Small Acres Cyder have been awarded the ‘David Pickering Memorial Single Variety Cider Trophy’ and ‘Best New World Cider Trophy’ for their Small Acres Cyder ‘Femme Fatale’ 2026 ($29) at the recent 2026 Australian Cider awards.
The trophy, recognising the best cider from a single variety, is named in honour of David Pickering. David was a cider stalwart from Orange NSW who laid the groundwork for the Australian craft cider industry and passed away tragically in 2024.
The trophy was donated to Cider Australia in 2024 in remembrance of David by Small Acres Cyder and Incy Wincy Cyder.
Nick Geoghegan, co-owner of Small Acres Cyder says, “It’s a massive honour. David was a dear friend and mentor to us. He gave expert advice, helped at our cider-making workshops, and was ever interested in our plans. Bringing the trophy to Orange feels like it’s coming home.
“We have four single variety ciders in our range; the challenge is bringing out the unique character of each variety. The Femme Fatale is made from Red Moon apples which have a lovely berry tone and a refreshing zest which gives the cider a distinctive flavour. The stunning baby pink colour also makes it a real head-turner in the bottle and the glass. Unlike many other rosé ciders there are no added berries, grapes or colouring. Everything comes naturally from these rare, red-fleshed apples.
“New World ciders recognise ciders with a modern, fruit-driven style. The first glance will tell you it’s not a traditional cider style but our cider making is firmly rooted in traditional methods; making the most of fresh apples and pears; eschewing Apple Juice Concentrate and not adding sugar to sweeten our cider. The stunning baby pink colour comes from the Red Moon apple which have a completely red flesh which pales to a beautiful pink when fermented carefully. We love working with these very special apples to create unique drinks for our customers.”
Established in 2011 the Australia Cider Awards is Australia’s premier cider awards, attracting entries from across Australia and Internationally. This year’s Chair of Judges was Max Allen with Japan’s Lee Reeve the international judge.
Established in 2007, Small Acres Cyder has been under the guidance of the Geoghegan family for six years. Their ciders are consistently recognised on the show circuit, with other recent accolades including Gold Medals at the 2026 Sydney Royal for both their Golden Knot Apple & Pear Non-Alcoholic Cider and Golden Knot Apple & Cherry Non-Alcoholic Cider
Geoghegan attributes the success to the cidery’s unwavering focus on traditional methods and quality fruit. “In recent years, the broader cider market has followed trends seen in craft beer, experimenting with exotic flavours and combinations. While that can be fun, it can also be a distraction. We’ve stayed true to our roots, full-juice ciders made from outstanding local apples and pears. That focus continues to bear fruit.
“We believe that ongoing innovation within the cidery, and our commitment to orchard quality, will keep lifting our ciders to new heights.”
Small Acres Cyder ‘Femme Fatale’ Rosé Cider 2026 (Orange Region) $29
– Best New World Cider Trophy, Australian Cider Awards 2026
– David Pickering Memorial Trophy Best Single Varietal Cider Trophy, Australian Cider Awards 2026
Distribution: The Small Acres Cyder range is available at their cellar door, online at smallacrescyder.com.au and in selected bottle shops and Farmers Markets across the Central West and Sydney.
For further information and images please contact:
- David Cumming at Define Wine Marketing & Communications: 0414 736 342 or david@definewine.com.au
- Nick Geoghegan at Small Acres Cyder: 0418 153 785 or info@smallacrescyder.com.au
Small Acres Cyder was established in Orange in 2007 with the vision to produce a range of ciders made with locally grown cider apples, utilising traditional and authentic production methods. Drawing on their experience in the UK, the founders were frustrated at the lack of premium ciders in Australia and so Small Acres Cyder was born. In 2021 Nick and Jannene Geoghegan took over the business and have continued producing premium ciders and perrys from their orchard on the slopes of Mount Canobolas.