Cornish maker Horneywink, founded by Chris and Sara Reid, and old schoolfriend Paul Jefferson, have launched their first vintage cider.
Intended to be sipped, savoured, and shared, Horneywink Cider is shaped by Cornwall’s heritage, myth, and mischief. Presented in a 375ml Champagne bottle, it is clear that this is not a mainstream offering.
“This fine cider is a fabulous embodiment of consumers’ desire to explore more premium offerings and a willingness to be more discerning, recognising that a little more money buys a lot more flavour and quality,” explained Sara.
“Horneywink Cider contains all the elegance and depth of flavour of a fine wine, but is an unashamedly, proudly Cornish cider, containing half the alcohol of wine and double the fun.”
Horneywink is an old Cornish dialect name for the lapwing, a cheeky, characterful bird that lends Horneywink cider its playful streak. That same playful spirit runs through the brand.
The Home Orchard at Horneywink contains more than 40 different varieties of apple, some of which are classic South West, tannic-rich cider apples. Others are traditional Cornish apple varieties with evocative names such as Cornish Honeypinnick, Colloget Pippin, and Tommy Knights.
The 2025 label contains fruit from the Home Orchard combined with selected varieties from growers in the South West of England, such as Brown’s, Somerset Redstreak, Stoke Red, and Yarlington Mill.
The result is a 6.6% ABV cider made with 100% apple juice, no concentrate and no dilutione. The liquid is aromatic, fruity, off-dry, complex, yet not challenging.
“We are so thrilled to have finally launched our Horneywink 2025 Green Label Cider,” said Sara. “We believe that our Cornish Fine Cider brings flavour and fun to any social setting, whether sipping in the sunshine or enjoying over dinner with friends. We all need a little more Horneywink in our lives!”
