Apple County Cider is a family business. We are husband and wife Ben and Steph, plus our young son Francis who loves to run amidst the apple trees.
Before Ben answered the call to cider-making, he worked in music publishing and lived in London. But he held onto vivid childhood memories of walking the blossom-filled orchards with his stepfather and helping to haul in the apple harvest. Ben's stepfather Jimmy grew apples under contract to a national cider-maker. It wasn't until later in life, that Jimmy experimented with making his own real cider and encouraged Ben to join him.
Ben had always been a cider-drinker. Being a coeliac, he was happily never distracted by lesser, cereal-based drinks (i.e. beer). Since returning home to become a full-time cider maker in 2008, Ben has won many awards. Recent accolades include Gold, Silver and Bronze medals in the International Cider Challenge 2015, and 2 and 3 star Great Taste Awards, culminating in a prestigious Golden Fork award for the best food & drink product in Wales!
Steph grew up in the North-West, but now whole-heartedly devotes herself to family life and Apple County. She is the vital right hand of the business, supporting customers, developing the brand and keeping the admin ship-shape. She is passionate about opening people's eyes to the joys of real cider, and exploring new frontiers in cider-craft.
As a family, we feel lucky to live in this lush, rolling landscape.
Show Less