In October 2024, Cider Chat MC Ria Windcaller recorded with Tom Vowles of Hedger Cider and Ben Crossman in Somerset. Initially, the two recordings felt like separate brand stories. Then, nearly a year later to the day as the produciton of this audio began and the transcript peeled away a story of entwined history came to light and a shared connection: Coates Cider of Nailsea.
Tom Vowles
Suddenly a light bulb was illuminated! The Coates Cider Company was at the helm of the story and here at Cider Chat Central we saw the weaving in of the story behind both Nick Showering and Bob Cork episode on Triple Vintage! The story of cider is entwined in surprising ways and make perfect sense!
Remembering Tom Vowles
Tom walked Ria about his production room which showcased a massive rack and cloth press – that originally came from Coates:
"It's a big old press, isn't it? Came out of Coates originally. We've put a lot into getting it running again, and it does the job." – Tom Vowles
At the time of this recording Hedgers Cider had been opened for just 14 months and during that time had become a go-to place for cider fans. The fact that it is located 5 minutes from the Bristol Airport and along a major artery from Weston super-Mare to Bristol also helps. What we didn't expect was Tom unexpectedly passing away in June of 2025. At the time of this broadcast in fall of 2025, his wife Jo and their son David is now carrying Hedgers forward.
Ben Crossman's Cider and Family History
Ben's story reaches back to the 1930s, when his grandfather made cider alongside Redvers Coate. They even at one time considered a partnership.
Ben Crossman
Tradition: Wild ferments, bittersweet varieties
Continuity: Keeping cider alive through tough decades
Parallel: A family path entwined with Coates' rise
"It's funny, isn't it? The Coates family were massive, and yet they're not here anymore. But we're still making cider." – Ben Crossman
Sidebar: Coates & Triple Vintage
Founded 1925 by Redvers Coate in Nailsea
Wartime boost: rationing and zoning expanded markets
1951 premium launch: Triple Vintage and Festival Vat
1956 takeover: Showerings doubled production
Modern link: Showerings' Triple Vintage continues the name – launched in 2023
Reflection: Cider's Market Identity
Cider was the choice drink for many and Perry once rivaled champagne and held prestige in Parliament. Today, the challenge is reclaiming value without losing openness.
Like vinyl records and artisan bread, cider's comeback requires:
Consistency of quality — season after season
Audience engagement — beyond cider circles, into wine, food, and tourism
Authenticity without snobbery — refined yet welcoming
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.
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