, keep it in the fridge. If it’s fresh or unpasteurized, it should be kept cold even before opening.
Meals and Snacks to Serve with Hard Ciders
Looking for meal ideas to pair with our local hard ciders? We got you!
Appetizers
Apple slices and nut butter
Charcuterie board
Crab cakes
Sharp cheddar and aged gouda
Lunch
Sharp cheddar grilled cheese
Pulled pork sandwich
Apple and Arugula salad
Ham and brie sandwich
Dinner
Roast chicken with herbs
Pork chops
BBQ ribs
Mushroom risotto
Flatbread pizza
Fun Hard Cider Trivia to Share with Friends
- What fruit is used to make hard cider?
– Apple - True or False: Hard cider is naturally gluten-free.
– True - Which U.S. historical figure was famous for planting apple trees—mainly for cider?
– Johnny Appleseed - What’s the difference between hard cider and apple juice?
– Hard cider is fermented and contains alcohol. - Which country is known for drinking the most cider per capita?
– United Kingdom - What part of the apple is used to make cider?
– The juice (pressed from the whole apple) - True or False: All hard ciders are sweet.
– False — they can be dry, semi-sweet, or sweet. - Which U.S. region is best known for traditional cider making?
– New England - What kind of vessel is typically used to serve cider on tap?
– A keg
Taste Hard Cider Like a Pro
We’re all about making sure you have a great time. For those who love learning more about what’s in the glass, we’ve put together some pro facts and tips to step up your hard cider tasting.
1. Our tulip glass isn’t just for looks—it helps concentrate the cider’s aroma and guides it to your nose, elevating each sip. Since aroma influences how we taste, it’s an important part of the cider experience.
2. For the best flavor, chill your cider in the fridge for a few hours before serving.
Avoid over-chilling, as it can mute the more delicate notes. Dry ciders are ideal at 45–50°F, while sweet ciders taste best around 40–45°F.
3. Before taking a sip, start by observing the cider’s appearance—look at the color, clarity, and carbonation.
Cider colors can range from pale yellow to rich amber. Some are crystal clear, while others appear cloudy due to filtration. Take a moment to notice the bubbles too—fine bubbles may indicate natural carbonation.
4. Aromas are so important when tasting hard cider, so swirl the glass and inhale deeply. See if you can identify certain smells like apples, pears, or other floral notes.
5. Taste with all these observations in mind. Take a small sip and notice the immediate flavors. How does it feel in your mouth, and what is the aftertaste?
We are Family and Pet-Friendly
Kids
Families are welcome! Children can enjoy our picnic areas under adult supervision. We offer a variety of soft drinks and a food menu that’s perfect for all ages – our Traditional Pizza and Nutella Dessert Pizza are always a hit.
Pets
We are dog-friendly, but they must be leashed at all times. Pets are allowed only in the Vineyard Side Picnic Area. Sorry, no pets allowed in the tasting room, patio, covered pavilion, indoor seating area, and the store.
Evening Music Hours
During evening music hours kids and pets are not allowed.
Wines, Craft Beers, and Food: We Have Something for Everyone
Cider might not be everyone’s go-to, and that’s okay! When you’re in a group, tastes can vary, and we’ve got something for everyone.
Wines
Our wine tasting flights are a crowd favorite. Check out our red, white, and sparkling wines.
Craft Beers
If craft beers are your thing, we partner with local New England breweries to bring you an everchanging collection of craft beers.
Food Menu
Great drinks deserve great snacks. That’s why we’ve created a tasty food menu designed to pair perfectly with our ciders. Ask our team—favorites like the classic cheese flatbread and the Nutella dessert pizza are always a hit.
We are Your Getaway Spot for a Relaxing Weekend in CT
Getting Here via a Scenic Drive
Driving to Arrigoni Winery in Portland, CT, you will be treated to a scenic vista of rolling hills and picturesque farmlands. Arrigoni Winery is on 200 acres of farmland nestled between Route 66 and the Connecticut River. In the spring and summer, you can see blooming wildflowers and greenery lining the roads. In the fall, you will see vibrant foliage painting the surroundings in red, orange, and gold. The drive to Arrigoni sets the mood for a serene and enjoyable day ahead.
Opening Days/Hours
We are open on weekends from 11am – 6pm. You don’t need reservations for seating in our tasting room and outdoor spaces.
Private Tables and Cabanas
Private seating areas are available by reservation, including tables, cabanas, and lounges that accommodate up to 12 guests. Booking in advance is perfect for special celebrations or making sure your large group can relax and enjoy together.
Local Activities
Why not turn your visit into a full day in Portland, CT? Many of our guests enjoy exploring the area before relaxing at Arrigoni Winery. Here are a few local spots we recommend:
Gotta’s Farm and Cider Mill
Check out where the apples used in our ciders come from. Our apple neighbors have fun activities for the whole family, from pick-you-own-apples to a bakery with fabulous pies, breads, and cookies.
Ruth Callander Museum of Portland History
Ruth Callander gave her house to the city in the 1990s to use as a museum. There are many artifacts made of brownstone that can be admired up close in her house.
3 Golf Courses
If you are into golf, there are 3 golf courses to play in town: Portland Golf Course, Quarry Ridge Golf Course, Portland Golf Course West. Nothing beats winding down with a glass of cider after a day at the course.
On the Green Restaurant and Farrell’s Restaurant
After visiting us, enjoy a meal at one of the restaurants in Portland. On the Green Restaurant and Farrell’s Restaurant are popular eateries. End your day by shopping at one of the stores in town.
Spend Your Weekend Cider Tasting With Us
If you’re looking for things to do this weekend we promise a relaxed, good time for all! Take a peek at our guest reviews, then swing by and see for yourself!