For immediate release · Thorndale, Ontario · [TO CONFIRM: 17 August 2026]

Heeman's Cellar gives a nearly forgotten Ontario apple a place in the present with Swayzie Pomme Grise cider

THORNDALE, ONTARIO — Heeman's Cellar is releasing Swayzie Pomme Grise, a limited single-varietal hard cider made entirely from a rare Ontario heritage apple with roots in the Niagara region.

The release is part of a larger commitment by Heeman's Cellar to celebrate Ontario-grown fruit and explore the stories held within the province's orchards. Rather than treating the Swayzie Pomme Grise as a relic of the past, the family-run producer has given the variety a new expression in cider.

Once valued for its aromatic fruit and distinctive cinnamon-russeted skin, Swayzie Pomme Grise was never an easy commercial apple. Its modest yields made it less appealing to large-scale growers, and over time it largely disappeared from the orchard landscape. Today, only a small number of mature trees remain.

Ontario has a rich apple-growing heritage as long and as storied as other old-world producing regions, and it's time our Ontario stories are told. Tom Heeman, Founder, Heeman's Cellar

Made with 100% Ontario-grown Swayzie Pomme Grise apples and freshly pressed juice, the cider is a dry, single-varietal expression of the fruit. It pours pale straw with fresh apple and subtle pear aromas, followed by balanced sweetness, bright acidity, and a crisp, lightly bitter finish.

The apple's russeted skin and naturally concentrated juice contribute texture and structure, while brief skin contact before pressing brings fine tannins to the finished cider. The result is layered and food-friendly, with enough freshness for summer drinking and enough depth to pair with richer dishes, including roast pork, aged cheeses, charcuterie, or salmon.

Swayzie Pomme Grise reflects the approach behind Heeman's Cellar, the craft beverage division of Heeman's, a third-generation family farm in Thorndale, Ontario. Known for growing fruit for more than six decades, Heeman's Cellar makes small-batch ciders and meads that place Ontario fruit, seasonality, and agricultural character at the centre of each release.

Availability

Swayzie Pomme Grise Hard Cider is a seasonal, small-batch release available in 500 mL bottles at 9% alc./vol. Suggested retail price is $15.95, including tax and bottle deposit. It is available at Heeman's farm market in Thorndale, through Heeman's Cellar, and online at heeman.ca/cellar.

About Heeman's Cellar

Heeman's Cellar is the craft cider and mead division of Heeman's, a third-generation family farm in Thorndale, Ontario. Using real fruit and locally grown ingredients, Heeman's Cellar produces small-batch beverages that reflect Ontario's orchards, seasons, and agricultural heritage.

Media contact — Abby Dellosa, abby@reneesferrazza.com, 416-871-9262. High-resolution imagery, logos and approved copy: heeman.ca/press/swayzie

Sample enquiries — marketing@heeman.ca · 519-461-1416 · heeman.ca/cellar

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Swayzie Pomme Grise Hard Apple Cider — Heeman's Cellar, Thorndale, Ontario
Media enquiries: beveragesales@heeman.ca · 519.461.1416 · heeman.ca/cellar
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