Hi there — I'm Jeff Rogers, and I make the cider around here.

My family’s been growing apples on this land for eight generations. Rogers Orchards began in 1809 when my great (x5) grandfather Chauncey began raising livestock and growing fruit. Check out rogersorchards.com for more info on what we grow and when things are in season. My brother Pete and brother-in-law Greg grow some truly great apples, peaches, and pears — all eco-certified and sustainably grown. The farm also makes some top-notch apple cider donuts and baked goods at the farm market so definitely worth adding the farm market to your visit.

We started Long View Ciderhouse with the goal of weaving it into the rhythms of the farm.

The idea is pretty simple: the farm grows the fruit, and I turn it into cider, wine, and brandy. Being rooted on the farm means I always have access to a surplus of overripe, blemished, or undersized fruit. One of the most rewarding parts of this relationship is turning what might’ve been compost or sold for pennies on the dollar into something new, delicious and surprising.

Every apple variety and fermentation brings out its own unique flavor profile and cider character - which is part of why I like to keep our batches small. It gives me the freedom to explore those differences and stay true to the fruit. For infusions we don’t grow ourselves, I source ingredients like honey, spruce tips, and cranberries from local producers here in Connecticut.

The approach seems to be paying off — Long View was named Best Reserve Cidery at the 2024 Big E, along with earning a handful of silver, gold, and double-gold medals.

If you see me at the cider truck, feel free to say hi and talk cider — just give me a second to put down whatever it is I’m schlepping.