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 Team
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 owner, visionary, and driving force. His immense passion for flavor and culture inspired him to open Brooklyn Cider House as his second creative venture. When you visit the orchard, it’s likely you’ll see him around working the hardest out of everyone. His imagination, dedication and fearlessness are the reasons why Brooklyn Cider House has grown so much in so little time.
Richard Yi
After proving his mettle as a winemaker in Napa Valley and the California Central Coast, Richard returned to New York in 2024 to lend his experience and intense passion for cider to the family business. As our Head Cidermaker, Richard’s style marries low-intervention with innovative techniques to create elevated and accessible cider from the 40+ varieties grown on our estate orchard. Richard is the glue that makes our team a true family and it only takes one conversation with him to know that.
Anthony Murgola
If you've visited our Farmstand lately you'll know that Anthony is always happy to help with a smile on his face. A chef and restaurant manager in his previous lives, there's no one better to sit down and chat about your favorite food and drink with, and as our GM, he makes sure no one leaves hungry, thirsty, or with their questions about cider unanswered. His warm and down to earth attitude makes everyone feel welcome, and our team wouldn't be the same without him.
Susan Yi
With her teaching, literary, and communications background and interest in the arts and society, Susan became our storyteller, people champion and culture leader, bringing truth and compassion to our organization. Though she has now retired, her contributions have forever shaped who we are as a company. Thank you for everything Susan!