Jason Schmink earned his PhD in Chemistry in 2010 and as part of that “training,” developed an appreciation for fermentation science (and art) in his spare time. Jason has been a professional winemaker for Mount Hope Estate & Winery as well as the cidermaker for Lancaster County Cider, both in Manheim, Pennsylvania, since May 2019. 2019 was a big year, as he and his wife, Samantha, purchased a plot of land that summer and Jason immediately began planning his orchard. The first trees were planted in 2022 and Oak Tree Orchard was chartered in 2024. This year will see the first fermentation of estate and local fruit and honey. Oak Tree Orchard is committed to producing a farm-driven cider of the highest quality, and Jason is excited to introduce his community to a product that embodies his neck of the woods of Lancaster County, Pennsylvania.

Claire Trindle is the founder of Blind Bear Beverages, offering immersive beverage workshops, bartending services, and a product line of cocktail ingredients. Her passion is sharing her expertise and love of craft beverages with consumers and fellow industry professionals. Beyond her business, Claire supports and advocates for the hard cider industry by presenting at craft beverage conferences and judging cider and perry competitions.

Claire’s industry experience includes roles as Taproom Manager at Hale & True Cider Co. and Philadelphia Brand Ambassador for Graft Cider. Claire was inspired to pursue the Certified Pommelier certification to enhance her credibility in the industry. She is proud to be Philadelphia’s first Certified Pommelier and Pennsylvania’s first female Certified Pommelier.

Dan Schreffler is the President and Winemaker at Space Time Mead & Cider Works which opened in Dunmore, Pennsylvania in 2018. They are an urban nano-winery that specializes in honey, apple and other fruit wines. Their cidermaking is small batch, harvest driven apples/pears from local orchards. 

Dan chose to pursue the Certified Pommelier™ designation to improve his knowledge and skills as a cidermaker. The knowledge he has gained while preparing for the exam and the improvements in his sensory skills allows him to better serve their increasingly knowledgeable cider customers.