Meet Joshua Hinchman, the talented Cider Maker at Seminary Hill Cider. Born & raised in Vermont, Joshua grew up with a passion for food and fermentation, driven by the idea of transforming food waste into beautiful, edible products. His career began in kitchens, where he honed his culinary skills for a few years before the pandemic altered his path.

When COVID-19 hit, Joshua pivoted to agriculture, working on farms to help maintain farmland and harvest crops. This pivotal time introduced him to the legendary John Bunker, a renowned apple enthusiast and cider maker. In May 2020, Joshua moved to Palermo, Maine, to apprentice with John, living off-grid in a homestead without running water or electricity. This experience deepened his appreciation for sustainable living and provided hands-on education in agriculture and cider making.

After gaining valuable experience at Fable Farm in Vermont and returning for another year with John in 2022 to refine his cider-making and apple knowledge, Joshua joined Seminary Hill in March 2023. Under the guidance of then-cider maker Stuart Madany, Joshua absorbed a wealth of knowledge and eventually stepped into the role of Cider Maker. 

Sustainability at Seminary Hill
Seminary Hill Cider stands out as the first Passive House-certified alcohol production facility in the U.S., a testament to their commitment to sustainability. Their facility incorporates radiant heating, is partially underground for better insulation, and features a taproom built with recycled wood. They repurpose apple waste for local farms’ animal feed and compost food waste whenever possible, exemplifying their dedication to earth-friendly practices.

Joshua’s Vision for the Future
Joshua is deeply grateful for the mentors and opportunities that shaped his career. Inspired by French wine culture, he dreams of a cider industry focused more on varietal ciders and increasing consumer awareness of the craft. At Seminary Hill, Joshua hopes to continue experimenting with single-varietal ciders, coferments and meads while expanding their reach to high-end bottle shops and restaurants in New York City and New York State.

With a bright future ahead, Joshua’s passion and innovative spirit make him a rising star in the cider industry. Cheers to his inspiring journey and exciting contributions to the craft!