Bollhayes Cider
Dolphin Boatyard, Galmpton, Brixham , TQ5 0EH
Member Overview
Traditional Bottle‑Fermented Cider & Perry from South Devon
Bollhayes Cider is a respected artisan cider and perry producer based in Galmpton near Brixham, crafting exceptional drinks using traditional Champagne‑method bottle fermentation. Established in 1988 by Alex Hill and the late Bee Hill, Bollhayes has long been recognised for producing elegant, dry, naturally sparkling ciders that bridge the worlds of fine cider and classic sparkling wine.
Today, Bollhayes continues this legacy under the stewardship of Steve and Zoei Dixon, combining heritage methods with renewed energy, sustainability and innovation—while staying true to the orchard‑led philosophy that defines the brand.
Crafted Like Fine Wine
Bollhayes’ signature Bottle‑Fermented Ciders and Perries are made using the same secondary fermentation technique employed in Champagne:
- Fresh‑pressed cider apple juice is fermented in stainless steel tanks
- The cider is then bottled with Champagne yeast
- Bottles are matured in cellar stacks for 2–4 years
- Each bottle is slowly riddled, disgorged, corked and wired by hand
The result is a pale amber cider with fine bubbles, bone‑dry apple character and the complexity that comes only from long bottle ageing.
A Deep Connection to Orchard & Place
Apples are sourced from Bollhayes’ own orchard and neighbouring orchards across Devon and the Devon–Somerset border, with around 60% home‑grown fruit now supplying production. Traditional West Country cider apple varieties are selected for balance, acidity and structure rather than sweetness.
Rather than chasing trends, Bollhayes focuses on:
- Dry styles are achieved through full fermentation, not bitterness
- Clean acidity and length of flavour
- Site‑specific character reflecting season and apple blend
Each vintage varies slightly, but remains unmistakably “Bollhayes.”
The Range
Bollhayes produces a carefully curated selection of ciders and perries, including:
- Bottle‑Fermented Devon Cider
- Bottle‑Fermented Perry
- Fine Devon Farmhouse Ciders (still and sparkling)
- Vintage releases
- Mulled and seasonal ciders
They also produce Wild Coast Cider on site—a more contemporary range inspired by life on the South Devon coast, offering approachable, fruit‑forward styles including low‑ and no‑alcohol options.
Cider Experiences & Tours
Bollhayes invites visitors to explore their craft through guided cider tours:
- Learn about heritage apple varieties
- See pressing, fermentation and bottle‑ageing in action
- Taste traditional Devon cider at source
These experiences highlight the care, patience and precision behind every bottle.
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