Snowdrift Cider
Snowdrift Cider Co. is a family-owned craft cidery in East Wenatchee, Washington, that produces Method Champenoise, oak-aged, and single-variety hard ciders from heirloom apples grown on its own orchard, selling via a tasting room, e-commerce store, multi-tier Cider Club subscription, and selective wholesale accounts including Whole Foods and Canlis.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2009
- HeadquartersEast Wenatchee, United States
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What Snowdrift Cider does
Snowdrift Cider Co. is a family-owned craft cidery and orchard based at 273 S. Ward Ave. in East Wenatchee, Washington, operating on the Wenatchee Valley orchard that the Ringsrud family has cultivated since the 1940s and at its present location since 1974. The company produces hard ciders exclusively from heirloom, cider-specific apple varieties (and perry pears) grown on its own land, including Harrison, Frequin Rouge, Dabinett, Foxwhelp, Golden Russet, Calville Blanc d'Hiver, and Kazakh red-fleshed varieties, with processing centered on traditional techniques: careful picking and pressing, fermentation, oak barrel aging, extended winter maturation, and Method Champenoise in-bottle fermentation with riddling and disgorging for the Cidermaker's Reserve and Perry Reserve lines. The product portfolio spans two Special Reserves (Method Champenoise), five Orchard Classics (Dry Cider, Orchard Select, Cliffbreaks Blend, Red Cider, Barrel-Aged Cornice), and the Cidermaker's Branch Series of single-variety and small-batch limited releases.
Snowdrift sells through a hybrid direct-to-consumer and selective-wholesale model. DTC channels include an on-site tasting room open Friday–Saturday plus private appointments booked directly with founder Peter Ringsrud, an e-commerce store at snowdriftcider.com, and a Cider Club subscription with three tiers (4-bottle at ~$60/shipment with 20% off retail, 6-bottle at ~$80 with 25% off, and 12-bottle at ~$150 with 30% off) shipping every other month, six times per year. Wholesale distribution is regional and selective, with placement at Whole Foods and fine-dining accounts such as Canlis, supported by industry recognition including a SIP Northwest Double Gold, the 2016 Good Food Awards, and the 2015 GLINTCAP Gold.
The company is privately held and founder-controlled by Peter and Mary Ann Ringsrud, with no disclosed institutional funding, parent company, or M&A activity. Operating geographies are confined to the United States, and the company has 11–50 employees, consistent with a small-batch craft producer. The commercial cidery launched in 2009 with an initial run of approximately 200 cases, and the founding family carries nearly 50 years of on-orchard apple-growing experience augmented by coaching from UK cidermaker Peter Mitchell.
Snowdrift Cider firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Snowdrift Cider
- Legal name
- Snowdrift Cider Co.
- Website
- https://snowdriftcider.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2009
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- Snowdrift Cider Co. is a family-owned craft cidery in East Wenatchee, Washington, that produces Method Champenoise, oak-aged, and single-variety hard ciders from heirloom apples grown on its own orchard, selling via a tasting room, e-commerce store, multi-tier Cider Club subscription, and selective wholesale accounts including Whole Foods and Canlis.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Snowdrift Cider industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Craft Hard Cider Production
- NAICS
- Apple Orchards (111331)
- SIC
- Beverages (2080)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Cider & Perry Production (AFAFAAAD)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Cider & Perry Producers & Brands (CRADAIAE), Cideries & Meadery Tasting Rooms (THAFALAI)
Keywords
Where Snowdrift Cider is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- East Wenatchee
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices1 record
Markets served
Snowdrift Cider business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Supply Chain, Operations, Personnel, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- Direct-to-consumer sales: E-commerce store sales and tasting room direct sales to visitors. Products include ciders at various price points with alcohol content ranging from 7.5% to 10.1% by volume.
- Cider Club subscription: Recurring membership with 6 shipments per year. Three tiers: 4-bottle (~$60/shipment, 20% off), 6-bottle (~$80/shipment, 25% off), and 12-bottle (~$150/shipment, 30% off). Provides exclusive access to limited releases.
- Wholesale to retail: Distribution to retailers including Whole Foods. Bulk case sales to fine dining establishments.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Subscription | Multi-year contract | 4-bottle 'The Enchantments' tier - 20% off retail, ships 4 bottles per shipment, ~$60/shipment |
| Subscription | Multi-year contract | 6-bottle 'The Peshastin Pinnacles' tier - 25% off retail, ships 6 bottles per shipment, ~$80/shipment |
| Subscription | Multi-year contract | 12-bottle 'The Mighty Columbia' tier - 30% off retail, ships 12 bottles per shipment, ~$150/shipment |
Go-to-market motion2 records
Distribution channels5 records
Marketing channels4 records
Snowdrift Cider product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Snowdrift Cider is a family-owned craft cidery that grows heirloom cider apple varieties on its own orchard in East Wenatchee, WA and produces premium hard ciders and perries using traditional methods such as Méthode Champenoise sparkling production and oak barrel aging. The cidery sells its ciders through an on-site tasting room, an e-commerce store, a multi-tier Cider Club subscription, and wholesale partners including Whole Foods and fine dining establishments.
