Our Story

Grant Howes is the founder of County Cider Company and is widely recognized as the driving force behind Ontario’s modern craft cider industry. Established in 1995 in Waupoos, Prince Edward County, The County Cider Company became Ontario’s first licensed cidery, setting the foundation for what would grow into a thriving provincial cider movement. At a time when cider was largely overlooked, Grant championed its potential, combining traditional orchard practices with innovation, advocacy, and an unwavering belief in Ontario apples. His leadership not only built a business but also helped shape an entire industry.

Grant Howes was a visionary orchardist, cidermaker, and agricultural leader whose influence helped shape the modern cider industry in Ontario. Based in Waupoos, Prince Edward County, he is widely recognized as a foundational figure in craft cider, earning him the affectionate title of the “Grandfather of Ontario Cider” among peers and producers across the province.

After working in finance in Toronto and British Columbia, Grant returned home to Prince Edward County in the early 1990s to help revitalize the family orchard. With a forward-thinking approach and deep respect for the land, he saw the potential to transform apples into something more, cider that reflected place, quality, and tradition. In 1995, he founded The County Cider Company, making it one of Ontario’s earliest and most influential craft cider producers.

Grant was known not only for his innovation but for his generosity. He mentored numerous cider makers, shared his knowledge freely, and played a pivotal role in advocating for the cider industry at the provincial level. He was a founding member of several important organizations, including the Ontario Craft Cider Association, the Fruit Wines of Ontario Association, and the Prince Edward County Winegrowers Association, helping to build a collaborative and sustainable future for Ontario cider.

His contributions were formally recognized in 2009, when he received the Premier’s Award for Agri-Food Innovation Excellence for his work with Ontario Ice Cider. In 2024, Grant was posthumously inducted into the Ontario Agricultural Hall of Fame, cementing his legacy as a pioneer in agriculture and cider making.

Grant Howes passed away suddenly in January 2017, but his impact endures in the orchards he planted, the cider industry he helped establish, and the community he inspired. His vision continues to guide everything we do, rooted in craftsmanship, collaboration, and a deep love for Prince Edward County.