Vista Bella Farm: Orchard, Cidery and Apiary

04/25/2026

We have recently updated the scab prediction model using our weather station data. Feel free to follow along to see which rain/weather events are most associated with apple scab.

This page replaces the old notebook output with one generated page. It combines a primary infection view from the Mills wetness table and an ascospore maturity tracker based on cumulative degree-days from the configured biofix date.

10/24/2025

🍎 Season Update from Vista Bella Farm 🍎

Just a friendly reminder that U-Pick and the tasting room are now closed for the season. For now, only the roadside stand remains open, we’ll do our best to keep it stocked and will post updates here whenever it’s restocked. If you don't have exact cash for your purchase you can always send an E-transfer to [email protected].

🍏 At the roadside stand (2859 Malagash Road):
• Drops — $13 per bag
• 3 lb bags of apples
• 2 lb quarts of pears
(No bulk quantities at the stand)

If you’d like to order cider, frozen juice, or bulk apples, please reach out by Facebook message or email at [email protected]

The full cider roster is available on the website: www.vistabellafarm.com along with an order form.

Bulk apple pricing (by order):
🍎 10 lb bag — $16
🍎 20 lb bag — $28

Honeycrisp (by order):
🍎 $8 / 3 lb bag
🍎 10 bags for $25
🍎 20 lbs for $40

Available apple varieties:
McIntosh, Cortland, Liberty, Jonagold, Northern Spy, and Empire (good supply).
Limited: Russets (small and not fully russeted this season, but sweet!), and very few Gravensteins left.

Pears: $4 / quart or $30 / 20 lbs (by order)

🥂 Frozen Non-Alcoholic Cider (Juice):
• $7 / 2L jug (by order)
• $10 / 2L for our gorgeous and tart crab apple juice (by order)

Thank you all for your continued support this season we’re so grateful for our community! ❤️🍎

10/22/2025

🍎 Drop Apples Available! 🍎
We have a limited supply of drop apples at the roadside stand, $13 per bag.

Come grab yours while they last!
📍 Vista Bella Farm Orchard & Cidery – 2859 Malagash Rd, Malagash

10/19/2025

🍎 From Vista Bella Farm: A Heartfelt Thank You 🍎

As another season draws to a close, we want to take a moment to say thank you to our friends, family, and the incredible community that surrounds us.

Every visit to the orchard, every conversation at the farm stand, every shared story, smile, and laugh has meant more to us than words can say. Whether you came to pick apples, enjoy a glass of cider, explore the gardens, or simply stopped by to see what’s growing, you’ve all been part of what makes Vista Bella Farm feel alive.

Your support, from helping spread the word, to bringing your families, to choosing local food and cider keeps small farms like ours thriving. It allows us to keep doing what we love: caring for the land, growing good food, crafting honest cider, and building something worth passing on.

We’re deeply grateful for each and every one of you for cheering us on through unpredictable weather, long harvest days, and new experiments that keep farming both humbling and hopeful.

From all of us here at Vista Bella Farm & Cidery, thank you for being part of our story this year. We couldn’t do it without you.

Here’s to the changing seasons, to good company, and to everything that grows when a community comes together. ❤️

With gratitude,
The Vista Bella Farm family

P.S. Don't forget to email us at [email protected] or send a message here on facebook if you'd like to order some apples or cider in the off season. We can generally arrange for a pickup time for both if you just reach out!

10/16/2025

Final U-Pick Day — Saturday, October 18th! 🍏

This Saturday is our final U-Pick day of the season! We’ll be closed Sunday, so come out and pick what’s left, stock up, and help us wrap up the harvest with one last fall day at the farm.

Details:
•🍎 $1.25/lb with a 10 lb minimum per group of 4
•🧺 Free-range picking — wander and pick at your own pace (no guided trips this weekend)
•🍂 Drops for deer hunters — $10 per bag, pick-your-own
• Bring your own bag and save the $1 bag fee (limited bags available for $1 each)
•🥕 The roadside stand and veggie table will still be open and fully stocked
•🍻 The tasting room will be open too — enjoy flights, cider by the glass, and bottles to take home

It’s your last chance to fill your pantry (or deer camp barrel!) with local apples and enjoy a crisp fall afternoon at Vista Bella Farm & Cidery.

10/16/2025

🍎 Final U-Pick Day — Saturday, October 18th! 🍏

This Saturday is our final U-Pick day of the season! We’ll be closed Sunday, so come out and pick what’s left, stock up, and help us wrap up the harvest with one last fall weekend at the farm.

Details:
•🍎 $1.25/lb with a 10 lb minimum per group of 4
•🧺 Free-range picking — wander and pick at your own pace (no guided trips this weekend)
•🍂 Drops for deer hunters — $10 per bag, pick-your-own
• Bring your own bag and save the $1 bag fee (limited bags available for $1 each)
•🥕 The roadside stand and veggie table will still be open and fully stocked
•🍻 The tasting room will be open too — enjoy flights, cider by the glass, and bottles to take home

It’s your last chance to fill your pantry (or deer camp barrel!) with local apples and enjoy a crisp fall afternoon at Vista Bella Farm & Cidery.

