We chose the name Northwest Territory as a tribute to the rich, layered history of the land we call home. In the late 18th century, following the Northwest Ordinance of 1787, the United States government began issuing land grants to pioneers willing to venture west into the Ohio country. As part of these grants, settlers were required to plant at least 50 apple trees—an early recognition of the apple’s value not just as a food source, but as a symbol of permanence and civilization. Cider, then, was more than just a drink—it was a necessity for survival, a preservable form of calories, and a marker of new roots being laid in unfamiliar ground.
The legendary figure of Johnny Appleseed, or John Chapman, threads through this story as both a literal and symbolic presence. A nurseryman, missionary, and conservationist, Chapman traveled the frontier planting apple nurseries across the Northwest Territory, including here in Ohio. The trees he planted weren’t meant for eating, but for making cider—practical, hearty, and essential for life on the frontier. His legacy reminds us that cider has always been part of our national story, a beverage tied to the landscape and the people who shaped it. We see our work as a continuation of that story—fermenting a drink that honors place, time, and tradition.
Zach, our cider maker, spends countless hours each fall foraging throughout Northeast Ohio, gathering apples from old, forgotten trees that still bear fruit. These remote and tangled places—overgrown, quiet, and wild—evoke the kind of untamed terrain those early settlers would have encountered between 1787 and 1803, the years when Ohio was part of the original Northwest Territory. In those moments, we are reminded that the land still holds the same spirit of resilience, mystery, and promise.
Though cider was once the most widely consumed beverage on the American frontier, its legacy was nearly erased during Prohibition. Countless historic cider orchards—planted with bitter, tannic apple varieties ideal for fermentation—were cut down or abandoned in the 1920s, and the culture surrounding traditional cider-making nearly disappeared. What survived was a watered-down version, and today, many of the ciders found on grocery store shelves are flavored, sweetened, and bear little resemblance to the complex, dry, and rustic ciders of early America. At Northwest Territory, we are reviving that original spirit by crafting ciders with depth, character, and a sense of place—restoring a forgotten heritage, one bottle at a time.
MEETthe TEAM bringing
NorthwestTerritory to LIFE
Founder & CIDER MAKER
Zachary Ritterspach
As Cidermaker, Zach is responsible for all aspects of cider production, including pressing, fermenting, sourcing fruit, orchard maintenance, R&D, and most importantly, ensuring that every drop in each bottle is of the utmost quality. Zach has nearly two decades of experience in the Food and Beverage industry including large scale food production, managing Fast Casual restaurants, and cooking in Fine Dining kitchens. His resume includes the Sandridge Food Corporation, Chipotle Mexican Grill,
AMP 150, Astoria Cafe and Market and an internship with Saucisson Butcher Shop.
In 2016 Zach joined the brewery team at the Great Lakes Brewing Company. It was there that he discovered his love of the beverage world. Over the past 8 years he has grown from Bottler, to leading the bottling line as Operator, to his current role as Cellar Technician. Having spent countless hours honing his craft, foraging wild apples, and learning the ins-and-outs of cider production, he is eager to begin his next chapter - crafting Traditional Cider for the Modern Table at Northwest Territory Cider Co. with his wife.
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In 2023 Zach earned a certificate in Tree Fruit Production & Orchard Management from the Cornell University Small Farms Extension Program, and became a Cider Institute of North America (CINA) certified cider maker.
In his free time Zach loves being Daddy to his son Rhys, blasting alt-country in his beloved Ford, spending time in the outdoors with his puppy, curling up with his wife and cat at home, and obsessing over nerdy topics such as dinosaurs (ask him about his wedding ring) and Star Wars.
Founder & DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS
Allison Ritterspach
As Director of Operations, Allison oversees all aspects of managing the business, including finance, marketing, event planning, cider club and retail sales and above all, ensuring the highest quality of guest experience during tastings and company events. Allison brings to the team over 15 years of experience in fine dining, casual fine dining and event management, including a decade of work in New York City. Her resume includes Michelin-starred institutions such as Thomas Keller's per se, Danny Meyer's The Modern, and April Bloomfield's The Breslin. She is certified in Viticulture and Vinification from the American Sommelier’s Society, and in her spare time offers wine education to individuals and organizations including the Cuyahoga County Public Library system.
In 2019 Allison took the role of General Manager of Brewpub Operations at Great Lakes Brewing Co., where she oversaw the Brewpub, Tours, Gift Shop and Private Events. Though she loved the beer world, she and Zach dreamed of opening a cidery, and she wanted to learn how to launch a beverage brand. So in 2021 she started her own consulting firm, NWT Hospitality Consulting - focused on marketing and operations management for hospitality and beverage focused businesses - and worked with Hard Mule Seltzer Co. to launch Moscow Mule True Original Hard Seltzer, it’s variety pack and imperial hard seltzer, and the early ideation of Kick Fizz - a hemp and CBD based line of flavored seltzers.
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She loves antiquing, gardening, interior design, and eating the delicious meals Zach cooks for her! In 2023 she took on her most ambitious role yet - Mommy to her son Rhys. Her passions are early American history, wine and hard cider, and throwing a good party, and she's looking forward to launching Northwest Territory Cider Co. in summer of 2026!
Our PROGRESS so far...
What's NEXT for NorthwestTerritory CIDER CO.
Though our plan has changed since our first vision of Northwest Territory, our dedication to bringing you terroir forward dry cider has not. We're still working hard toward our goal of launching our ciders to the public in 2026. Check out our plans below, and be sure to sign up for our email list to stay up to date on our launch, planned events and more.
2026
2027
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We plan to launch Northwest Territory Cider Co. in the spring/summer of 2026, with a focus on select retail locations throughout Northeast Ohio.
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In addition to retail sales, we'll offer a Cider Club membership which will feature quarterly cider shipments, and a series of chef's dinners throughout the area where guests will enjoy live entertainment, food & cider pairings and more.
2028
2030
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As our trees mature, we'll open the orchard to the public with a seasonal outdoor tasting room, and the addition of a large canvas tent for weddings and events.
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Guests will be able to explore the orchard and gardens while sipping on cider. A menu of light fare will be available to round out the tasting experience.