Our Story

Crossmount Cider Company was founded in 2014 with a clear objective: to produce high-quality, orchard-based cider rooted in the Canadian prairies. Located just south of Saskatoon, Crossmount operates on land that was previously used as a fourth-generation family cattle farm. Rather than following established cider regions, the McKercher family chose to invest in cold-climate apple production and explore whether cider apples could be successfully grown in Saskatchewan’s demanding environment.
The company planted its first apple trees in 2014 and began building an on-site cidery at the same time. With the orchard still in its early years, apples were initially sourced from British Columbia while cider-making processes were developed in-house. By early 2016, the first batches of cider were fermenting, and Crossmount released its inaugural products later that spring.
From the beginning, the orchard has been central to Crossmount’s long-term vision. Today, the orchard is planted with thousands of dwarf apple trees, including prairie-bred varieties and experimental cultivars developed in collaboration with the University of Saskatchewan’s fruit breeding program. Trees are planted on winter-hardy rootstock and trained along trellis systems designed for cold climates and efficient harvesting.
All Crossmount ciders are fermented, blended, and packaged on site, using a combination of estate-grown apples and carefully selected apple juice. The portfolio includes year-round core ciders alongside seasonal and small-batch releases, with a consistent focus on balance, drinkability, and varietal expression. As the orchard matures, estate-grown apples are playing an increasing role in production, allowing the ciders to more directly reflect local growing conditions.
The Crossmount name reflects the McKercher family’s Scottish heritage, while Flatlander — the company’s flagship cider line — is a deliberate nod to prairie identity. The brand is intentionally straightforward, approachable, and rooted in place.
Beyond production, Crossmount has grown into an agri-tourism destination, featuring a tasting room overlooking the orchard, an on-site restaurant and event space, and seasonal community programming. The cidery also works closely with local organizations through fundraising initiatives and community cider projects that incorporate surplus backyard apples from the surrounding region.
Looking ahead, Crossmount Cider Company remains focused on expanding orchard-based cider production, supporting cold-climate fruit research, and contributing to the development of a sustainable prairie cider industry. The goal is simple: to demonstrate that high-quality cider can be grown, made, and enjoyed in the heart of the Canadian prairies.