Wheel Line Cider

Out Of Town Travelers

Ah, Wheel Line Cider in the charmingly rural expanse of Ellensburg, Washington! This isn't just a cider house; it's more like a whimsical wonderland dreamt up by the delightful duo of Susie and Maryanna.

Picture this: you step inside, and it's as if a cozy, slightly tipsy gnome has been put in charge of interior design. The backyard is a haven of creativity and tranquility, a testament to the artistic vision of its designer. Lush vines climb trellises and fences, creating a verdant canopy overhead. Multi colored umbrellas dot the space, casting dappled shade over various seating options, inviting relaxation and social gatherings.

A comfortable lounge area beckons with plush cushions and a low-slung coffee table, perfect for leisurely conversations and afternoon sips. Mismatched benches, each with its own unique character, line the perimeter of the yard, providing a sense of whimsical charm.

The air is filled with the gentle hum of soothing music, perhaps ambient or jazz-infused, creating a calming aura that envelops the space. The natural light filters through, illuminating the lush greenery and the intricate details of the artistic design.

The color scheme is a harmonious blend of nature's greens and blues, accented by the playful pops of color from the umbrellas. The overall effect is one of serenity and inspiration, a place where creativity can flourish and the soul can find solace.

The backyard is a delightful mix of nature and art, a testament to the teacher's unique vision. It is a place where the boundaries between the natural and the man-made blur, creating a harmonious and inspiring environment.

And the cider! Oh, the cider! Their impressive lineup is a testament to the sheer audacity of having three thousand apple trees on their property. That’s not an orchard; that’s an apple nation! My personal favorite, a liquid ode to the local bounty, features apples donated from Kittitas County – which means every sip is practically a charitable act! While each year's vintage offers a thrillingly unpredictable flavor profile (it keeps things spicy, like a blind date with a fruit!), the current iteration is a dry but light-bodied number that pirouettes onto your palate with the grace of a tipsy ballerina. It then bursts into a bouquet of wild sweetgrass aromas, probably hand-picked by woodland creatures with impeccable taste, followed by a flirtatious whisper of honey and a cheeky citrusy finish. At 7.5% ABV, it’s just enough to make you contemplate writing a strongly worded poem about the beauty of fermentation.

For the cider-curious, the "tasting of the day" is less a flight and more a delightful little adventure for your taste buds. It changes so frequently, it's like trying to keep up with the gossip in a small town – always something new and potentially scandalous (in a fruity way).

Now, let's talk about Susie, the retired art teacher who has clearly decided that cider house decor is her next masterpiece. The entire establishment is a testament to her creative spirit, a glorious explosion of color and texture that somehow manages to be both utterly unique and incredibly inviting. It’s like stepping into a Pinterest board curated by a particularly whimsical fairy godmother.

As a humble Harvest Host guest, my trusty van camper, Romeo (who, by the way, has developed a rather sophisticated palate thanks to these adventures), and I were granted access to Susie's sprawling apple empire. Three thousand trees! I half expected to see tiny, hard-hat-wearing apples staging a tiny union protest for better sunlight. The sheer scale of it all is enough to make you want to climb one and declare yourself the king/queen of all things pomaceous.