Sixteen acres of orchards with 3000 trees and 10 varieties of apples provide Robert and Val Fitchett with their ingredients for their artisanal products. Originally the orchard provided fruit to the Taunton Cider company. In 1983 the founder, the late Stan Lynch, decided to make his own cider, and Upton was born. Val worked with Stan in the late 1990s, taking over the business in 1999.

Today Upton produces dry, medium and sweet ciders, hand sorting the apples and, once fermentation is complete, maturing them for a minimum of 9 months. Sold in 2- and 4-pint containers, Upton is particularly well known for its sweet ciders.

Visit for a free taste and a chat or get a group together. Upton also has a four rosette self catering cottage, The Bothy, on the farm.

Silverware

• Sweet Cider – Champion cider, CAMRA South of England Cider Competion 2009
• 2009 SE Cider Makers of the Year – CAMRA

Eco-friendly initiatives

• Organic since the late 1980s, no sprays are used
• Bees are kept in the orchard to help pollination
• Wildlife is welcomed – deer visit and there are resident badgers

Trade bodies

CAMRA, NFU, Soil Association, SW England Cider Makers Association
Visit England for self catering cottage

Fuller review to come following visit