Cahokia Rice
Grown sustainably on a 4th generation family farm, this certified non-GMO rice is naturally 53% higher in protein than conventional rice with a low glycemic index.
McClure, IL
Type: Orchard
Produces: Ciders
Location: Iowa City, IA
Miles from Coop: 6.5
You’d think that Wilson’s Orchard, an 80-acre farm along Rapid Creek in Iowa City, that first opened in 1985, would be content with its 120 varieties of endlessly edible apples suitable for a full range of palates. They have a robust pick-your-own apple business at the farm, where they also make apple cider (which you can get in slushy form!), apple turnovers, and apple cider donuts, and they grow pumpkins. What more could you ask for?
Enter Paul Rasch, a fourth generation orchardist, and Sarah Goering, who bought the orchard from Joyce and Robert “Chug” Wilson in 2009. With all this raw material in place, why not expand into hard cider, made from 100% apple juice? They bottled their first batch of hard cider—called Goldfinch—in 2015. Today, they produce 4 different hard ciders, and use the leftovers from the cidermaking process (apple skins and bits known as “pomace”) to feed the heritage pigs and sheep raised on their farm.
Rapid Creek Cidery, a year-round event and cider-tasting space built from a 100-year-old barn, owned by their daughter Katie Goering, is set to open in 2017. We can’t wait!
Wilson’s family-friendly, nonalcoholic apple cider will be in our refrigerators through the New Year. It has been an awesome year for growing apples—and eating them. Our stores carry the tastiest varieties as they ripen!
You’ll find these flavors of Wilson’s Hard Cider in shareable 4-packs: the “slightly sweet” Goldfinch; the “marriage of cider and hops” called Hoppleseed; Spiced Up, a cider enlivened with mulling spices; and the brand new Cherry Crush, which features a happy burst o f Wilson’s tart cherries.
We also carry Wilson’s Cider vinegar so you can acidify your cooking with local flavor too!
Checkout these great products from Wilson's Orchard
Be sure to check out these others great local producers!
Grown sustainably on a 4th generation family farm, this certified non-GMO rice is naturally 53% higher in protein than conventional rice with a low glycemic index.
McClure, IL
Husband and wife Ethan and Carly share a strong belief that Iowa needs more vegetable and organic farms. In 2021, they took matters into their own hands and founded Sweet Season Farm.
Calmar, Iowa
For James Nisly, growing organic vegetables is about fulfilling a vision of producing healthy food for a healthy community and building well balanced soil for sustainable food production.
Kalona, IA
Carly Andrews was inspired to start farming after attending The University of Vermont, and learning about the local foods movement. After seeing a panel of all women farmers in her undergrad, she decided to try it out for herself.
Iowa City, IA
Alex Beaumier started Beau Laundry Co. in 2024 to solve problems he was facing with his own laundry. After about a year of perfecting and finetuning, he created his signature Scented & Softening Wool Dryer Balls!
Marion, Iowa
Matt and Jear Greiner have traveled the world learning about Italian cuisine, eventually bringing their talents back to Iowa to establish GG's Pasta in 2024. Creating delicious, unique, vegan pasta that is authentic.
Coralville, Iowa
I had a mission: to find a way to bake everyone’s favorite treats without sacrificing anything to taste or texture. Malak Nour is a local artisanal baker specializing in gluten-free baked treats.
Fairfield, IA
When the pandemic had everyday life restricted, Kate Vigmostad began envisioning an ice cream brand to spark joy and humor while keeping a small carbon footprint with local ingredients.
Fairfield, IA