Nancy and Steve “Bear” Bishop were first introduced to hard cider in the 1970s on a trip to Canada. After making cider as hobbyists for many years, in 2001 they took a trip to the cider making regions of Spain, France, and England to observe commercial operations. When they returned home, Steve and Nancy took a class at WSU from an English cider master, and ordered 900 French and English cider trees which started their journey into commercial cider making and the founding of Alpenfire Cider (previously named Wildfire Cider).
After becoming certified as an organic orchard in 2005 and organic processors in 2009, Alpenfire Cider holds the distinction of being the first organic cidery in Washington state. Alpenfire Cider now produces seven organic flavored vinegars, and eight different ciders.
Located in Port Townsend, Nancy and Steve love to show people around their orchard, where they grow three French and five English cider apple varieties as well as many heritage and dessert apples. The orchard is also visited by a vibrant community of wildlife including ducks, herons, cougars, bobcats, and coyotes. Organic production is deeply ingrained as a value in their cidery and production.
Alpenfire’s orchard is open by appointment for tours and special events. Visit their tasting room open Friday-Sunday 12:00 – 5:00 pm starting March 13th.
Alpenfire Ciders at 2015 City Fruit Cider Taste:
Dungeness
Glow
Ember
Taste these ciders and more at City Fruit’s 5th Annual Cider Taste Fundraiser on November 12th at the Pike Place Atrium! Buy tickets here.