Frequently Asked Questions

  • We start with the freshest apples, carefully selected for their quality and flavor. After pressing, our cider remains unfiltered, preserving its natural essence. Cold pasteurization ensures purity and freshness before it's finally bottled and made available at numerous local stores. Taste the difference of our handcrafted cider, crafted with care and dedication from orchard to your glass.

  • Hard cider is naturally gluten-free, making it an excellent alternative to beer for those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease. Crafted from fermented apple juice, hard cider offers a refreshing and flavorful option without the gluten content found in traditional beers. Whether you're seeking a crisp, fruity beverage or a tangy, dry flavor profile, hard cider provides a versatile and enjoyable choice for all occasions.

  • The majority of our ciders are vegan. The only exceptions would be Honeycrisp, Blueberry, Peach Festival and Cranberry that contain local honey to enhance the apple flavor.

  • Check our or cider locator to find our cider nearest to you!

  • While we don't currently offer hard cider making classes, we do host regular tasting events at our cider barn with our fermentation team. During these events, our experts walk you through the various apples used, the role of yeast, and the science behind the cider making process. Stay informed about upcoming events by joining our newsletter or checking our event page for the latest updates!

  • We do! We take pride in crafting ciders that reflect the essence of each season. Our ingredients and cider styles evolve with the changing landscape, offering unique and flavorful experiences year-round. Be sure to check out our cider page for a glimpse of our current seasonal offerings, and don't forget to join our newsletter for the latest updates on style releases and special releases.

  • Yes, we do have a newsletter! It's sent out monthly and features all the latest happenings at the farm, including our newest hard cider style releases, behind-the-scenes glimpses into production, and much more. Stay connected with us and never miss out on the excitement unfolding at Carlson Orchards! You can sign up here.

  • Yes, Carlson Orchard is proud to offer Pick-Your-Own (PYO) opportunities throughout the growing season on our sprawling 100-acre farm in Harvard, MA. In July, you can pick your own cherries, peaches, nectarines, and blueberries. As summer progresses, we invite you to pick fresh raspberries, followed by the much-anticipated apple picking season in the fall. Enjoy a leisurely stroll among the trees, experience the joy of picking fruit straight from the tree, and cap off your visit with a refreshing beverage at our cider barn. We look forward to welcoming you for a memorable experience!

  • Yes, we have sweet ciders available, as well as mulled cider and water.

  • While we love our furry friends, we kindly ask that only licensed service animals accompany visitors to our orchard premises. We want to ensure the safety and comfort of all our guests, and while we can't welcome pets at this time, we appreciate your understanding and cooperation.