Where Family, Community and Cider Come Together

Ever dream of catching up with friends on a wraparound porch, surrounded by beautiful rolling hills while sipping on a chilled hard cider? At Winterset Cidery, that experience is part of everyday life. Behind the welcoming and family-friendly atmosphere at the Cidery is the Findlay family, who have cultivated a destination that showcases the Greater Des Moines’ (DSM) hospitality and rural beauty.  

The Findlay family’s journey to owning the Cidery is unlike most. It all started with a message in the family group chat between Nathan, Jen and their two children, Kalee and Connor.  

“Jen texted the chat and said we should buy the Winterset Cidery,” Connor said. “At first, we all thought she was joking, but we ran with the idea. The pieces fell into place and in February 2025, we became the owners.”  

Building upon the foundation laid before them, the family added their own spin to the Cidery. “One of the things we take the most pride in is how family-friendly the cidery has become,” Nathan said. “We have 14 acres of land out here and we want everyone — from kids and adults to dogs — to enjoy it.” While one of the main selling points is the hard cider, handcrafted dirty sodas and freshly popped popcorn are available as well. 

For the Findlay family, the people are what make owning Winterset Cidery so rewarding. “Everything we do boils down to the feeling of community, the relationships, the people interactions, the fun that we have in doing what we do,” Connor said, noting that not everyone can say they genuinely enjoy their day-to-day at work.  

Another source of pride for the Findlay family is their commitment to using locally sourced Midwest apples, some of which come from the cidery’s orchard with over 30 varieties of heirloom, cider and dessert apple trees. While several of the cider recipes were inherited from the previous owners, the Findlay family has also created new cider flavors, including Blueberry, Mango Habanero, Strawberry and Peach.  

The Cidery is open Thursday through Sunday (April through October), with an announcement on new “off season” hours coming soon, offering plenty of opportunities to enjoy cider flights or catch local live music on select dates. Whether you're planning a staycation or an evening with friends, it's the perfect place to slow down and enjoy everything Greater Des Moines has to offer. 

Places like Winterset Cidery are part of what makes the region so special. Take the drive to Madison County, set your phone aside and spend an afternoon or evening on the wraparound porch with a locally crafted hard cider in hand. You just might find your new favorite getaway close to home. 

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