Business Details
9 Years
experience
Natural Cider & Wine Tasting Experience in Cedar Grove, NC
Botanist & Barrel is a Southern cidery and winery dedicated to crafting natural, small-batch beverages that reflect the region's terroir. Founded in 2017 by families passionate about food, fermentation, and community, we prioritize heirloom apples, muscadines, and blueberries grown spray-free on our farm or sourced from local growers. Our ciders and wines are wild-fermented, unfiltered, gluten-free, and never pasteurized, preserving the authentic flavors of the South. With operations spanning two locations in Cedar Grove and Asheville, North Carolina, we combine decades of agricultural expertise with innovative low-intervention techniques to create living products that celebrate sustainability and place.Our team includes certified cider professionals, sommeliers, and farmers who have studied at Cornell University and participated in international wine competitions. We host seasonal events, farm-to-table experiences, and educational tastings while distributing to six states, demonstrating our commitment to redefining Southern cider and wine through creativity and conservation.
Services
Cider Production
Wine Making
Tasting Flights
Farm Events
Beverage Distribution
Details
- Year established: 2017
Highlights and features
- We use 100% locally sourced heirloom fruits from spray-free farms
- Our ciders are wild-fermented, unfiltered, and never pasteurized
- We host seasonal events with wood-fired cuisine and live music
- Our team includes certified cider professionals and sommeliers
- We practice waste-free production using whole fruits and composting
Services
Cider Production
We craft natural ciders using heirloom apples and blueberries sourced from local farms. Our wild fermentation process preserves authentic flavors while maintaining gluten-free and vegan standards. Each batch reflects seasonal variations and regional terroir.
Wine Making
Our winemaking focuses on muscadines and native grapes using minimal intervention techniques. We prioritize sustainability through whole-fruit utilization and composting programs. The result is expressive, terroir-driven wines that challenge traditional perceptions.
Tasting Flights
Curated tasting experiences featuring rotating selections of ciders, wines, and guest beverages. Flights priced $18-$28 include guided education about our production methods and ingredient sourcing practices.
Farm Events
We host year-round events including wood-fired pizza nights, grape stomps, and fermentation festivals. Special winter igloo reservations offer heated private tasting experiences with seasonal menus.
Beverage Distribution
Distribution to six states through our wholesale program. Products include bottled ciders, wines, pet-nats, and gift cards. Available in restaurants, bars, and bottle shops through our partner network.
People
Kether Smith
Partner + Head Cidermaker
Kether transitioned from culinary arts to cidermaking after studying at Cornell University. She specializes in wild fermentation and manages orchard operations at the family farm in Cedar Grove.
Deric McGuffey
Partner + Specialty Cidermaker
A Georgia native with culinary competition experience, Deric combines artistry with cidermaking. He manages pastry operations at a Durham restaurant while developing specialty cider recipes.
Amie Fields
Partner + Sales Director
Amie oversees distribution across six states. With certifications from the Court of Master Sommeliers and ACA, she focuses on minimal-intervention cider education and market development.
Lyndon Smith
Partner + Farmer
Lyndon manages spray-free orchards and blueberry farms. Recognized by Wine Enthusiast's Future 40 List, he champions sustainable practices and waste-free production methods.
Bailey Stoffregen
Head Winemaker + Cidermaker
Bailey brings winemaking experience from Oregon and France. With a Food Science degree and ACA certification, she oversees production of natural wines and ciders at the cidery.
Questions
What makes your ciders unique?
We use wild fermentation, local heirloom fruits, and never pasteurize. This preserves natural flavors and creates living beverages that reflect Southern terroir.
Are you open year-round?
Yes, with seasonal hours. Thursday-Sunday 12-6/7pm. Winter igloo reservations available for private tastings during colder months.
Can I bring outside food?
Yes, outside food is welcome. We also offer charcuterie boards and local snacks. Picnic areas available near our pond with blankets/chairs permitted.
Do you host private events?
Yes, we offer private tastings for groups of 4+ and host corporate events. Wood-fired pizza pairing parties and custom experiences available with advance booking.
Where can I find your products?
Distributed in NC, SC, GA, CO, MA, and CA. Available in restaurants, bars, and bottle shops. Check our website's 'Botanist Finder' for locations.
Are pets allowed?
Yes, leashed pets are welcome on the farm grounds but not inside tasting areas. Owners must clean up after their pets at all times.
Reviews (4)
Daniel Mitchell
Jan 11, 2022
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Awesome time! We came across this great spot through Harvest Host. Friendly staff, good cider, nice campfires, and a beautiful setting...
Lily Anderson
Nov 19, 2021
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Had a great time at the Fermentation Fest! A lovely venue with great food and ciders, and knowledgeable staff! Will definitely be going back!
Leslie Gehris
Sep 24, 2021
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Awesome place to visit. Great family experience. They had food, drinks, and live music was about to begin as we left. Definitely put it on your list to try! We will visit again!
Maxers
Aug 26, 2021
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Simply love this place. I do bery much enjoy the fact that they have expanded their outside seating. A place the wife and i will keep going back to.
