Cider Chat 459: The Apple Finch’s Pet-Nats at de Groote Wei Cider | Netherlands
May 14, 2025
54:43
Fourth-Generation Farmer, First-Generation Cidermaker
Sophie Horstink of De Groote Wei, which means The Great Meadow in Dutch, is crafting Dutch cider as a value added project at her family’s farm. Located in the eastern Netherlands near Arnhem, the farm spans 16 hectares and has long produced dessert apples and pears.
Sophie Horstink
The Horstink family market is well-known and is a go-to place for locals to shop and would be considered a grocery store.
She released her first cider in 2022. The early response was enthusiastic, selling out quickly and prompting her to scale production. She now ferments around 5,000 liters annually in what is called the ‘cider cave” on the family farm.
De Groote Wei’s Ciders cider garden
- Appel Vink (Apple Finch)
- ABV: 6.5%
- Notes: Lightly sparkling with fresh acidity and a hint of sourness. Made entirely from eating apples including Elstar, Jonagold, and Belle de Boskoop.
- Groente Vink (Green Finch)
- ABV: 6.5%
- Notes: A blend of apples as used in the Appel Finch and 30% Conference pears. Also bottle-conditioned, this cider has a rounder mouthfeel and delicate fruit aromatics.
- Website: https://www.degrootewei.nl
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