Family cider-making tradition stretches back 25 generations to 1483

30 Mar

**How do you like them apples? ... Woombye couple Martin and Regine Rellstab make traditional Cider from 100 percent fresh Queensland apples on the Sunshine Coast.**

MEET THE MAKERS

Martin and Regine Rellstab from Sunshine Coast Cider make traditional Cider from 100 percent fresh Queensland apples right here on the Sunshine Coast. We asked the Woombye couple about their sensational business.

• How did you get started?

In 2017, we started Sunshine Coast Cider with the mission to craft a real Queensland Sparkling Cider - produced the same way as a Champagne. Growing up on an apple farm in Switzerland and holding a fruit growing degree, Martin already had all the skills and knowledge he needed. His family tradition of making Cider reaches back to 1483, making Martin a 25th generation Cidermaker.

• Best thing about what you do?

We love what we do. Seeing the smile of approval on people’s faces when they taste our Brut+ Sparkling Cider is a great reward.

• What else should we know about Sunshine Cider?

We want to do our part to protect the environment. Growing the business allows us to add more sustainable measures to our operation. We produce all our energy through our solar system, which covers the roof of our Cidery. Using technology, we can work towards a smart Cidery with individual tank cooling and temperature monitoring to save even more energy.

• Favourite other local food/product?

The Sunshine Coast has so many small food producers with amazing products that it’s hard to decide. We certainly love Electropops, the new dairy-free Phyto butter and Falafel Baraka to name a few.

• What is it about the hinterland that gives you inspiration?

Operating at the Sunshine Coast is an amazing experience. We value the support and friendships we found through the Food and Agribusiness Network (FAN), the local craft beer scene and the Sunshine Coast people. We look forward to sustainably producing more local Queensland Cider and supporting our farmers in the years to come.

• Where can we buy your cider?

You can find our range of Cider in a few independent bottle shops and local bars and restaurants. The best way to buy is to pop into our tasting room in Kunda Park on Saturdays or order through our online shop.