Discover Destination – Uxbridge Beer and Cider Trail (Part Two Interviews)

~ Slabtown Cider Company | The Second Wedge Brewing Co. | Banjo Cider ~

The Interviews Continued…

Slabtown Cider Company

Lori Feddema, Co-Owner

The Slabtown Cider Company is co-owned by Jason and Lori Feddema. In preparing to write this article, I had the pleasure of speaking with Lori about her company and how it all started. Like a lot of entrepreneurs, Lori and Jason didn’t start out to build a cider business. They started out as cider enthusiasts.

They purchased a farm and they planted apple trees and wondered what it would be like to make their own cider. Jason bought a press, and the rest, as they say, his history. Forward on to today and they have an amazing business called Slabtown Cider Company and Slabtown Ciderhouse & Eatery. Time has brought them through the many stages of building a successful enterprise, and now their business draws visitors from across the province and beyond. I asked Lori their secret to success, she said “FRESH”!

Their hand-crafted beverages are made with traditional methods, with a modern twist. I could feel her passion and asked her where her passion came from. She told me that she never thought she would become an entrepreneur. She had gone to university and focused on marketing. She and Jason loved “wineries, cideries and breweries”, and would take many day trips to check them out. It seems that they knew right away that they wanted to be in the crafting business.

At first, they started to consider the Niagara Region, but Uxbridge is where their heart is and, as I mentioned, bought a farm. Now they want to bring a “little bit of Niagara” to Uxbridge, and it seems like they are well on their way! If you go onto their website, you will find plenty of information about Slabtown Cider Company and all it has to offer, along with great cider, craft beer, it has fabulous Ciderhouse Eatery with farm to table food and lots of fun atmosphere, including toe-taping music.

But really, to really get the “flavour” of Slabtown, you have to go there yourselves and experience all it has to offer!

Perhaps you could call the Slabtown farm, “the little farm that could, and DID!”. Perhaps we will see you there.

The Second Wedge Brewing Co.

Joanne Richter, Co-Founder/Owner

“What do you call a BEER NERD? A craft beer company owner!” That’s what happens when two people open a great brewery and are truly passionate about quality beer! Given that their business “blew away” when a tornado hit Uxbridge on May 21^st, 2022. Undaunted, the couple started to rebuild their business from the ground up. It took them 13 months to complete, but they are now open, and better than ever! They had a lot of help along the way, but with a lot of “blood, sweat and tears”, they made it!

Longtime Uxbridge residents, Joanne and Rob weren’t always craft beer brewers, they started out like many people, they were craft beer enthusiasts. They became home brew makers, and then after three years of planning and securing funding, they opened the first business of its kind in Uxbridge – a craft brewery with a tasting room and retail store – which quickly became a community hub. The Second Wedge Brewing Company, opened in late 2015 and named after the rolling landscape of the Oak Ridges Moraine, has recovered and is now an essential part of the Uxbridge Beer and Cider Trail.

When you visit their website, you’ll see just how much they offer their patrons! The numerous unique and delicious beers (check out the name, I did), draw people back for more, they offer live music every Sunday afternoon, they host the Uxbridge Farmers’ Market every Sunday from 9 am to 2 pm May through October, and seasonally, you can enjoy a wood-fired pizza from Foundry Pi!

Here’s what their website tells us about their food offerings. “We’re excited to welcome wood-fired pizza by Foundry Pi! This seasonal container pizza kitchen in our beer garden will be open Fri-Sun, late May through early October, plus summer Thursday evenings starting July 11. Hours vary.

Besides incredible pizza, we offer La Tachiqui empanadas, The Passionate Cook’s Essentials fromage fort fondue (winter months), Craft Chippery chips and Desbarres bean-to-bar chocolate bars. You’re always welcome to bring in your own food, whether from home, takeout, or delivered by one of the restaurants in town. Please note that outside drink containers are not allowed on site.”

As I mentioned before, I was interested in how they named their beer brands. I thought that there might be a “secret” formula to the names. Names like 3 ROCKS, HIGH GRASS and RETICENT FOX.  However, there was no secret formula, they were just named after local trails and lore, like FAT BIKE, named after the bikers the frequented the brewery. I’m sure that the “FAT” was named after the bike tires, not the riders! Incidentally, The Second Wedge Brewery was awarded Ontario by Bike’s 2021 “best bicycle friendly business for York Durham Headwaters”

Now that you have heard my story, it’s time for you to go and meet Joanne and Rob and experience their Uxbridge brewery and their wonderful beer. By the way, they also offer cider, supplied by our next Beer and Cider Trail business, Banjo Cider Company.

Banjo Cider

Patty Ewaschuk, Co-owner

Patty Ewaschuk and Tony Brown are true “homesteaders”, I can relate, because my son is one!

Patty and Tony moved from Yellowknife to the GTA, to Uxbridge, to a farm with old apples! They were engineers by profession, but craft cider makers by heart. Like my son, they wanted to be homesteaders rather than engineers. At first, they, as “farmers,” tried their hand at growing their own vegetables, raising chicken and geese, and a couple of cows. My son was the same, only he has goats and sheep. Little by little, they moved towards the Cider business. They bought an apple press and started pressing. At first, it was home pressing apples from their old apple trees. They liked how the cider tasted and decided to learn more about pressing apples and making cider. If you go to their Banjo Cider website, you can find out the whole saga. A story of how two people found their true calling. They morphed from professional engineers to homesteaders to hobby farming to thriving Cidery owners!

