Rapid Creek Cidery merges with Wilson’s Orchard, will reopen as Wilson’s Ciderhouse

Wilson’s Ciderhouse & Venue will expand hours and add a Saturday brunch service in addition to Sunday

Mar. 16, 2022 5:45 am

Matt Marqusee adds a rub to beef brisket prior to smoking at the Smokehouse at Wilson’s Orchard and Farm near Iowa City on Friday, Aug. 13, 2021. Rapid Creek Cidery announced a merger with Wilson’s on Friday as part of an effort to promote local food sustainability. (Cliff Jette/Freelance for The Gazette)

IOWA CITY — Rapid Creek Cidery and Wilson’s Orchard & Farm announced a merger Friday to promote “regenerative, local and ethical food and farm systems” in the Corridor.

Rapid Creek Cidery was built on Wilson’s Orchard & Farm in Iowa City with the reconstruction of two century-old barns. Now, the buildings are reopening as Wilson’s Ciderhouse & Venue, which will introduce Saturday brunch service to complement its Sunday brunch.

With the expansion, Wilson’s Ciderhouse will expand hours and take-home options, online ordering and local delivery.

“Going forward, we plan to make enjoying high quality, local food even more convenient and accessible,” said Katie Goering, founder of Rapid Creek Cidery.

With the merger, Executive Chef Matt Steigerwald will transition to a new role as Culinary Director overseeing Wilson’s food operations for the ciderhouse, bakery, smokehouse, catering as well as Sutliff Farm & Ciderhouse.

But more than convenience, the changes are also part of a bigger endeavor to promote local food.

“Most people probably do not realize how many of our ingredients come from farms within a 20-mile radius,” Wilson’s Orchard & Farm owner Paul Rasch told The Gazette in a statement. “With this merger, we plan to invest in fully localizing our supply chain by the end of the decade.”

By reducing the length of the supply chain from farm-to-table and emphasizing seasonality and freshness, Rasch said the move will help the farm maximize the flavor and nutritional value of food.

“By sourcing locally we are also keeping money in our community and helping to support a thriving local agriculture,” he said.