Looking for locally made hard cider near St. Louis? Eckert’s Belleville Farm produces small-batch hard cider using apples grown right here on the farm. From traditional sweet apple cider to seasonal fruit-infused hard cider varieties, our guests can enjoy farm-to-glass hard cider year-round at the Cider Shed. Located in Belleville, Illinois, Eckert’s combines generations of farming expertise with innovative cider-making to create a one-of-a-kind agritourism experience.
Winter, Spring, Summer, or Fall, visitors can enjoy delicious homegrown hard cider and tasty bites at the Cider Shed. Guests can relax with friends, sample hard cider flights, and experience weekly specials and entertainment.
How Eckert’s Makes Small-Batch Hard Cider
After noticing that apples low on the ground and high in the trees often went unpicked throughout the season, Chris Eckert saw an opportunity to reduce crop waste while creating a new experience for visitors. Building on the farm’s long-standing success with sweet apple cider, Chris helped develop a hard cider program that would transform farm-grown apples into handcrafted hard cider made entirely on-site.
Today, Eckert’s Hard Cider is produced using apples harvested directly from the farm’s pick-your-own orchards. The apples are pressed into juice and fermented in-house at the Belleville farm. From picking and pressing to bottling and labeling, the process remains closely managed by the Eckert family.
Since launching its hard cider line in 2021, Eckert’s has expanded beyond traditional apple cider to include flavors featuring other fruits grown on the farm. Guests can sample these small-batch hard ciders at the Cider Shed or purchase bottles from the Farm Store.
Meet the Vision Behind the Cider Program
As a seventh-generation member of the Eckert family, Chris Eckert is passionate about creating memorable farm experiences while finding innovative ways to use the crops grown at Eckert’s. Chris played a key role in transforming a sustainability opportunity into a signature attraction at the Belleville Farm. His vision continues to influence the farm’s agritourism offerings, bringing together agriculture, hospitality, and handcrafted hard cider in a uniquely Eckert’s way.
Hard Cider Made from Farm-Grown Apples
One of the things that sets Eckert’s Hard Cider apart is its farm-to-glass approach. The cider begins with apples grown and harvested right on the farm, creating a true farm-grown apple cider experience.
Year-Round Hard Cider Flavors
● Well Red – Strawberry & Apple
● Berried Alive – Blackberry & Apple
● Peach and Quiet – Peach & Apple
● Roadcider – Traditional Apple
Seasonal Hard Cider Flavors
In addition to its core lineup, Eckert’s regularly produces seasonal and rotational small-batch hard ciders that are brewed and bottled by hand on-site. These limited-release flavors allow cider enthusiasts to discover something new throughout the year.
Popular seasonal offerings have included Burnin’ Spurs, a bold blend of mango, apple, and habanero that showcases the creativity of Eckert’s cider-making team. Because many seasonal ciders feature fruits grown at the farm, flavors evolve alongside the harvest seasons.
Whether you prefer a traditional apple-forward hard cider or fruit-infused varieties, there is always something new for you to explore at the Cider Shed.
Visit the Cider Shed at Eckert’s Belleville Farm
Interested in trying Eckert’s Hard Cider for yourself? The Cider Shed at Eckert’s Belleville Farm is open year-round and serves the farm’s complete lineup of handcrafted hard ciders on tap, along with curated food offerings and specialty cider cocktails.
Open to visitors of all ages, the Cider Shed offers multiple ways to enjoy the farm atmosphere. Guests can gather in the bar area, relax in the dining room, or enjoy the outdoor pavilion beer garden. Located in Belleville, Illinois, the Cider Shed has become a popular destination for locals and visitors alike seeking hard cider near St. Louis.
The Cider Shed is also dog-friendly and even offers a special menu for four-legged guests!
Weekly Events at the Cider Shed
Beyond great food and hard cider flights, the Cider Shed hosts a variety of events throughout the year. Guests can attend free live music performances, participate in hard cider-making tours, enjoy Shows in the Shed concerts, and take part in seasonal workshops and special events.
Whether you’re planning a casual afternoon with friends, a date night, or a family outing, the Cider Shed offers something for everyone while showcasing the best of Southern Illinois hospitality and locally crafted hard cider.
Frequently Asked Questions About Eckert’s Hard Cider
Where is Eckert’s Hard Cider made?
Eckert’s Hard Cider is produced at the Belleville Farm using apples harvested directly from the farm’s orchards.
Can you buy Eckert’s Hard Cider at the farm?
Yes. Guests can purchase bottles from the Farm Store and enjoy cider on tap at the Cider Shed.
Does the Cider Shed offer hard cider flights?
Yes. Guests can enjoy curated hard cider flights throughout the week, including Flight Night specials.
Are dogs allowed at the Cider Shed?
Yes. The Cider Shed is dog-friendly and even offers menu options for canine visitors.
Does Eckert’s offer hard cider tours? Yes. Hard cider-making tours are offered on the first Saturday of each month.
