Once Upon A Tree

Once Upon A Tree was launched in May 2008 through a passion to create the best quality cider from the highest quality fruit, whilst continuing to preserve the heritage and tradition of cider-making in the area.

The apples are sourced, and the juice and cider made at Dragon Orchard situated in the heart of the traditional apple growing area of Putley near the Marcle Ridge in Herefordshire.

With a combination of good orchard management, fantastic soils and perfect mesoclimate, the fruit produced is some of the best available anywhere in the UK, with the apples attaining full ripeness yet retaining character and flavour. Juice and Cider maker, Simon Day is an experienced professional winemaker who decided to turn his hand to cider making after walking through the local orchards and seeing the potential to use winemaking skills to capture the true characters of the apples in the juice and ciders.

Sixteen Ridges Vineyard
Our wines are produced at our winery in the historic town of Ledbury. At first sight we operate a well organised farm and winery, but lift the lid off of the winery, and discover our strive to challenge convention; an approach which is at the core of our entrepreneurial owner Angus, and our award winning winemaker Simon.

From single varietal trials of vines grown under tunnels, to small batch co-fermentation, or apple ice cider production, we are constantly challenging ourselves to entice our customers to try something new.

Sixteen Ridges vineyard was planted in 2007 on an ancient ridge and furrow field (hence Sixteen Ridges). South facing and a natural amphitheatre shape, it enjoys a perfect aspect with excellent shelter. Here our multi award winning Pinot Noir, used in our sparkling and much sought after red wines, thrive.

Redbank vineyard was planted in 2012 by the passionate, knowledgeable and pioneering hand of growers Cilla and Tim. It is located on the south-facing slopes of the Wall Hills; where in the 13th century St Thomas Cantilupe, the last English Saint, is recorded to have demanded the re-planting of vines. A testament to this spot’s history and heritage as an exceptional site for vines.