436: Handpicked Cider Gift Guide for the Holidays

436: Handpicked Cider Gift Guide for the Holidays

Author: Ria Windcaller: Award-winning Cidermaker, Podcaster | Craft Beer Columnist December 4, 2024 Duration: 52:03

Finding the perfect gift for the cider lover in your life just got easier. Whether you're shopping for seasoned cider enthusiasts, budding cider makers, or thoughtful gift givers looking to impress, this guide has everything you need to celebrate the holidays with cider. From curated picks with our Cider Chat partners to tools and tips for home fermenters, we've got you covered.

Top Cider Gifts from the Cider Chat Partners

The following brands are part of the #ciderGoingUP Campaign. Become a partners today at the Cider Chat Patreon page!

1. Ross Cider and Perry | Herefordshire

Ross Cider and Perry Co logo - supportes of ciderGoingUP at Cider Chat

Shop Ross Cider and Perry
Explore a variety of ciders and perries from one of the most esteemed cideries in the UK. Perfect for those who love rich tradition and bold flavors.

2. DuckChicken Cider | London

Duckchicken Cider Logo #ciderGoingUP

Shop DuckChicken Cider
Find distinctive ciders crafted in small batches, ideal for the adventurous cider drinker.

3. SpaceTime Mead and Cider Works | Pennsylvania

SpaceTime Mead & Cider Works logo

Shop SpaceTime Mead and Cider Works
Browse their innovative blends that bridge the worlds of cider and mead.

4. EsoTerra Ciderworks | Colorado

EsoTerra Ciderworks #ciderGoingUP Campaign

Shop EsoTerra Ciderworks
Gift fine ciders that showcase the terroir of the American Southwest.

5. Tattiebogle CiderWorks | Pennsylvania

Tattiebogle Ciderworks 400x400

Shop Tattiebogle Closed till December 20th
Give the gift of anticipation with a Tattiebogle gift certificate—perfect for cider fans eager to try their unique offerings.

6. Bent Ladder | Ohio

Bent Ladder Cider Logo 300x150

Shop Bent Ladder
Purchase ciders or gift certificates online to share a taste of Ohio's finest.

7. Press Then Press

Press Then Press logo 300x200 transparent

Shop Press Then Press
Discover curated cider gift packs from a variety of top producers.

8. Oliver's Cider and Perry | Herefordshire

Shop Oliver's Cider and Perry
Dive into premium ciders and the newly touted perry selection for a true taste of Herefordshire.

9. InCiderJapan

inciderjapan logo

Shop InCiderJapan
Explore unique Japanese ciders, offering a fresh perspective on the craft.

10. American Cider Association

American Cider Association logo - ciderGoingUP

Shop American Cider Association
CiderCon swag showcases pride in this powerhouse organization

11. Locust Grove Brewery…and Cider! | New York

Locust grove cider logo

Shop Locust Grove
Gift Card Certificates and Growlers to-go!

12. Heeman's Cellar | London, Ontaria

Heeman's Cellar logo cider-going-Up

Shop Heeman's Cellar
From gardening and orchard workshops to cider and mead online, this Ontario based family owned enterprise has a bevy of cider gifts!

Gifts for the Aspiring Cider Maker

For those who dream of crafting their own cider, these thoughtful gifts will kick-start their journey.

Cider Maker's Starter Kit

  • Download the Cider Making Equipment PDF to build a custom gift pack with essential tools.
  • Pair the equipment with a box of fresh cider apples for an unforgettable gift.

Books for Every Skill Level

  • Head to the Cider Books page at Cider Chat for resources ranging from beginner guides to expert cider-making tips.
  • Consider books on orchard care, apple varieties, or rare fruits like medlars and sorbs domestica to deepen their knowledge.

Cider Chat Swag for the Holidays

Support your favorite cider podcast "Cider Chat" and surprise your cider-loving friends with some exclusive swag.

Why Cider is the Perfect Gift

Cider is more than just a drink—it's a story of tradition, craftsmanship, and community. By gifting cider or cider-related items, you're sharing a piece of this heritage with friends and loved ones.

This holiday season, shop thoughtfully and enjoy the process of picking gifts that celebrate the world of cider. And don't forget to check out the Cider Chat podcast for more cider tips, stories, and inspiration.

Support Cider Chat: The Gift That Keeps on Giving

For the cider lover who already has it all, consider a meaningful and impactful gift by supporting the work of Cider Chat.

Make a Donation

Help keep the cider community thriving by making a one-time donation to Cider Chat. Your contribution supports the podcast, cider stories, and educational content that bring the world of cider to life.

