Heritage Apple Cider is the genuine taste of Southland was made from donated windfall apples from around the district in the timeless rack and cloth method of Summerset, all by hand by a bunch of hardy Southlanders keen to keep tradition alive.

Champagne yeast is added to hand-pressed juice, before it’s left to ferment out then set aside to age, allowing the flavours to mature for five months.

The apples come from throughout Southland, from those keen to use not waste, and from others looking for a tangible taste of Southland, and every year its different.

2017 Heritage Cider 

Unfiltered with no added sugar, it pours an effervescent gold,  the taste is pure apple with the rich warmth of the 2016-17 southern summer, a touch of acidity and extra tannins delivering full mouthfeel with a dry finish, the  500 litre yield, un-augmented by any commercially grown apples,  is a Southland Heritage Cider record.

Following its official launch on  August 23 2017 Heritage Cider at a preview luncheon for the apple donors and volunteer cider makers who turned out enmasse its available for purchase on tap from The Cellar Door and in 330ml botttle while stocks last.

2018 Heritage Cider

Don’t let apples rot on the ground! We will accept apple donations from March with a view to cider making again in Autumn .