All photos © Robin and Arlene Karpan

Cider has increasingly become the drink of choice for many people. This has led to the development of a wider array of styles from basic apple ciders meant for quaffing on the patio on a summer’s day to drinks combining different fruits, and crafting sophisticated offerings that rival any high-end tipple.

We got a taste of the world of cider when we recently visited Taves Estate Cidery near Abbotsford, BC. It turned out to be much more than a simple tasting. The Taves have designed their farmyard into a destination with a u-pick orchard, friendly barnyard animals, and dazzling floral displays that change with the seasons in their Magic Garden.

From Apple Farm to Cidery

Loren and Corinne Taves operate the 60-acre farm in the Fraser Valley, just a few kilometres from the Canada/US border. They began as apple farmers in the late 1980s. Four generations have now been involved in the family farm, producing several varieties of apples, as well as currants and other berries.

After years of supplying apples to cideries, they decided to use the apples to make their own cider on the farm and established Taves Estate Cidery. They now make about 17 different ciders using apples and fruits grown on the farm. 

Launching in 2020 came with setbacks. Loren recalls that six days before they were scheduled to open, the government shutdown due to COVID-19 took effect. Later on, when restrictions eased, they were allowed to stay open.

Farming has always been in Loren’s blood. Just after he finished high school, Loren was given the chance to grow anything he wanted on an acre of land his dad had allocated to him. He planted gooseberries.

“Everybody thought I was really crazy,” recalls Loren. “I got an operating loan to start with, and the banks have loved me ever since.”

Gooseberries are still part of the farm produce, along with others including goji berries and blackberries – all fruits that find their way into their many cider varieties.

“The thing that makes me excited every day to get up is making cider,” said Loren. His main passion is growing apples, especially their signature variety Jonagold, a blend of Golden Delicious and Jonathan apples. They also produce other varieties including Gala, Alkmene, Ambrosia, Honeycrisp and Gala, which are ready for the u-pick market at different times during the fall.

Orchard to Bottle Ciders   

Something they do differently here is to offer two options for tastings. A traditional tasting room is similar to those we find in wineries. But to make tastings more of an occasion, there are two decorated outdoor Barnyard Booths, surrounded by farm animals, where flights of cider are served, along with colourful charcuterie boards and various snacks.

Corinne explained that the ciders are grouped into two series – the Barnyard Series that has fun names with animals and birds they have on the farm, and the Estate Series with a selection of more refined, higher-end ciders.

Corinne suggested that we start with the Vintage Cider from the Estate Series which is the finest cider they make. It is double fermented, then aged in bourbon barrels for up to a year. It’s a spicy, medium-bodied cider that retains a hint of bourbon flavour.

Next was the semi-dry Traditional, also part of their higher-end offerings, which the tasting notes describe as having the flavour of apple blossoms. This was followed by the Ram’s Black Currant, the bestselling product they make, Corinne said. It’s a delightful purple-coloured cider that starts sweet but ends dry. Last was Nanny’s Nicest, named after their Nanny goat, which provides a feminine touch to the cider lineup with its pretty pink colour and lower alcohol content. They also make fresh non-alcoholic ciders.

Goats ‘n Cider   

But what’s with the goats? Goats are part of the farm’s logo and “Goats ‘n Cider” is their slogan. Goats have always been an integral part of the Taves farm, long before they got into cider making, and they have proven to be a hit with visitors. They have about 40 pygmy goats. We might find them standing on the roof like watchmen, or walking about the property hoping that guests might pass them a few tasty pellets for a treat.

The barnyard menagerie includes an assortment of other critters – bunnies, alpacas, a miniature horse, and birds.

The Magic Garden

The showpiece of the farm is the Magical Garden, a space that is about an acre in size and goes through seasonal transformations. “This is where we present a garden experience at three different times of the year,” explained Loren as he walked us through the large area.

Tulips and other flowers take centre stage during the spring. “In mid-August, it transitions into a sunflower garden,” said Loren. “We have multiple different kinds of sunflowers, all done in different levels and arrays.” Then in fall, they fill the space with pumpkins of all shapes and sizes, even creating pumpkin mosaic designs.

Final Thoughts

More than simply cider tasting, a visit provides a glimpse of rural life in the Fraser Valley and how farmers are diversifying their operations. We asked Loren about the challenges of being involved in so many facets, from fruit growing to cider making, caring for animals, and planting show gardens. He replied that he has always followed his father’s advice:  never put all your eggs in one basket.

Resources

Taves Family Farm and Taves Estate Cidery are located at 333 Gladwin Road, Abbotsford, BC.

Tourism Abbotsford has more information on other agricultural tourism experiences, along with events, places to stay, and adventures while you are in the area.

Taves was a short drive from the Brookside Inn in Abbotsford where we stayed. This small boutique hotel with a limited number of luxurious rooms is on a quiet street called Chardonnay Lane. It is close to Abbotsford International Airport, and consistently gets good reviews.

We thank Loren and Corinne Taves, Tourism Abbotsford, and Destination BC for their assistance during our visit.

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