About Island Orchard Cider
Island Orchard Cider makes its hard ciders from apples, pears and other fruit hand-picked each fall in its own orchard on Washington Island. The harvest is ferried across Death's Door to the taproom and production facility in downtown Ellison Bay, near the tip of the Door Peninsula. The ciders are dry, Normandy-style and all gluten-free, ranging from 6.5 to 17 percent alcohol, and the same fruit goes into culinary cider vinegars.
In the taproom you can order a flight of four 3-ounce pours, either a preset flight or one you build yourself, as well as glasses and shareable pitchers. Small-batch drafts that rotate through, such as Thai Chili Lime, Blackcurrant and Spruce Tip, are sold to go only in growlers. Order at the bar and then find a seat indoors, on the patio or at the quieter picnic tables out back.
For food, build a snack board from local meats, cheeses, crackers and smoked fish; outside food and drinks are not allowed. Kids can have non-alcoholic sweet cider or cherry juice from Seaquist Orchards. Dogs are welcome on the outdoor patio, but only service animals may come inside. There is no room for buses or large tour groups during regular hours, though private events can be arranged.
Island Lavender is about 9 miles south toward Ephraim, around 20 minutes on Highway 42. Fragrant Isle Lavender Farm is on Washington Island, reached by the ferry from the tip of the peninsula.
What to do
- Build your own flight of four dry, gluten-free ciders
- Take home a growler of a draft-only small batch
- Put together a snack board of Wisconsin cheese, meat and smoked fish
- Sit on the dog-friendly patio or at the picnic tables out back
- Shop for culinary cider vinegars
Season, hours and prices
- Season
- Daily from May 21 through October; Friday–Sunday in November and December
- Hours
- Posted on their website (2026): May 21–October daily 11 a.m.–6 p.m. (July 4 until 5 p.m.); November–December Friday–Saturday 11 a.m.–5 p.m., Sunday 11 a.m.–3 p.m. Closed Thanksgiving, Black Friday, Christmas Eve and Day, New Year's Eve and Day
Good to know
- Age
- 21 or older to taste or drink alcohol
- Dogs
- Leashed (outdoor patio only; service animals inside)
- Reservations
- Walk-in (no large groups or buses during regular hours)
Tips for your visit
- Outside food and drinks are not allowed; snacks are sold at the bar
- Kids can order non-alcoholic sweet cider or cherry juice
- Parking is off Highway 42 and Garrett Bay Road
- Plan a designated driver before you head out
Pair it with a lavender farm
Island Lavender · about 20 minutes away
Island Lavender is about 20 minutes south; visit the lavender in the morning, then drive up to Ellison Bay for a cider flight.
Getting there
Questions
Are Island Orchard ciders gluten-free?
Yes. All of their hard ciders and vinegars are gluten-free, and the facility processes no gluten ingredients.
Can I bring my dog?
Dogs are welcome on the outdoor patio; only service animals are allowed inside.
Is there anything for kids?
Yes. Non-alcoholic sweet cider and cherry juice are available.
Is it open in winter?
Weekends in November and December; it closes for several holidays.
🗺️ Part of the guide Things to Do Near the Lavender Farms of Door County, Wisconsin
Checked in October 2026 against the business’s own website and local tourism pages. Hours and seasons change, so check with them before you go. How we check listings · Is this your business? Claim it free
