Cider, Scenery, and Surprises: Two Taprooms Blend Local Flavor with Unexpected Fun
Anyone looking for a cider tasting that goes beyond the basics has two fresh options in the Pacific Northwest this summer. Yonder Cider, a brand that burst onto the scene in 2020, just announced it’s opening a new taproom in Cashmere, right in Washington’s Wenatchee Valley. Not to be outdone, Oregon’s 19 Acres Cider Co. invites guests to sip small-batch ciders with a side of nostalgia, thanks to its playful miniature railway weaving through the property. These spots aren’t your average watering holes—they’re destinations built for adventure, celebration, and a good dose of local pride.
The timing couldn’t feel more fitting for Yonder Cider. Its new "Yonder East" taproom, set to open August 3, marks both a homecoming and an anniversary. The cidery makes a point of sourcing apples from Wenatchee, proudly calling itself a product of the "Apple Capital of the World." Opening near their production facility gives fans a direct connection to the rolling orchards and local farms that power every crisp pour. In true Pacific Northwest fashion, the taproom won’t stop at cider; local beers will also be on tap, turning Yonder East into a true community hub for the region’s craft beverage lovers.
What sets these places apart isn’t just the drinks, but the way they weave experience, setting, and story together. At 19 Acres Cider Co. in Oregon’s Willamette Valley, the big draw is the miniature railway trestle that loops around the property. It’s not only a fun distraction for kids (and, honestly, adults too), but it adds a sense of place you won’t find anywhere else. The tasting room itself is a stunner, built with reclaimed wood and designed to showcase sweeping vistas through massive windows. Instead of churning out mass-market ciders, 19 Acres puts the spotlight on traditional French cider-making methods—using wild yeast fermentation and working closely with neighboring farmers to craft small-batch ciders and perries from orchard-fresh fruit.
A visit to either spot is about more than what ends up in your glass. At Yonder East, cider lovers can sample the brand’s full lineup, from tart and dry to juicy and semi-sweet. It’s a toast to local roots and a growing reputation that’s all the more impressive for a business that launched in the middle of a pandemic. For 19 Acres, the focus on agritourism means you’ll likely find yourself wandering the grounds, enjoying charcuterie, or hopping aboard the railway between sips.
The Rise of Cider Destinations
Craft cider is carving out its own lane in the beverage world, and these two venues are proof that fans want more than just a tasting—they want the full experience. In Wenatchee, Yonder Cider’s move nods to the region’s deep agricultural roots, honoring the apples that made the valley famous. The taproom invites locals and newcomers to sit down, meet the makers, and taste the fruit of the land—all in a laid-back, neighborly setting.
Down in Oregon, 19 Acres Cider Co. leans into the joy of rural escapes. The miniature railway winds its way through orchards, giving visitors a peek at the landscape that goes into every bottle. Their French-style ciders, made with wild yeast in small batches, are a nod to tradition, but served up with a distinctly Oregon spirit. The tasting room’s design—filled with sunlight and reclaimed materials—mirrors the cidery’s respect for local resources and creativity.
For anyone tired of cookie-cutter bars or basic tasting rooms, these destinations promise something much more memorable. Whether you’re a die-hard cider enthusiast or just up for a new adventure, Wenatchee and the Willamette Valley might just become your next favorite stops.