U Press cider is new to us but we think it will be a fun hands on experience for individuals, groups or families. We will instruct you on how to use the press. We provide enough cider apples to press 1+ gallon of cider (or more for an additional charge), a new sanitized gallon bottle (or two half gallon bottles) and everything you need to press apples. We also have informational handouts on how to pastureize cider and how to make hard cider. For an additional $10 charge we will also provide cider yeast, a stopper and a reusable fermenting tube for making your own hard cider.
There are no reservations or upfront fees for U Press Cider except for the general admission fee.
-20lbs of cider apples (makes approximately 1 gallon of cider).
Add $10 for a hard cider kit that includes a stopper, fermentation tube and cider yeast.
What Makes Our U-Press Experience Special
At Crosscut Farm & Orchard, we believe that cider is more than a drink—it’s a story. The U Press Cider experience lets you write your own chapter. Unlike commercial ciders that blend dozens of unknown varieties, our pressing station puts you in control. You’ll select from a rotating mix of heirloom and modern cider apples, each chosen for its balance of sweetness, acidity, and tannin. Whether you prefer a crisp, light cider or a bold, complex one, our staff will help you build the perfect blend before you even touch the press.
This is not a passive activity. You’ll feel the wooden handles creak as you turn the screw, watch the pomace give way under pressure, and hear the first golden stream of juice hit the collection bucket. It’s messy, it’s physical, and it’s deeply satisfying. Kids love cranking the wheel; adults love the moment of tasting something they made with their own hands. Many visitors tell us it’s the highlight of their orchard visit—a memory that lingers long after the last drop is bottled.
We’ve designed the U Press station to be approachable for everyone. No experience is necessary. Our team will walk you through each step, from washing the apples to sanitizing your bottle. We’ll also share tips on how to get the most juice from your fruit and how to avoid common mistakes. By the time you leave, you’ll have a gallon of fresh cider and the confidence to try pressing at home—if you ever get a press of your own.
Step-by-Step: How the Pressing Works
When you arrive at the U Press station, you’ll check in with our cider crew. They’ll give you a quick safety briefing and explain the layout. Then the fun begins. Here’s what to expect:
- Choose your apples: We provide a 20-pound bag of mixed cider apples, but you can swap or add varieties from our U-Pick bins (additional charge applies). Our crew will help you understand how each apple affects flavor.
- Wash and inspect: You’ll rinse the apples in our clean water station and remove any leaves, stems, or bruised spots. Clean fruit makes better cider.
- Grind the apples: Feed the apples into our hand-cranked grinder. This turns them into a coarse pulp called “pomace.” Kids love this part—it’s like a giant apple-crunching machine.
- Build the cheese: Layer the pomace in the press, alternating with pressing cloths. This traditional “cheese” method ensures even pressure and maximum juice extraction.
- Press the juice: Turn the press screw slowly and steadily. Watch the juice flow into the collection tray, then into your sanitized gallon bottle. It takes about 10–15 minutes of cranking to fill a gallon.
- Bottle and label: We’ll help you cap your bottle and add a “Pressed at Crosscut Farm” label with the date. If you bought the hard cider kit, we’ll also add the yeast, stopper, and fermentation tube.
The whole process usually takes 45–60 minutes, depending on your pace and how many people are helping. We recommend allowing at least an hour so you don’t feel rushed. And don’t worry—if you get tired, our staff can take over the cranking while you enjoy a glass of our own cider from the farm stand.
Tips for the Best Cider
Fresh-pressed cider is a living thing. It changes hour by hour as the natural yeasts and enzymes begin to work. If you’re drinking it sweet, we recommend consuming it within 3–5 days. Keep it refrigerated and shake well before pouring—the sediment is just apple solids and adds flavor. If you want to extend its life, pasteurization is easy: heat the cider to 160°F for about 6 seconds, then cool quickly and refrigerate. Our handout gives step-by-step instructions.
For hard cider makers, patience is key. After adding the yeast from our kit, you’ll see bubbles within 24–48 hours. Let it ferment in a cool, dark place for 2–4 weeks, then siphon off the clear cider and bottle it. The flavor will improve with age—try to wait at least a month before drinking. Our fermentation tube and stopper are reusable, so you can make batch after batch. Just bring your own apples next time, or buy more from us.
One pro tip: don’t wash the apples with soap. A simple rinse is enough; you want the natural wild yeasts on the skins to add complexity to your cider. And if you like a tarter cider, ask for more crabapples or Granny Smiths in your mix. Our staff can point you to the right trees in the U-Pick area.
Who Should Try U Press Cider?
This experience is perfect for families, couples, and groups of friends. It’s hands-on enough for kids (we recommend ages 6 and up for the grinder) but engaging for adults who love craft food and drink. School groups, scout troops, and homeschool co-ops often book U Press as an educational activity—it teaches science, history, and teamwork in one delicious package. If you’re planning a group visit, let us know in advance and we can set up multiple pressing stations.
For date nights, there’s something romantic about making cider together under the orchard trees. Bring a picnic, press your cider, then enjoy it with cheese and bread from our farm stand. Many couples tell us they come back every fall for this tradition. And if you’re a homebrewer or cider enthusiast, the U Press station is a low-cost way to experiment with single-varietal ciders or wild ferments without investing in expensive equipment.
We also welcome photographers and content creators. The old wooden press, the piles of colorful apples, and the golden juice make for beautiful shots. Just tag us on social media—we love seeing your cider adventures.
Frequently Asked Questions About U Press Cider
Do I need a reservation? No reservations are required for U Press Cider. It’s first-come, first-served during our regular orchard hours. However, if you have a large group (10 or more), we recommend calling ahead so we can ensure enough apples and staff are available. General admission to the orchard is required, but there’s no additional upfront fee for pressing.
Can I bring my own apples? Yes, you can bring apples from home or pick them in our U-Pick area. The base fee includes 20 pounds of our cider apples, but if you want to use your own, we’ll adjust the price accordingly. Keep in mind that our press is designed for apples only—no pears, quince, or other fruit, please.
How long does the cider last? Unpasteurized sweet cider lasts 3–5 days in the refrigerator. Pasteurized cider can last 2–3 weeks refrigerated, or you can freeze it for up to a year. Hard cider, once fermented and bottled, will keep for many months if stored cool and dark.
Is the hard cider kit worth it? Absolutely. For just $10, you get everything you need to turn your gallon into hard cider: a packet of cider yeast, a rubber stopper, and a reusable fermentation tube. The kit pays for itself after one batch, and you can use it again and again. We also include a simple instruction sheet.
Plan Your Visit to the U Press Station
The U Press station is located near the main barn, just past the farm stand. Look for the big wooden press under the covered pavilion. It’s open during all regular orchard hours, weather permitting. On busy weekends, there may be a short wait—we recommend arriving early or visiting on a weekday for a more relaxed experience. Wear clothes you don’t mind getting a little sticky; apple juice has a way of finding sleeves.
Before you leave, be sure to check out our other activities. The U-Pick apple orchard is just steps away, and our FAQ — U-Pick Apples page has all the details on varieties and pricing. If you need directions, visit our Directions page. And if you want to learn more about the farm’s history and our growing practices, head over to About the Farm.
We can’t wait to see what you press. Bring your curiosity, your muscles, and your thirst—Crosscut Farm & Orchard will take care of the rest.