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

Heeman's Cellar releases Swayzie Pomme Grise, a dry single-varietal cider from a rare Ontario apple

THORNDALE, ONTARIO — Heeman's Cellar has released Swayzie Pomme Grise, a limited, dry single-varietal hard cider made from 100% Ontario-grown Swayzie Pomme Grise apples.

The small, cinnamon-russeted heritage apple has roots in Ontario's Niagara region and is known for its concentrated juice, aromatic character, and naturally expressive acidity. Heeman's Cellar works with the fruit as a single-varietal cider, allowing the apple's distinctive personality to lead the finished wine-like style.

Swayzie Pomme Grise pours pale straw with fresh apple and delicate pear aromas. The palate is crisp and clean, with gentle sweetness, moderate acidity, and a dry finish marked by a subtle bitterness. The cider is made with freshly pressed juice and is gluten-free.

A brief period of skin contact before pressing draws fine tannins from the apple's russeted skins, giving the cider added structure and texture. The fruit's naturally dense, high-sugar juice brings weight through the mid-palate, while bright acidity keeps the finish lifted and food-friendly.

This is a double vintage blend, one lot macerated on the pomace before pressing, the other aged sur lie through malolactic fermentation, for a smooth, structured mid-palate with orchard blossom on the nose and an aromatic, fruit-forward, medium-bodied style. Tom Heeman, Founder & Cidermaker, Heeman's Cellar

At 9% alc./vol., Swayzie Pomme Grise is suited to the table as much as it is to aperitif service. Serve chilled and pair with roast pork, porchetta, smoked duck, aged cheddar, Gouda, or salmon with herb butter.

The release also reflects Heeman's Cellar's ongoing interest in Ontario-grown fruit and heritage varieties. As the cider and mead division of Heeman's, a third-generation family farm in Thorndale, Ontario, the Cellar produces small-batch ciders that place fruit character and local agricultural history at the centre of the glass.

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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