Product overview
Snowdrift Cider Co. is a family-owned craft cidery and orchard in East Wenatchee, WA, producing world-class ciders from cider apple varieties grown on their orchard. The product portfolio consists of three main cider lines: Special Reserves (Cidermaker's Reserve and Perry Reserve) crafted using Méthode Champenoise; Orchard Classics (Dry Cider, Orchard Select, Cliffbreaks Blend, Red Cider, and Barrel-Aged Cornice) featuring complex blends for everyday occasions; and the single variety/small batch Cidermaker's Branch Series for limited releases. The company also offers a Cider Club subscription service with three membership tiers providing regular shipments, discounts, and first access to limited editions.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Cidermaker's Reserve A Méthode Champenoise sparkling cider crafted from the best of the cidery's reserves, with continuously unfolding layers of spicy bittersweet apple, citrus brightness, and subtleties of toffee, aromatic wood, and earth; aged for over a year with in-bottle fermentation, conditioning, and riddling; 9.0% ABV. Targeted at craft cider enthusiasts and collectors seeking complex sparkling ciders.
- Perry Reserve A luscious Méthode Champenoise perry crafted from old-world perry pear varieties grown in central Washington, featuring rich, full-bodied character with ripe and dried pear flavors, honey smoothness, crisp astringency, and subtle woodsy tannin; 10.1% ABV. Targeted at craft beverage enthusiasts and food pairing diners.
- Dry Cider A dry cider in the English tradition with delicate balance, featuring a whisper of toffee, clear brightness, light sparkle, and delicate orchard fruit aromatics with a lingering finish; 7.6% ABV. Targeted at traditional cider drinkers seeking food-pairing ciders.
- Orchard Select A semi-dry cider that is distinctly bright, rich, and full of body, featuring bright summer fruit flavors, honey smoothness, and delicate floral aromatics; 8.3% ABV. Targeted at craft cider drinkers seeking approachable yet characterful ciders.
- Cliffbreaks Blend The cidery's most popular cider; a rich deep golden blend with full body, light sparkle, classic English cider and bittersweet apple aromas, flavors of melons and dried fruit, complex tannins, and balanced sweetness; 7.6% ABV. Targeted at general craft cider enthusiasts.
- Red Cider A rare crimson red cider made from apple varieties only a couple generations removed from their native ancestors in the hills of Kazakhstan, featuring bright acidity and flavors of cranberries, watermelon, rhubarb, strawberries, and soft toffee tones; 7.5% ABV. Targeted at adventurous craft beverage enthusiasts.
- Barrel-Aged Cornice An off-dry cider aged in oak barrels with notes of bourbon vanilla, fall fruit, and toffee; named after the majestic snow formations created by winter winds; 7.5% ABV. Targeted at craft cider enthusiasts and collectors seeking barrel-aged specialty ciders.
- Cidermaker's Branch Series A single variety and small batch cider series showcasing the core essence of cider apples, featuring notable varieties such as Stoke Red, Golden Russet, Vilberie, Harrison, Sweet Coppin, and Marechal; available in limited releases with a wide range of flavors from dry to sweet. Targeted at cider collectors and enthusiasts seeking rare varietal releases.
- Cider Club Membership A subscription membership delivering premium ciders to members' doors six times per year. Three tiers available: 4-bottle 'Enchantments' (~$60/shipment, 20% off), 6-bottle 'Peshastin Pinnacles' (~$80/shipment, 25% off), and 12-bottle 'Mighty Columbia' (~$150/shipment, 30% off). Includes first access to limited releases and member perks such as insider tips, unique recipes, first access to orchard dinners, and tasting room discounts. Targeted at craft cider enthusiasts seeking ongoing discovery and allocation of limited releases.
Quantifiable outcome
- Ciders are internationally acclaimed with multiple gold awards
Companies that use Snowdrift Cider
Customer profileNamed customers2 records
Segments2 records
Ideal customer profiles2 records
Snowdrift Cider technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature4 records
Snowdrift Cider partnerships and signals
Strategic signalScale indicators3 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights4 records
Snowdrift Cider competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Aleman Cider Co. California craft cidery producing traditional English and French-style ciders with a tasting room. Comparable to Snowdrift on premium positioning, traditional cidermaking methods, and DTC-led distribution, though operating at a slightly larger scale.
