Only traditional methods are used to produce Vale of Welton Cider in the family run cider works overlooking the rolling Northamptonshire hills and the orchards from which the apples are harvested. The apples are gathered in late autumn; the juice is extracted from the fruit by the time honoured method of a cider press. The juice ferments through the winter and spring and comes to maturity in the summer when it has developed the unique taste of Poacher’s Cider.
Many of the cider apple trees were planted by a local character, affectionately known as “the Poacher” and the cider is named in honour of his sterling efforts to establish the orchards in the Vale of Welton.