Member Highlight: Rebel Sheep Wine Co.
Cidery Name:
Where are you located and when did you start?
Located in Chester, New Jersey. Opened in 2024
Describe your cidery in three words:
Innovative, sustainable, rebellious
What inspired you to start making cider?
We farm around 500 acres in our area. In 2021 our apple crop came into full production, and we had an abundance of apples. We decided making cider would be a great addition to our farm and a unique way to cut down on food waste.
Describe your cider making style:
Spontaneous. We use only our own apples and focus on using all natural ingredients from our farm that bring out the best qualities of New Jersey fruit. We rely on the seasons to decide what cider we make.
What is your favorite cider that you make?
Hopposites Attract. We blended a cider with a strawberry wine and then dry hopped it.
What exciting plans or new releases do you have coming up:
A lot of plans are in the works. We just opened in 2024 so we are still figuring out what blends we like and what our signature flavors will be.
Where can cider enthusiasts find your products?
Our tasting room and various farmers markets that we attend throughout Northern New Jersey.
What’s your favorite way to enjoy cider?
With our homemade Apple Cider Donuts.
What’s one piece of advice you would give to someone new to making cider or wanting to start a cidery?
Don’t get discouraged when your cider does not turn out perfectly. Trial and error is part of the process until you find out what works best.
What are your hobbies or interests outside of cidermaking?
Farming 500 acres of fruits and vegetables doesn’t leave a lot of time for hobbies, but attending workshops and listening to cider and wine podcasts is enjoyable.
Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
New Jersey has farms and makes great wine and cider! We are the Garden State for a reason!