Their story
Wilding Cider is run by Sam and Beccy Leach at Chew Magna, on their own 5.5-acre Wilding Orchard, the last traditional orchard left in an area that once had 25. They began planting and pressing in the mid-2010s, scaling production from around 800 bottles in 2017 to roughly 10,000 by 2019, and also buy in fruit from several other named Somerset orchards. Apples are picked up from the ground once fully ripe, then fermented slowly with wild yeasts and no added sulphites, usually maturing for at least a year before release in 75cl bottles. The range includes single-variety ciders made from apples such as Kingston Black and Stoke Red, blends, a perry, spirits and vinegar.
Their own 5.5-acre Wilding Orchard at Chew Magna, the last traditional orchard left in an area that once had 25, plus about an acre of newly planted trees; some older Bulmers Norman trees are being top-worked over to sharper varieties. They also buy fruit from other named Somerset orchards, including Ditcheat Hill, Moorcroft, Burlands and Eastwood Manor.
Apples and pears they nameKingston Black, Stoke Red, Yarlington Mill, Bulmers Norman
What they make
- Fieldwork dry
- Symphony traditional blend
- Stoke Red single variety, sweet
- Kingston Black single variety
- Moorcroft Perry perry
- Ditcheat Hill single orchard selection
Visiting
Farm gate at the Wilding Orchard, Chew Magna
Opening times, as they publish them: "Cider Saturdays": second Saturday of the month, April to September, 10:30am-4:30pm (for the 2026 season)
Tastings: Yes. Visitors can bring their own picnic on Cider Saturdays. Sells cider, spirits, vinegar and other farm produce on open days, with access to forest gardens and orchards.
Where to buy
- At the farm or cidery When open
- The Fine Cider Company Stockist
- Salthouse Bottles Stockist
No working shop found directly on wildingcider.co.uk at the time of checking; sold through named specialist online retailers.
Their events
Runs monthly "Cider Saturdays" farm-gate openings from April to September, and takes part in outside events such as the London Cider Salon, the Bristol Cider Salon and Chew Stoke Harvest Home.