They do make cider from their own trees, but they also use “crowd source” apples. People pick them from their own backyard apple trees, and from abandoned orchards. This gives Banjo Cider a nice mix of heritage apples and crab apples giving them variety of flavour. They call this their “Citizen Cider Project”. You can read about this project on their website. The project gives Patty and Tony a sense of community and purpose.

But on to Banjo Cider, like our other two Uxbridge Beer and Cider Trail partners, Banjo Cider survived COVID and became enthusiastic Trail members and attracted cider lovers from around the region.

The Banjo Cidery is like Patty and Rob, full of pride, pleasure, uniqueness and fun. Patrons can go there year-round, on the patio on warmer days and inside on colder days. It’s an experience like none other!

You might want to know how their Cider company got its name, “Banjo” came from Patty learning how to play one. I forgot to ask her if still played one or if she was too busy at the “Banjo”!

Again, you’ve got to go there to really feel the essence of Patty, Tony and of Banjo!

Research

NOTE: Before writing this article, I wanted to find out more about today’s modern craft beer and cider industry.

In my search to find out more about the immergence craft beer and cider, I went to the internet. I wanted to find out about the history of beer and cider making and I want to find out what made today’s craft beer and cider industry so much better. I won’t bore you with the history, but I will tell, or show, why you will want to explore today’s local beer and cider establishments.

Here’s what my research found!

Quality and Flavor

1. Superior Ingredients: Craft brewers and cidermakers often use high-quality, locally sourced ingredients, which result in superior taste and freshness.
2. Diverse Flavors: The craft movement is known for its wide array of flavors and styles, from traditional recipes to experimental brews. This variety caters to diverse palates and encourages consumers to explore and discover new tastes.

Creativity and Innovation

1. Artisanal Approach: Craft producers take an artisanal approach to brewing and cidermaking, emphasizing creativity and skill. This often leads to unique and innovative products.
2. Experimentation: Many craft breweries and cideries regularly experiment with new techniques, ingredients, and processes. This can result in seasonal releases, limited editions, and specialty products that keep consumers intrigued.

Community and Culture

1. Local Engagement: Craft breweries and cideries are often deeply embedded in their local communities. They support local economies, sponsor events, and create spaces for social gatherings.
2. Cultural Identity: Craft beverages often reflect the cultural heritage of their regions, incorporating local traditions and stories. This cultural connection adds depth to the drinking experience.

Transparency and Sustainability

1. Transparency: Craft producers tend to be more transparent about their ingredients and processes, which builds trust with consumers. Many also offer tours and tastings, providing insight into how their products are made.
2. Sustainability: There is a strong emphasis on sustainability within the craft movement. Many craft breweries and cideries prioritize environmentally friendly practices, such as reducing waste, using renewable energy, and supporting sustainable agriculture.

Identity and Personalization

1. Brand Stories: Craft producers often have compelling brand stories that resonate with consumers. These stories might involve passionate founders, unique origins, or a dedication to reviving traditional methods.
2. Customization: The craft industry allows for a high degree of personalization. Consumers can often find products tailored to specific tastes and preferences, and many craft establishments offer custom brews or ciders for special events.

Social and Experiential Factors

1. Tasting Experiences: Visiting a craft brewery or cidery can be a social and educational experience. Many offer tasting rooms, tours, and events that enhance the overall enjoyment of their products.
2. Community Events: Craft breweries and cideries frequently host events like beer and cider festivals, food pairings, live music, and more. These events foster a sense of community and provide unique experiences for attendees.

Economic and Political Factors

1. Support for Small Businesses: Consumers are increasingly interested in supporting small, independent businesses rather than large corporations. Craft breweries and cideries often embody the entrepreneurial spirit, attracting those who value local enterprise.
2. Regulatory Changes: In many regions, changes in regulations have made it easier for small producers to enter the market, leading to a proliferation of craft breweries and cideries and increasing consumer interest and accessibility.

Health and Authenticity

1. Perceived Health Benefits: Some consumers perceive craft beers and ciders as healthier options because they often contain fewer additives and preservatives compared to mass-produced beverages.
2. Authenticity: Craft beverages are often seen as more authentic, with a clear lineage and a connection to traditional methods. This authenticity appeals to consumers seeking genuine and unadulterated products.

In summary, the fascination with craft breweries and cideries is multifaceted, driven by an appreciation for quality, creativity, and community. These establishments offer unique and personalized experiences, emphasize sustainability and transparency, and often serve as cultural and social hubs within their communities. This combination of factors has fueled the growth and popularity of the craft beer and cider movements.

After you have visited the Uxbridge Beer and Wine Trail businesses, you will see what I found out. All three trail establishments, Slabtown Cider Company, The Second Wedge Brewing Company and Banjo Cider, are the epitome of today’s modern Craft Beer and Cider industry. Cheers!

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