Minea Farms

By: Wes Simons | May 02 2010
Posted in Find It - Woodinville, WA

I already wrote about Washington apples earlier this year, but there are so many uses for apples that it was guaranteed to come up again.

If you’re taking a tour through Woodinville wine country, be sure to budget yourself enough time to head south a mile or two and stop in at Minea Farms. If you are interested in supporting local businesses, it doesn’t get much more local than this. Some of the apples are grown on site, but the demand has grown so much recently that the owners have been forced to import apples from other parts of Washington. Rest assured though, everything is made from 100 percent Washington Apples.

Photo: Luke Widtfeldt

Minea offers a selection of apple based items, including pies, syrups and jamps. I really enjoy the apple syrup as it is a great alternative to regular old maple syrup on waffles or in oatmeal. Where Minea really shines is thought is their apple cider. They offer seasonal ciders based on whichever apples are available. If you’re saying to yourself that you’ve had apple cider before and that it really just tastes a lot like apple juice; I’m here to tell you that you’ve been duped.

Minea’s apple cider is crisp and clean. Each sip is like taking a bit out of the juiciest and most flavorful apple you can imagine, just without the crunch. Each variety of apple produces a different tasting cider, and foodies will enjoy picking out the subtle differences. In addition to great cider, Minea also has great old-time customer service. You can take a peak at the apple press through the viewing window, or chat up whichever cashier is working the till that day. Always willing to talk shop, they’ll discuss the finer points of cider making as long as you’re willing to listen. If you look interested enough, you might even get to sample some of their cider.

What other businesses utilize a local product like Minea?