- Woodstock Cider Co. Oregon-based craft cidery producing traditional and specialty ciders from heritage apple varieties, with similar emphasis on Méthode-style and small-batch production. Directly comparable to Snowdrift in craft cider category, target customer (premium cider enthusiasts), and DTC-plus-wholesale distribution model.
- Liberty Ciderworks: Woodinville, WA craft cidery producing traditional English-style ciders from Pacific Northwest apples with on-site tasting room. Comparable to Snowdrift on geography (WA), traditional cidermaking approach, tasting room DTC channel, and craft cider enthusiast customer base.
- Tieton Cider Works: Yakima Valley, WA craft cidery with its own orchards producing estate-grown ciders using heritage varieties. Directly comparable to Snowdrift on vertically integrated orchard-to-bottle production, WA geography, traditional cidermaking, and DTC/wholesale hybrid model.
- Schilling Cider: Pacific Northwest craft cidery offering a broad portfolio of traditional and flavored ciders with strong DTC and wholesale distribution. Comparable to Snowdrift on craft cider category, multi-channel go-to-market, and regional Pacific Northwest distribution, though at a larger scale.
- Stem Ciders: Denver-based craft cidery focused on traditional, dry, Méthode-style ciders with a tasting room and wholesale distribution. Comparable to Snowdrift on premium craft cider positioning, traditional production methods, and DTC-plus-on-premise distribution.
Broad incumbents
- Angry Orchard Cider Company: The largest US craft cider brand, owned by Boston Beer Company, with national distribution across grocery, on-premise, and DTC channels. Comparable to Snowdrift as a US hard cider producer but operates at vastly larger scale with mass-market positioning versus Snowdrift's premium niche.
Others
- Watershed Distillery: Ohio-based craft distillery producing premium small-batch spirits with on-site tasting room and DTC distribution. Comparable to Snowdrift as a small-scale artisanal beverage producer using estate or locally sourced inputs and DTC-plus-wholesale model, though in spirits rather than cider.
- Wölffer Estate Vineyard: Long Island winery producing estate-grown sparkling wines using traditional Méthode Champenoise. Comparable to Snowdrift as a producer using Méthode Champenoise sparkling production for premium positioning and DTC-led distribution, though in wine rather than cider.
- Domaine de la Bonne Année: French cidrerie producing traditional Méthode Champenoise ciders from heritage Brittany/Normandy apple varieties. Comparable to Snowdrift on traditional Méthode-style cider production, heirloom apple focus, and premium craft positioning, though based in France.
Market position
Strengths4 records
Weaknesses4 records
Competitive moat3 records
Key risks5 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
Snowdrift Cider social profiles
Digital presenceSnowdrift Cider financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Snowdrift Cider leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles1 record
Snowdrift Cider funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Snowdrift Cider M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Snowdrift Cider
What does Snowdrift Cider do?
Snowdrift Cider is a family-owned craft cidery that grows heirloom cider apple varieties on its own orchard in East Wenatchee, WA and produces premium hard ciders and perries using traditional methods such as Méthode Champenoise sparkling production and oak barrel aging. The cidery sells its ciders through an on-site tasting room, an e-commerce store, a multi-tier Cider Club subscription, and wholesale partners including Whole Foods and fine dining establishments.
Is Snowdrift Cider a public or private company?
Snowdrift Cider is a private company. It is classified as family owned and is currently operating.
When was Snowdrift Cider founded?
Snowdrift Cider was founded in 2009. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is Snowdrift Cider based?
Snowdrift Cider is headquartered in East Wenatchee, United States, in the North America region.
How does Snowdrift Cider make money?
Three revenue lines are on record. Direct-to-consumer sales are the primary driver. The others are cider Club subscription and wholesale to retail.
Who are Snowdrift Cider's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Aleman Cider Co., Woodstock Cider Co., Liberty Ciderworks, Tieton Cider Works, Schilling Cider and Stem Ciders. Angry Orchard Cider Company is listed as a broad incumbent. Others are Watershed Distillery, Wölffer Estate Vineyard and Domaine de la Bonne Année.
Does Snowdrift Cider have an API?
No public API is recorded for Snowdrift Cider.
What industry is Snowdrift Cider in?
Snowdrift Cider's product category is Craft Hard Cider Production. Its primary akta.pro industry code is AFAFAAAD, Cider & Perry Production, with a secondary code of CRADAIAE, Cider & Perry Producers & Brands. Its NAICS code is 111331 and its SIC code is 2080.