Westons Cider

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Nestled in the picturesque village of Much Marcle, Herefordshire, Westons Cider stands as a testament to over 140 years of traditional cidermaking excellence. Founded in 1880 by Henry Weston, this family-owned business has become a cornerstone of British cider production, blending generations of expertise with a passionate commitment to crafting exceptional ciders that capture the essence of Herefordshire’s rich agricultural heritage.

The Roots of a Cider Legacy

Henry Weston’s journey began when he moved to The Bounds farm in 1878, initially struggling to generate sufficient income from his 100-acre estate. Encouraged by his neighbour, MP C.W. Radcliffe Cooke, Henry started making cider commercially, using fruit from his own orchards and a horse-powered stone mill. His vision was revolutionary for the time - to create a pure cider made from carefully selected apple varieties, free from infection and off-flavors.

Crafting Tradition: The Westons Approach

What sets Westons Cider apart is their unwavering commitment to traditional cidermaking techniques. The company still adheres to several key practices that have defined their production for generations:

  • Locally Sourced Apples: Fruit is carefully selected from the Westons orchards and over 200 local farms within a 50-mile radius
  • Traditional Apple Varieties: Focusing on bittersweet and bittersharp apples like Dabinett, Yarlington Mill, and Kingston Black
  • Oak Vat Fermentation: Ciders are fermented and matured in traditional oak vats, some over 200 years old

A Family’s Continuing Legacy

Now in its fifth generation, Westons Cider remains a family-run business. In 1999, Guy Lawrence joined the company, continuing the Weston family’s commitment to exceptional cidermaking. The company has grown to employ over 200 people, most of whom live in the local community, demonstrating their deep roots in Herefordshire.

Innovation Meets Tradition

Despite their traditional approach, Westons has not shied away from innovation. In 1990, they became the first cider company worldwide to receive the British Standard Award BS5750 ISO 9002 for quality management. Their commitment to quality continues with modern investments, including state-of-the-art fruit handling systems and bottling technologies.

A Diverse Cider Portfolio

Westons produces a range of ciders that cater to different tastes, including:

  • Henry Westons Vintage
  • Stowford Press
  • Old Rosie
  • Henry Westons 1880 Vintage (launched in 2025)

🍎 Note: Each cider is carefully crafted to showcase the unique characteristics of Herefordshire's apple varieties.

The story of Westons Cider is more than just a business narrative - it's a celebration of British agricultural tradition, family dedication, and the art of cidermaking. From a small farm operation to a respected cider producer, Westons continues to honor Henry Weston's original vision of creating exceptional, pure cider.

Where is Westons Cider located?

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Westons Cider is located in Much Marcle, Herefordshire, at The Bounds farm where the company was originally founded in 1880.

What makes Westons Cider unique?

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Westons Cider is unique for its commitment to traditional oak vat fermentation, locally sourced apples, and a family legacy spanning five generations of cidermaking.

How long has Westons been making cider?

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Westons Cider has been producing cider since 1880, making it a remarkable 146-year-old family business as of 2026.