CIDER and apples have been at the heart of Herefordshire's culture and history for over 400 years.

One sixth of all the worlds cider is produced in the county and whilst we are home to many of the large commercial cider brands, its important to champion the smaller companies that make up the soul of Herefordshire’s iconic industry.

Here are some of the counties finest independent cider makers.

Gwatkin Cider

Gwatkin is a small, family run business in Abbey Dore that boast a range of 35 ciders and perries. They also run the Red Cow tavern and restaurant where you can enjoy hearty traditional food alongside their signature cider.

Hereford Times: Denis and Eric Gwatkin from Gwatkin CiderDenis and Eric Gwatkin from Gwatkin Cider (Image: Gwatkin Cider)

Artistraw Cider

Located in Clifford, near Hay-on-Wye, the two-person team create low intervention ciders which contain only fruit which has been handpicked from unsprayed, biodiversity-rich, traditional standard orchards. You can always spot an Artistraw cider due to the distinctive, painted labels on the bottles.

Hereford Times: Tom Tibbits and Lydia Crimp from Artistraw CiderTom Tibbits and Lydia Crimp from Artistraw Cider

Newton Court

Offering a variety of still and sparkling ciders, scrumpies and perrys, Newton Court near Leominster has long been a favourite amongst locals. Cider tours are held each Friday at twelve from their recently opened café and restaurant, named the ‘chapel of the apple’.

Hereford Times: Paul Stephens, Tom Stephens and Nigel Beamont of Newton Court CiderPaul Stephens, Tom Stephens and Nigel Beamont of Newton Court Cider

On Point Cider

The Moccas based company only launched in April of this year but is already receiving international acclaim, winning a trophy and a gold award in the International Cider Challenge 2023.

Hereford Times: Matt Greep and Mansell Whittall of On Point CiderMatt Greep and Mansell Whittall of On Point Cider (Image: On Point Cider Company)

Pips Cider

This business began in 2010 in Dorstone. They recommend that their drinks should be enjoyed alongside a meal, with their five to seven per cent ciders made from juice extracted from seven different varieties of cider apples grown in their own orchard.

Hereford Times: Alistair Phillips of Pips ciderAlistair Phillips of Pips cider

 

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