New Manson business offers U-Press cider fun, learning

MANSON – Manson Growers recently opened the doors to their newest addition, Cider Press.

Cider Press offers a U-Press cider experience. Visitors can pick out the variety of apples they want, grind them, press them, filter them, and bottle their cider. At the end of that process, they will have 10 half-gallon jugs of cider to take home.

The experience offers a hands-on way to engage with local agriculture, Manson Growers President Jared England said. 

The site also offers a variety of products and activities, making it a family-friendly spot to learn more about the area's agricultural traditions.

"Pressing apple cider is a local tradition that we have enjoyed for many generations," England said. "It is a perfect activity to spend time with family and friends."  

"We love agriculture and are at times surprised that others do not share the same level of enthusiasm," he said. "We believe that by providing access to everything we love about agriculture, others will experience how magical it can be and, in turn, appreciate it as much as we do."  

Cider Press also offers a cafe with fresh-pressed cider on tap, paninis, coffee, smoothies, ice cream, apple fries, and more.

Cider Press held their Grand Opening at the beginning of August.

"It was amazing," England said. "We had a very large turnout, and as expected, everyone had a fun time. We had people from all ages and backgrounds, the perfect family-friendly activity."

England plans to hold regular events and educational opportunities for people to learn more about agriculture.

"Our next event will involve honeybees and the role they play in pollinating local fruit trees every spring," England said. "The bees also create amazing honey that we will be adding to our menu this fall."

England hopes that people who visit Cider Press learn something new about apples, have fun together, and look forward to their next visit.  

"We want to be their source of exclusive access to all things agriculture in the valley," he said.

The business is open Monday through Saturday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Established in 1959 and locally operated, Manson Growers is the exclusive apple packing warehouse in Manson. It supports over 100 local orchards and specializes in selling most of its apples to international markets. The Lake Chelan Valley's unique microclimate, with its ideal conditions, contributes to producing world-renowned apples.

Quinn Propst: 509-731-3590 or quinn@ward.media