When we first met Adam Clawson and Nicola Mason of Red Rover Craft Cider seven years ago, they were working out of Picaroon’s former brewery location in an industrial park north of Fredericton. Since then, we’ve seen their operation grow to include their cidery and outlet off of Fredericton’s Hanwell Road to their very polished downtown boutique cider house, The Abbey along with several more market locations. In their nine years of operation, they’ve been recognized as an internationally award-winning cider producer, and can now be found in stores across Canada.
Now, the Red Rover Craft Cider has announced they’ve found a new place to call home, and a proper one it is. They’ve announced that they’ve acquired the historic Neill Family Farm, located in Devon on Fredericton’s Northside, and will be moving the full of the operations there in June of 2021.
Concept of the new Ciderworks, (Image: Red Rover Craft Cider)Naturally, the Neill Farm ticks many of the exact boxes Red Rover has been looking for in a new home: they’ll be able to carry on an agricultural legacy in the area as well as committing to reinforcing the community values that the Neill Farm has always been known for.
“As only the second family in the farm’s history, we plan to ensure that the heritage of this place will be safeguarded for many years to come. This is one of the few remaining urban farms in Canada. We feel it is important to preserve this local connection to agriculture, community and a shared history,” says Nicola Mason, co-owner of Red Rover.
“The Neill Family Farm was established nearly 180 years ago by British immigrants. As newcomers ourselves, we hope to establish a new family legacy that will last at least another 180 years. We are excited to plant the seeds for a bright future for our children,” says Adam Clawson, co-owner of Red Rover.
The most exciting part, however, is the abundance of space that any farm brings. Red Rover will be achieving one of its long-term goals of establishing an orchard on the property that will include both apples and other fruits. The new space will also include room for craft cider production, a taproom, event space, community activities, farm tours and, no doubt, more.