Tardebigge Cider

Tardebigge cider is a craft maker of award winning quality cider and perry within the parish of Tardebigge. This area has been famous for its orchards for many years and in the 16^th and 17^th centuries the whole county was defined as one great orchard by the chroniclers of the day. We use locally grown fruit, from our own orchard, established in 1995, and neighbouring orchards including that of the well known Avoncroft Museum.

Cider that wonderful drink made from apples was once of such quality that it was served at court in preference to imported wines, Tardebigge Cider recreates this quality with delicate, refined ciders with a fresh apple bouquet. It is often mistaken for a crisp white  wine.

The young orchard of Tardebigge Cider sits on a south-facing slope overlooking the shallow valley, which contains the Birmingham to Worcester Canal. Only a mile away the Tardebigge flight of locks is the longest in the country and the top lock is the deepest. These are all well maintained by British Waterways. The area is a popular destination for canal holidays, day trips and walking in the lovely countryside, along with visits to Tardebigge Court craft centre. Sitting prominently on the hill above the top lock cottage is beautiful Church of Saint Bartholomew, which is a well-known landmark.

The head Cider maker is Steve Cooper and the chief taster is his wife Christine. He has had a long ambition to make cider and in 1993 found a semi-derelict farmhouse with enough land to establish an orchard, which was planted in 1995.

Whilst renovation of the house took place he built up a cider mill within some existing outbuildings. In September 1999 Tardebigge Cider was registered with the customs and excise as a craft cider and perry maker.

As a craft cider and perry maker Tardebigge Cider is limited to an annual output of 7000 litres although typically only around 4000 litres has been produced. With this in mind the aim is to produce the highest quality cider possible within our limited facilities. Some of the many traditional varieties of apples that  we use    include; Yarlington mill,  Michelin, Ashton Bitter,  Dabinett, Harry Masters Jersey, Nehou and Browns apple.     These make our hand crafted cider  a delicate pale drink of  refined character that rarely fails to delight the palate and elevate the soul.

It is available direct from us, where you are invited to have a taste or two, or from carefully selected outlets in the Bromsgrove district.

We can deliver to you, please call for details