Faces of Groundswell: Steve Selin
South Hill Cider & Groundswell Alumnus
by Ben Roosa, Groundswell Volunteer
“The Finger Lakes Cider House is an excellent example of collaborative artists achieving something that would not be possible alone.” That’s what Steve Selin of South Hill Cider had to say about the exciting new establishment perched above Cayuga Lake’s Western shore.
Steve has no shortage of hats to wear. He is the self-proclaimed owner, fermentation gnome, apple hunter and orchardist for South Hill Cider, one of five partner cideries involved with the Finger Lakes Cider House. He is also an active musician and luthier (someone who makes and/or repairs string instruments), as well as a proud alumni of Groundswell’s Holistic Organic Orchard Management program in 2014.
Participating in the Orchard Management program provided Steve with the opportunity to meet and learn from experienced local orchardists and tour their orchards. Now, after 10 years of cider-making using mostly wild apples and forgotten orchards supplemented with select varieties from other orchards, he has planted his own orchard with over 900 trees, some of which he grafted and grew out himself. With this new endeavor, we can look forward to more excellent cider from South Hill Cider!
If you’d like to check out the Finger Lakes Cider House and try some of Steve’s cider, Groundswell invites everyone to our Good Afternoon at Good Life Farm event on August 15 from 2-5pm. There will be delicious local fare, hand-crafted ciders, farm and cidery tours, and lots of family fun! We hope to see you there!