About MAYER Products
Mayer’s is the oldest continuous cider mill in Webster, New York. In 1866 Donat Mayer purchased the 75-acre farm and farmhouse which had been built in 1830. Shortly after purchasing the property, Donat and his son Donat Jr. began grinding and pressing their excess apples into cider. It wasn’t long before other area apple growers began bringing their apples to Mayer’s to have them processed into cider too. They would then take the apple cider back home in barrels where most of it was then turned into” apple jack” and perhaps a bit of vinegar to be used for cooking and preserving home grown fruits and vegetables.
In the 1920’s, a third generation of the Mayer family led by Harvey, grandson of the first Donat, took over the family cider mill and began selling bottled cider to the general public. In those early years, a fire destroyed a portion of the cider mill but was quickly replaced with a concrete block building that still serves as the storefront today.
In 1962, Harvey Mayer sold his family business to Dave Bower. Harvey Mayer, who retained the family homestead next door to the mill, came over almost daily to assist Dave for many years. Mayer’s soon diversified and expanded well beyond just pressing apples for sweet cider. Grinding grapes and pressing them into juice for wine making soon became a routine addition to the business. Dave Bower’s sons Dave Jr. and William grew up helping at the cider mill, and both have chosen to join their father in the family business. As each son joined the firm, new aspects were added to the business: home wine making kits, wine presses, grinders, bottles, corks, and all the DIY ‘do it yourself’ materials necessary for making wine.
Recently a range of distinctive food and craft kits has been introduced, each one a creative adventure from the very beginning. Every kit is an exciting challenge that will stimulate your creativity while you produce gourmet treats and gifts for friends and family.
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