Our cider rapture started in the foothills of Urnieta and Hernani, in the Basque Country of Spain, catching natural cider straight from the barrel. Peter Yi, a wine buyer and connoisseur of food and drink, took a break from tasting wines to visit a traditional Basque cider house, called sagardotegi. Simple, farm-fresh food, paired with natural cider caught straight from the barrel and the sounds of laughter and contentment filled the cidery with pure magic. It was a thunderbolt moment and not long after his trip, Peter told his sister Susan, "We need to create this kind of experience in New York." Within months, they both walked away from decades-long careers to study and explore the world of apples and hard cider.
That was the spring of 2014. They didn't know a bushel from a bin of apples. All they knew for certain was that they wanted to make a wildly delicious natural cider.
Brooklyn Cider House has come a long way in little time, thanks to a super dedicated staff. Within a couple of years, they have revitalized Twin Star Orchards, built a cidery, tasting room, farm store, and pond-side pavilion. Our award-winning ciders can be enjoyed throughout New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, DC and Florida.
Our Founders
Photo Credit: Visit Vortex
Peter Yi
Before launching Brooklyn Cider House, Peter was the owner of PJ Wine, a leading wine retailer in New York City. Peter is our Head Cidermaker, visionary, and driving force. His imagination, tenacity and fearlessness are the reasons why Brooklyn Cider House has grown so much in so little time.
Susan Yi
Previously an English teacher at The Town School, Susan uses her teaching prowess to lead the team in all aspects of the cider business. With her literary background and interest in the arts and society, she is our storyteller, people champion and culture leader, bringing truth and compassion to our organization.