Asheville, North Carolina, August 23, 2025
News Summary
Noble Cider, based in Asheville, North Carolina, has secured the prestigious NC Wine Cup for the second year in a row, with its award-winning cider ‘Spice Merchant’ receiving a double gold medal. In addition to this accolade, the company was recognized with six silver medals for other ciders, highlighting its commitment to quality and local sourcing from North Carolina orchards. Noble Cider’s success reflects its strong ties to local agriculture and aims to support the community, especially amidst challenges like Tropical Storm Helene.
Asheville, North Carolina – Noble Cider has earned the esteemed NC Wine Cup for the second consecutive year, solidifying its reputation as a premier cider producer in the region. The winning entry, Spice Merchant, not only captured the top honor but also secured a double gold medal during the annual competition. In addition to the Wine Cup award, Noble Cider garnered six silver medals for various ciders, further showcasing the company’s commitment to quality and innovation.
The silver medals recognized several standout products, including the Seasonal Royal Peach cider, which was celebrated for its refreshing and fruity flavor profile. The well-loved Village Tart cider, known for its tart cherry notes, was also among the award winners. Moreover, four ciders from the Lewis Creek Orchard Reserve series – namely, the English, French, American Heirloom, and Black & Gold variants – received silver recognition, underscoring the diversity and quality of Noble Cider’s lineup.
The NC Wine Cup is a prestigious competition that evaluates cider, wine, and mead produced across North Carolina. Entries are rigorously assessed through a blind tasting conducted by a panel of judges, ensuring a fair and impartial selection process. To qualify for the competition, at least 75% of the fruit in each entry must be sourced from North Carolina, promoting local agriculture and the economy.
Noble Cider, which was founded in 2012 as Asheville’s first cidery, takes pride in its direct collaboration with local apple growers. The company primarily sources fruit from nearby orchards, especially Lewis Creek Farm. This commitment to regional agriculture has become increasingly important, particularly following the challenges posed by adverse weather conditions such as Tropical Storm Helene, which impacted many local farms.
The success of Noble Cider reflects the dedication and hard work of the local apple growers. As the cidery continues to thrive, its products are now available in North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, and Florida, as well as through online distribution. This broad reach highlights the appeal of Noble Cider’s offerings beyond the local market.
Acknowledging Local Impact
By recognizing the local agricultural community through its products, Noble Cider is not only generating commendation in competitions like the NC Wine Cup but also reinforcing the importance of supporting local farms. With a growing customer base and a range of award-winning ciders, Noble Cider is poised for continued success within the beverage industry in North Carolina.
List of Awards
- NC Wine Cup – Spice Merchant: Double Gold Medal
- Silver Medals:
- Seasonal Royal Peach Cider
- Village Tart Cider
- Lewis Creek Orchard Reserve – English
- Lewis Creek Orchard Reserve – French
- Lewis Creek Orchard Reserve – American Heirloom
- Lewis Creek Orchard Reserve – Black & Gold
FAQ
What is the NC Wine Cup?
The NC Wine Cup is a competition that recognizes excellence in cider, wine, and mead produced in North Carolina. It includes a blind tasting by a panel of judges.
How many medals did Noble Cider win?
Noble Cider won the NC Wine Cup and six silver medals for its products in the recent competition.
What are some of the award-winning ciders from Noble Cider?
The award-winning ciders include Spice Merchant, Seasonal Royal Peach, Village Tart, and several from the Lewis Creek Orchard Reserve series.
Where can customers find Noble Cider products?
Noble Cider products are available in North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, Florida, and online.
Key Features of Noble Cider
| Award | Details |
|---|---|
| NC Wine Cup | Winner for Spice Merchant (Double Gold Medal) |
| Silver Medals | 6 for various cider products |
| Local Sourcing | Fruit sourced from Western North Carolina orchards |
| Year Founded | 2012 |
| Distribution Areas | North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, Florida, online |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- 828 News Now: Noble Cider Repeats as NC Wine Cup Winner
- WLOS: Local Wineries and Cidery Earn Top Honors in NC Wine Competition
- 828 News Now: Weaverville Salutes to Summer
- MSN: Local Wineries and Cidery Earn Top Honors
- Google Search: Noble Cider
Author: STAFF HERE ASHEVILLE WRITER
The ASHEVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAsheville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Asheville, Buncombe County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Asheville Bread Festival, LEAF Festival, and mountain sports tournaments at Biltmore Estate. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce and Explore Asheville Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in hospitality and brewing that power the local economy such as the Biltmore Estate and Sierra Nevada Brewing Company. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECharlotte.com, HEREGreensboro.com, HERERaleigh.com, and HEREOBX.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
