392: Bent Ladder Estate Ciders & Wine | Ohio - Cider Chat

All Episodes

392: Bent Ladder Estate Ciders & Wine | Ohio

December 20, 2023 • 58 mins

The Vodraska Brothers Chris & Matt of Bent Ladder

In the midst of a rich farming legacy emerged Bent Ladder Cider and Wine, based in Doylestown Ohio. Chris and younger brother Matt Vodraska are following in their father Dale’s footsteps. Chris is the orchardist and viticulturist and Matt is the cidermaker. The farm is the story.

Cider Chat Episode 392 Chris Vodraska 300x200 — Chris Vodraska

Dating back to 1995 their father Dale was eyeing farmland that was by all accounts destine for development. In 2004, he “finally wore down the seller” as his sons put it and bought the 128 acre farm. Today there are 3-4 acres of vineyards and 30-40 acres of orchards. The site hosts both the Bent Ladder production area and stunning tasting room and Rittman Orchards & Farm Market.

Cider Chat Episode 392 Matt Vodraska — Matt Vodraska

In the Cider Chat with Chris and Matt

Cider Chat Episode 392 Sunset at Bent Ladder — Sunset view from tasting room

The Vodraska Family’s back story to present day
The orchards,
- Size, terrain, soil typeNumber of apple varieties
- Orchard practices
Kazakstan and Krygzstan scion wood graftings at Bent Ladder
- Is this Malus Sieversii?
  - Up coming ciders with these apples
Ciders at Bent Ladder
- At the Tasting Room find draft, flights and glasses of select ciders
Heritage Ciders in 750ml
- Heriloom
- Farmstead
- Rose Gold – mostly Redfield in wine barrels
- Black Gold a single varietal Gold Rush
- Russet
- EverCrisp Cider
Cidermaking practices
The tasting room