10/12/2025

Good morning everyone, we hope you are well! Please be aware that we are out of Cox’s Orange Pippin for the season. Apologies but the season was very poor for them this year.

10/09/2025

🍎✨ Vista Bella Farm’s Thanksgiving U-Pick Weekend! ✨🍎

Join us this Saturday & Sunday, October 11 & 12 from 12 – 5 pm (Closed Monday) for another fun-filled, family-friendly orchard weekend in beautiful Malagash!

Bring your friends, family, and little ones to enjoy the fresh air, the colors of fall, and the simple joy of picking your own apples. 🌿👨‍👩‍👧‍👦

🍏 This weekend’s U-Pick apples:

Jonagold – sweet, aromatic, and juicy – a true orchard favorite

Empire – crisp, firm, and beautifully balanced

McIntosh – classic Nova Scotia apple – juicy and tart

Cortland – limited supply – great for pies and fresh eating

💲 Pricing:

$1.80/lb up to 20 lbs

$1.50/lb for 20 lbs and up

Minimum pick: 10 lbs per group of 4

🍐 Roadside Stand – bursting with fall produce:
Tomatoes, eggplant, pears, squash, apples, and more from the orchard and gardens!

🍻 Cidery Tasting Room – open all weekend!
Come visit Sarah, who’ll be pouring samples from our lineup of 11 handcrafted ciders. Enjoy flights, glasses, or bottles to take home – from crisp and dry to bold and fruit-forward.

🌳 Whether you’re tasting cider, picking apples, or loading up on fresh produce, you’ll find a warm, welcoming, family atmosphere at Vista Bella Farm. No need to book – just drop by and celebrate the harvest with us!

📍 Vista Bella Farm Orchard & Cidery
2859 Malagash Road, Malagash, NS

📧 [email protected]

🌐 www.vistabellafarm.com

10/09/2025

🍎✨ Vista Bella Farm's Thanksgiving U-Pick Weekend! ✨🍎

Join us this Saturday & Sunday, October 11 & 12 from 12 – 5 pm (Closed Monday) for another fun-filled, family-friendly orchard weekend in beautiful Malagash!

Bring your friends, family, and little ones to enjoy the fresh air, the colors of fall, and the simple joy of picking your own apples. 🌿👨‍👩‍👧‍👦

🍏 This weekend’s U-Pick apples:

Jonagold – sweet, aromatic, and juicy – a true orchard favorite

Empire – crisp, firm, and beautifully balanced

McIntosh – classic Nova Scotia apple – juicy and tart

Cortland – limited supply – great for pies and fresh eating

Cox’s Orange Pippin – extremely limited! A rare treat with incredible flavor and heritage charm 🍊✨

💲 Pricing:

$1.80/lb up to 20 lbs

$1.50/lb for 20 lbs and up

Minimum pick: 10 lbs per group of 4

🍐 Roadside Stand – bursting with fall produce:
Tomatoes, eggplant, pears, squash, apples, and more from the orchard and gardens!

🍻 Cidery Tasting Room – open all weekend!
Come visit Sarah, who’ll be pouring samples from our lineup of 11 handcrafted ciders. Enjoy flights, glasses, or bottles to take home – from crisp and dry to bold and fruit-forward.

🌳 Whether you’re tasting cider, picking apples, or loading up on fresh produce, you’ll find a warm, welcoming, family atmosphere at Vista Bella Farm. No need to book – just drop by and celebrate the harvest with us!

📍 Vista Bella Farm Orchard & Cidery
2859 Malagash Road, Malagash, NS

📧 [email protected]

🌐 www.vistabellafarm.com

10/02/2025

🍎✨ Vista Bella Farm U-Pick Weekend! ✨🍎

Join us this Saturday & Sunday, October 4 & 5 for a family-friendly orchard adventure in beautiful Malagash! Bring the kids, grandparents, and friends — there’s something for everyone to enjoy in the crisp fall air. 🌿👩‍👩‍👧‍👦

🍏 This weekend’s U-Pick apples:

Cortland – crisp & sweet-tart, perfect for pies & snacking

McIntosh – juicy, aromatic, a Nova Scotia favorite

Liberty – tangy, refreshing crunch

Empire – firm, sweet, sprightly and long-lasting

Wolf River – the legendary jumbo apple for baking!

💲 Pricing:

$1.80/lb up to 20 lbs

$1.50/lb for 20 lbs and up

Minimum pick: 10 lbs per group of 4

There will be some limited supply of honeycrisp in the store for purchase!

🥔 Roadside Stand – stocked up and overflowing with:
Fresh tomatoes, eggplant, peppers, potatoes, apples, pears, squash, and more!

🍻 Cidery Tasting Room – Sarah will be welcoming you to explore our lineup of 11 handcrafted ciders.
Enjoy flights, glasses, or bottles to take home — from crisp and dry to bold and fruity, there’s a cider for every taste.

🌳 Come for the apples, stay for the cider, and enjoy the welcoming family atmosphere. No appointment needed — just come ready for a busy, joyful harvest weekend!

📍 Vista Bella Farm Orchard & Cidery
2859 Malagash Road, Malagash, NS

📧 [email protected]

🌐 www.vistabellafarm.com