our core people
Our diverse group is built of people with a history of building their lives and businesses around sustainability.
Isaac (our crazy farmer and co-founder) has been farming since birth. His parents came to Cawston, BC with a dream and no farming experience. They carved out a new counter culture movement that included the formation of SOOPA and COABC. His father, Billy, knew that something needed to be done to connect the organic growers with the consumer, so he started Cawston Cold Storage. It is now the biggest organic fruit packing house in Canada, packing over 17 million pounds of organic fruit per year.
This is what makes our cider so special. We use juice-grade apples that come out of C/A storage. A lot of juice apples aren't this high quality, and juicing from a fresh and crisp apple gives our cider a clean and fresh taste that doesn't need much added. Just simple, and pure
Our production facility and tasting room is on our own local farm where we are committed to environmental sustainability and biodiversity. Not only do we use our own apples, but we also incorporate other fruit from farmers in the area.
The team at Upside Cider is proud and excited to present our local craft cider. We hope you enjoy both the flavour and the authenticity.
who we are
mike
founder
Mike is the behind the scenes guy. You’re more likely to find Waldo than him but on occasion he will be doing anything and everything at the cidery so if you actually spot him please let us know.
Mike brings a wealth of business experience. He is the owner of Image One MRI (imageonemri.ca) and is also involved in the family businesses Construction/Development, Property Management and even a vineyard.
He is a bit of a fitness guy and enjoys all sports especially golf, cycling and swimming. Mike is local grown and his family has been in Kelowna for generations.
nicole
bar manager/
marketing
Nicole is in charge of our front of house, marketing, and social media.
Nicole recently moved to Kelowna from Saskatoon where she received her degree in marketing from the University of Saskatchewan. With over 8 years in the restaurant industry, she's very passionate about supporting local businesses and creating relationships within the community.
When she's not focused on marketing you can find Nicole outdoors, hiking, kayaking, or enjoying a cider on the patio.
isaac
founder/
orchard manager
Isaac is the visionary, farm manager, co-cider maker, expert jar opener and reacher of things off of high shelves.
Big and burley, he is known for being able to get along with anyone. He loves the outdoors, farming and sharing some good laughs over a pint. Notice the paintings being mounted too high on the walls? You will get it after seeing this guy in person.