"A traditional farmhouse cider and perry, all made from local old fashioned types of apples and pears. No additives of any kind. Made in oak barrels and left to mature until ready to drink, all the ciders are still as they would have been in the olden days. We aim to make cider as it would have been done hundreds of years ago, to the modern way and without spoiling it.."
- Dennis Gwatkin
Gwatkin Cider Company is a family farm business based in the heart of the Golden Valley under the Black Mountains. Where cider and perry has been made for centuries, drawing from the rich clay soil which enhances the fruit and gives it a full-bodied flavour.
The cider has been sold for about ten years, being entered into CAMRA and various other shows in which time it has won Cider of Britain twice in 1995 and again in 2002. Also achieving International Cider Champion at Hereford Cider Museum Competition in 2002, which has meant we have increased production from the 1500 gallon to around 8000 gallons.
We have also tried to produce as many single variety apple and pear types as possible as crops allow. As some of the old varieties such as Foxwhelps, Kingstone Blavell, Oldfield Moorcroft and Thorn are getting harder to find due to the age of many of these trees.
In 2003 we opened a farm show on the premises along with our range of cider + perries, we also produce meat, beef, lamb and pork all produced and butchered in the farm. Along with many home grown vegetables + preserves.
We hope in time to expand to a tasting venue, where people can try all the cider and share the interests in the special varieties.
