Simplicity, heritage and organic freshness are what define Daylesford Cider Company, an Australian cider producer in the Region of Musk Victoria. Its founder Mackie and Clare take pride in their unique range of English-styled ciders using 17 types of apples of the Anglo-Saxons origin, such as the Bulmer’s Norman, Kingston Black and Somerset Red Streak. It is these apples, which boast a great combination of tartness, sweetness and bitterness that create the distinctive flavors of Daylesford Cider’s ciders.

Ingredients and method are the most crucial components of cider making, which is why only fresh apple juice is used at Daylesford Cider in brewing their purest tasting ciders. With an emphasis on quality, no artificial concentration, aromas, colors nor additives will be found in their ciders. Daylesford Cider places heavy emphasis on the quality and source of its apples, which are harvested directly from their own organic orchard located at the outskirt of Daylesford.

English styles such as the almost bone-dry traditional ‘still’, sparkling and fuller fruited ciders all highlight the diversity and complexity of cider apple characteristics. Daylesford Cider’s range of traditional ‘still’ ciders, although quite common in other countries, are rather rare in Australia. These “non-fizzy” ciders are gradually gaining appreciation amongst cider drinkers in recent years, and seen comparable to wine.

Worth noting in the sparkling range is the ‘Summer Pétillant’, a fuller-fruited cider with an elegant dose of carbonation. For dry cider lovers, try the ‘Vintage Dry’ or ‘Wild’ with versatility and complexity that’s more reminiscent of wine. Each year, Daylesford Cider produce a small number of limited edition ciders, sometimes experimenting with different methods, or yeast, or apple varieties. Do check out their website for new products and updates.

Within Daylesford Cider’s compound is an English-style tavern with a cosy indoor setting with a fireplace and comfy couches. The outdoor courtyard seating with gardens and view to the top orchard is ideal for the summer. Enjoy the simply prepared dishes and pair them with one of your favourite ciders. In winter, the menu features hearty dishes of hot soups, pies, stews and roasts, to be accompanied with their infamous warm spiced cider. Daylesford Cider’s tavern is an ideal place for a relaxing drink, live music, gatherings and private events such as weddings, corporate functions, Christmas parties and other celebrations.

The cellar-door is open daily and offers a cider tasting paddle of their core range of ciders for $15, which is equivalent to 2 standard drinks. Lunch is available Friday-Monday, with a modest menu to accompany a cider or two. There are a number of stockists in the Victoria and Melbourne regions where you can find Daylesford Cider’s products, who are listed on their website. Alternatively, visit Daylesford Cider’s online store where you can select missed boxes or ciders to be delivered to your door.

Opening Hours

The cellar-door is open Monday to Friday 11:00 to 16:00,

Saturday and Sunday 10:00 to 17:00

The kitchen is open for lunch Friday to Monday 12:00 to 15:00