If you’ve never paired Ontario craft cider with local artisan cheese, you’re in for a treat. Upper Canada Cheese crafts some of Ontario’s finest cheeses, and cheese maker Clyde Pereira and his team have mastered the art of bringing out rich, authentic flavours. No matter which combinations you try, pairing Ontario ciders with Ontario cheese is a winning formula.
The Craft Behind the Cheese
Nestled in the heart of Ontario, Upper Canada Cheese transforms fresh A2 Guernsey cow’s milk and goat’s milk into cheeses of unique taste and texture. Their process is deeply connected to the seasons, forage, and feed, resulting in cheeses that evolve throughout the year. Aged in their own cellars with minimal intervention, these cheeses embody the farm-to-table philosophy, ensuring rich, authentic flavors in every bite.
As artisan cheese makers, they pride themselves on making cheese by hand and in small batches, with particular attention to the art of traditional cheese making. Visit their Creamery in Jordan Station, Niagara, for a tour, or order online and have it shipped to your door.
Hosting Your Cider & Artisan Cheese Tasting
Just like wine, cider offers a diverse range of styles, influenced by apple varieties, terroir, fermentation methods, barrel aging, and the artistry of each cider maker. Hosting a cider and cheese tasting is a great way to explore these flavours. To enhance the experience, consider using goblets or tulip-shaped glasses to bring out the aromas and serve the ciders at an optimal temperature of 50-55°F.
Perfect Pairings to Try
Here are some curated cider and cheese pairings to get you started:
Traditional Dry Cider
Crisp and often tart, with tannic structure and a refreshing finish.
Pair with: Smoked gouda — smooth and creamy with a sharp finish.
Try: Two Blokes Scrumpy with UCC Jordan Station
Semi-Dry Cider
A balanced, mouthwatering cider with a touch of acidity.
Pair with: Aged cheddar — buttery, earthy, with a slight bite.
Try: Spy Cider & Distillery Never Say Never with UCC Heritage Cheddar
Semi-Sweet Cider
The perfect balance between bright acidity and natural fruit sweetness.
Pair with: Semi-soft rind cheese with a slight salty tang and creamy sweetness.
Try: Pommies Original Cider with UCC Comfort Cream
Heritage Cider
Made from heirloom cider-specific apples for unique varietal characteristics.
Pair with: Fresh cheese curds made from young cheddar.
Try: Slabtown Cider Founder’s Dry with UCC Niagara Gold
Dry or Sour Cider with Added Fruit
Pair with: Camembert-style cheese with a thin bloomy rind, silky, golden, and buttery in texture.
Try: Loch Mor Sour Cherry with UCC Comfort Cream
Taste for Yourself
Whether you’re a cheese connoisseur or a cider enthusiast, these pairings are just the beginning. Experiment with your own combinations and discover how Ontario’s finest craft ciders and cheeses bring out the best in each other. Discover more pairings and find a cidery near you at Drink Ontario Apples.