Our story

Daylesford Cider company’s story began in 2003 with the grafting of select heritage cider apple varieties onto dwarf rootstock.  Fast-forward to today, our orchards are well established and proudly Australian Certified Organic (ACO).  
Across our organic orchards we grow bittersharp, sharp, sweet and bittersweet apples full of tannins, sugars and acidity. Our quality ciders owe their depth and diversity to these complex cider apple varieties.
Our story began in 2015 when we officially took over the business, which included a recently built English-style tavern cellar-door set in amongst beautiful landscaped gardens.  It has been a labour of love over the years, growing our small business to where it is today. With the help of a fantastic team behind us, our cellar-door is now open 7 days a week offering casual dining, tastings, drinks and take-home cider sales.
In our early days we produced 4 ciders; now, we offer over 12 styles, including unique seasonal batches as well as our core range. We remain committed to our values, creating authentic craft cider inspired by European traditions. Our pride lies in using 100% fresh juice—no concentrates, sugar, or unnecessary dilution—and minimising sulphites wherever feasible. Our ciders are naturally gluten-free and vegan, with the exception of our Spiced Cider which contains local honey.
For Mackie our cider-maker, it’s all about the seasonality of traditional cider making; one apple harvest, one ferment, one chance, once a year – making each year’s vintage wonderfully unique!
Daylesford Cider have received great recognition over the years, receiving a number of medals, trophies and awards including Winner of the Business Achievement Awards 2021.
We are grateful to share our space and our Daylesford Cider story with visitors year round. We look forward to welcoming you here soon – Cheers!
Clare and Mackie