Why We Don't Have a Tasting Room (And Why That's Good for You)

If you've been following Hardcore Cider Co., you might have noticed something: we don't have a tasting room.

No farm-to-table restaurant. No gift shop. No Instagram-worthy patio overlooking the orchards.

And that's intentional.

But here's the thing: we almost did.

The Original Plan: A Tasting Room in Vernon

When we started Hardcore Cider Co., we had big plans for a tasting room at our cidery in Vernon. We even secured a liquor licence for it.

The vision was beautiful: a picnic area under the apple trees, serving flights and pints, with customers enjoying cider in the shade while looking out over the orchards. It would have been the perfect Okanagan experience.

But as we got deeper into the business, we realized something: running a tasting room would pull us away from what we do best — making exceptional cider.

So we made a tough decision: we shelved the tasting room plans and focused on the cider itself.

We've Seen Beautiful Tasting Rooms with Mediocre Cider

We've visited some beautiful Okanagan cideries with stunning tasting areas — gorgeous patios, perfect Instagram backdrops, all the bells and whistles. But the cider? Not good.

When you focus on the tasting room experience, the cider often becomes secondary. The energy, money, and attention go into creating a beautiful space and hosting guests — not into tending the orchards, growing premium fruit, and perfecting the fermentation. We didn't want to fall into that trap.

The Real Issue: Time Away from What Matters

Running a tasting room would take us away from tending to the orchards, growing the fruit, and making the cider. Those are the things that actually matter. Those are the things that make great cider.

Our Business Model: Quality First, Overhead Second

At Hardcore Cider Co., we focus on three things: growing premium apples on our estate orchards, making exceptional cider with real BC fruit and zero shortcuts, and getting that cider to you at a fair price.

By skipping the tasting room, we keep overhead low. That means lower prices for you, more investment in quality, and better accessibility — you don't have to drive to Vernon to get our cider.

Better Value: Bottles vs. Tasting Room Prices

A pint at a tasting room runs $8–12. A tasting flight runs $12–18. A 750ml bottle of Hardcore Cider is $18.50–21.95. With a bottle, you get more cider for your money, enjoyed wherever you want.

But What If You Want to Taste Our Cider?

1. Order Online

We ship across Canada. Free shipping on orders over $225. Detailed tasting notes with every order. Better value than tasting room prices.

2. Build Your Case

The best way to experience everything we make is to Build Your Case — choose your own mix of 12 bottles for one flat price of $215. Load it with Barrel Proof, stack it with Black Hole, or mix across all five expressions. It's our version of a tasting flight, delivered to your door.

3. Find Us at Select Markets and Festivals

While we don't have a permanent tasting room, we do travel to select markets and festivals across Canada. We'll pour samples, answer questions, and share our story. Keep an eye on our website and social media for upcoming events.

Could We Change Our Minds?

Maybe. We still have that liquor licence. If demand grows and we can build a tasting room without compromising quality, pricing, or the time we need to tend the orchards and make cider, we might revisit the idea. But for now, we're focused on what matters most.

The Bottom Line

We don't have a tasting room because we'd rather focus on making great cider and keeping our prices fair. By skipping the tasting room, we keep overhead low, invest more in quality, and stay focused on craft — not tourism.

If you want to experience Hardcore Cider Co., order online, build your case, or find us at select markets and festivals. And when you do, tag us at @hardcoreciderco.

Build Your Case — $215, Your Mix, Your Way

— Hardcore Cider Co.
100% Okanagan apples. Real BC fruit. No shortcuts.