06/10/2026
Member Spotlight: The Hard-Pressed Cider Company, LLC, West Greenwich, RI - Rob and Jaclyn Swanson have been crafting Rhode Island's favorite fall experience for over a decade, fresh-pressed apple cider made from one ingredient only, with zero added sugar, and apple cider doughnuts made with their own cider, finished with a cinnamon sugar coating and served warm and fresh every weekend at Windmist Farm in Jamestown, RI.
In 2019 the Swansons bought a farm in West Greenwich, and during the pandemic months planted over 300 cider apple trees, planting even more over the following years. Rob gives a lot of credit for their growth to the mentorship of the late Gil Barden, Jr., fellow RI Farm Bureau board member and co-owner of Barden Family Orchard in Scituate, RI.
In addition to raising apples, Rob and Jaclyn have two young children who help out on the farm too. The Swansons are growing a number of cider varietals in West Greenwich: Dabinett, Harrison, Wickson Crab, Golden Russet, Harry Masters Jersey and trialing many more. Fruit trees in New England attract a lot of pests and they try to keep any control to a minimum with natural sprays. You can see in these photos the use of clay and the high deer fencing in the background.
Next, their long-held dream of a permanent cidery is becoming a reality as the family has begun clearing and construction off of Hopkins Hill Road. This is what Rhode Island agriculture looks like. This is what we're proud to support.
The Hard-Pressed Cider Company, LLC operates seasonally in the fall. Follow them for updates on hours, locations, and their progress at their West Greenwich farm.