Become a Cider Chat Patron

  • Visit the Cider Chat Patreon Page and sign up as a patron.
  • Choose a tier that matches your budget and enjoy exclusive perks like behind-the-scenes updates, early access to episodes, and more.

This gift not only shows your appreciation for cider culture but also ensures that Cider Chat continues to inspire and connect cider enthusiasts around the globe.

Pro Tip: Pair this donation or patronage with a physical gift, like a Cider Chat t-shirt or mug from the Cider Chat Swag Store, for a thoughtful and well-rounded present.

Mentions in this Cider Chat


There’s a whole world in a glass of cider, and Cider Chat is your invitation to explore it. Hosted by award-winning cidermaker and writer Ria Windcaller, this podcast travels far beyond the bottle to meet the people who make the global cider culture so vibrant. Each conversation is a journey-you might find yourself in a heritage orchard learning the history of forgotten apple varieties, in a bustling taproom with an importer explaining regional traditions, or in a kitchen with a chef pairing cider with unexpected foods. The discussions get into the delightful nuances, too, whether that’s the semantics of what we even call this drink or how the concept of terroir translates from soil to sip. It’s not just about production; it’s about the community, the travel, and the stories that fermentation unlocks. This is for anyone curious about the craft, history, and sheer enjoyment of fermented apple juice in all its forms. So, pour a glass and settle in for a series that feels like a wide-ranging, informative, and genuinely good-humored chat with friends who happen to be obsessed with cider. You’ll come away with a deeper appreciation for every effervescent, tart, or sweet sip, hearing directly from the growers, makers, and enthusiasts who are shaping this drink’s exciting present and future.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 501

Cider Chat
Podcast Episodes
139: New Zealand's Cidermaking Calendar w/Alex Peckham [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:17:04
New Zealand's Peckham Cider is featured in this podcast episode #139. I was able to sit down with Alex Peckham at CiderCon2018 held in Baltimore, Maryland. CiderCon is the annual trade conference put on by the United Sta…
138: Chairman Richard Liu | Ontario Craft Cider Association [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 59:32
Richard Liu is the Chair of the Ontario Craft Cider Association and owner of Ironwood Cider and Sunnybrook Winery. This chat was recorded while I was on tour with Ryan Monkman of Fieldbird Cider (Prince Edward County) wh…
137 Ontario's County Cider Story | Jenifer Dean [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:14:08
County Cider based in Prince Edward County in the Canadian Province of Ontario began selling cider in 1996. It was launched by Grant Howes a formidable man considered the Grandfather of Cider in Ontario. In 2000 Jenifer…
136: Cidermaker of the Year 2018 - Tells All [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 27:29
This is a mini version of the main podcast this week - as I am super duper busy - so I call this "Cider Chat Live" which is a mini me version of the main podcast - Subscribe to Cider Chat Live too via https://anchor.fm/c…
135: Viejo High Pours in Fishtown | Philadelphia [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 25:40
Viejo is a barrel aged cider made by Joe Getz of Kurant Cider. This cider is a single varietal cider made with Winchester apples. Described on Kurants website as: "a blend of wild fermented ciders created by using some o…
134: Medlars "Pomme Rock Stars" &  Judging Cider [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 42:38
What are Medlars? Medlars are pommes. It can be either a tree or a large bush. The small brown medlars are picked in the fall. Because Medlars are eaten in the winter months they were very popular at a time when fruit wa…
133: Cider's Chemical Fingerprints [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:05:15
Attention Cider Makers! Understand Your Cider's Chemical Fingerprints John Edwards presented "Cider's Chemical Fingerprints" at the United States Association of Cider Makers (now referred to as the American Cider Associa…
132: Barrels & Bâtonnage [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 58:25
Bâtonnage is a winemaking technique that is also used in Cidermaking. It involves raking the lees or what is seen as the heavy particulars of yeast cells that fall out of solution and down to the bottom of the barrel dur…
131: Cider Barrels with a Cooper, a Maker & Thierry Lemaire [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:21:16
Cider Barrel Maintenance The craft of making an oak barrel is called "cooperage" and the person who applies this craft is called a "cooper". The skills of this trade have been passed down through the centuries. The tree…
130: Cider Voices from Grand Rapids & #2GLINTCAPorBUST [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:00:07
Cider Voices from Grand Rapids Cider Week and the Great Lakes International Cider and Perry Competition On the evening of May 14th Joby Willson, Mark Gryska, Charlie Olchowski and William Grote and myself headed out in a…