HELDERBERG MEADWORKS began in 2012 producing a single mead with a mission: to bring truly handcrafted mead to the people. That mead was called Heritage and the people welcomed it with open arms. It quickly became clear that Helderberg could spread their creative wings and introduce more varieties to the market. Apple Mead was born!
While creating the local sourced cyser, Helderberg was creating an amazing hard cider as part of the process. So with the same passion and vigor, meadmaker Peter Voelker set forth perfecting his hard cider craft by applying the knowledge and experience he gained while developing Helderberg Meadworks’ many varieties of mead.
Over the past couple of years, Helderberg’s hard cider was introduced on a limited basis while Peter was building the new tasting room where his ciders are now exclusively available. Helderberg’s philosophy of using all-natural ingredients as much as possible extends to their ciders which are handcrafted to suit the makers’ personal tastes. This natural approach brings out the best fresh-apple flavors possible, resulting in ciders that stand out remarkably well in the crowded marketplace.
Helderberg’s Classic Semi-Dry hard cider is distinct. It is aged for a minimum of six months using an aging process that provides micro-oxidation similar to that of a neutral cask. This allows the cider to develop its natural profile slowly. Each harvest is unique, therefore the cider is not blended from year to year. Much like the view from the tasting room, there are slight variations that are embraced each year to create a hard cider that is a truly a celebration of the apples!
The Essentials
Name
HELDERBERG MEADWORKS
Address
6144 State Route 30
Esperance, NY 12066
Troy Tasting Room:
45 3rd Street
Troy, NY 12180
Phone
518-795-8964
Website
Open
Thurs–Fri: 5–9pm
Sat: 12–9pm
Sun: 12–5pm
Closed
New Year’s Day, Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas
Tasting Fee
$5.00 for 7; $20.00 for all with glass
Tours
No
Farm Acreage
8.4 acres
Production
800–1,000 cases
Owners
Peter and Kirsten Voelker
Managers
Peter and Kirsten Voelker
Cider/Mead Maker
Peter Voelker