A Family Story
Rockridge Orchards & Cidery is owned and operated by Jason Devela and Misty Frantz.
Rockridge Orchards & Cidery is a family story. Jason’s uncle and aunt, Wade and Judy Bennett, have been farmers in the community for more than 30 years! They even helped start the very first Seattle Neighborhood farmers market way back in 1993.
They really paved the way for farmers today! They were the owners here at Rockridge for over 8 years, perfecting their award-winning, all natural, soft cider, hard ciders, wines, vinegars and so much more!
Growing not only many varieties of apples, but Asian pears, quince, and much much more on their own separate 40-acre farm. Luckily, since selling the 10-acre farm to Jason and Misty, they have been very hands-on at helping them learn to perfect all the amazing things they had been doing.
Jason is a Marine Veteran, originally from Bonney Lake, WA. He served in Kuwait, Cuba, Iraq, and Afghanistan.
Misty is from Puyallup, WA. Living most of her life here. She has more than 20 years in the food and beverage field. They first met in Jr. High and today, together, they successfully run two companies side by side.
In 2016, after hearing that the farm was for sale and learning that research has shown that farming is so beneficial for veterans, especially veterans with PTSD, Jason and Misty jumped at the opportunity. In 2017 the farm was officially theirs and they truly became 2nd generation farmers. Working the farm has changed their lives for the better.
Our Products
Not only do they make the hard cider and wine right there, but they also harvest and press the apples on site too! There are no added sugars or preservatives to the soft cider. The sweetness is only from the apples and berries and that’s how it will stay.
Come try the “Rocksalmic” and see why people love it so much. It’s a favorite for popular restaurants in Seattle like Pike Brewing Company and 5-star Canlis. Made with apples, not grapes like a traditional balsamic, the raw apple cider vinegar is aged in French oak barrels for 7 years!
Our berry wines are crafted on site. We offer a spiced blackberry (makes a great warm wine too), raspberry, strawberry, and tayberry. All seasonal, so please call for availability. We also grow our own pumpkins in the fall and rhubarb in the spring and summer.