Cider Family

Matthew Vasilev & Katie Selbee

Cider Makers/Owners

Blending hands-on experience and training in cider making, orcharding and organic farming, making cider is a conversational act for Matthew and Katie. After visiting cideries from Washington to Herefordshire, England, the dream to start a farm-based cidery took root. What began with making cider on a basket press with family and friends, using apples from old orchards and the Vasilev’s family trees on Pender Island, quickly became a licensed land-based operation after they partnered with Noel and Sandra in 2016. They are immersed in operating the cidery year-round, from pruning and harvesting dozens of island orchards, pressing, blending and bottling, to pouring the cider at the tasting room.

Sandra MacPherson & Noel Hall

Partners/Owners

Sandra and Noel are longtime entrepreneurs who traded in their city shoes for gumboots when they purchased land on Pender Island over ten years ago. When a neglected homestead and orchard came into their hands in 2016, the pair had a vision for the Agricultural Land Reserve site to host an active farm-based project that would contribute to island community and culture…and with all the old, fruitful apple trees on the property (and Noel’s British roots), cider was the ideal fit. These days, they are dedicated to spreading and imbibing cider culture as they travel from Pender and Victoria, to Spain and Australia, and beyond.

The trio of cider folk who work alongside us are tasting room manager Gary Catano, and orchard and cidery helpers Ana Maria Garcia Alarcon and Devin Dafoe, who each contribute amazing skills and experience to the cidery operation.