Rochester Cider Mill Seeks Winery License To Make, Sell Hard Cider

OAKLAND TWP. (WWJ) - A southeast Michigan cider mill is hoping to ward off hard times with hard cider.

Rochester Cider Mill in Oakland Township has won approval to operate year-round and has now begun the long process to apply for a winery license in order to hop on the growing popularity of alcoholic or "hard" apple cider.

"It's a small winery license; it's regulated by the state," said Trevor Barham, whose family owns the mill, in an interview with WWJ's Sandra McNeill — adding that this does not mean he'll be turning the mill into a bar.

The license will only cover the making, selling and tasting of the hard cider.

"With tasting you're only allowed to serve people, for win, it's two two-ounce pours. So now more than 6 ounces," Barham said.

Under local laws, Barkam said he was previously only allowed to open from September through December.

"So we had operated under that for a long time now, and when I started taking things over from my parents I realized that, if I was to operate a sustainable business, I would be more than four months out of the year."

In order to stay open, he said, hard cider sales are a must.

However, according to The Oakland Press, Rochester Township's board of trustees, is seeking more information before recommending the business' application for state and federal licensing needed to manufacture, sell and offer samples of hard cider.

Rochester Cider Mill is located at 5125 N. Rochester Road.