From Orchard to Award-Winning Cider: Meet Kari Williams
In honor of Women's History Month, we are proud to feature Kari Williams, a generational high-elevation fruit grower from Colorado and the owner, creative director, and head cider maker at Snow Capped Cider. the cider world.
Tell us about your journey.
My journey has been shaped by the accumulation of my experiences, pursuit of new challenges, and a deep connection to my family’s fruit-growing heritage. I’ve been fortunate to explore diverse interests, from earning a degree to working in the orchards to managing one of my family’s restaurants, all of which gave me a strong foundation for understanding how to run a cider-making business.
Making cider naturally grew out of my love for high-quality fruit and my fascination with wine regions. I've always been drawn to sensory experiences, and as a cider maker, my palate plays a huge role in guiding my process. Understanding flavor, fermentation, and drawing inspiration from wine has helped me craft ciders that truly capture the unique terroir of our high-elevation orchards in the Rocky Mountains.
We've never aimed to become a massive brand. Instead, we focus on representing the terroir of our high-elevation orchards and making the finest estate-grown cider we can. For me, it's all about quality, tradition, and crafting something that truly reflects the artistry of what we do.
Snow Capped Cider has earned countless awards, including the prestigious Cider Maker of the Year title in 2024, thanks to our balance of innovative techniques and respect for traditional English and French methods.
What pivotal experiences shaped your current path?
My journey into cider-making started with a deep appreciation for the fine ciders of Spain, France, and England, long before I made my first batch. When I first began over a decade ago, I knew I wanted to create something exceptional. That meant planting cider-specific apples and experimenting with flavor profiles unique to our high-elevation terroir that can only be found in our specific area of the Western Slope of the Rocky Mountains in Colorado.
One pivotal moment was realizing that cider could be as nuanced and terroir-driven as wine. It became clear that I wasn’t just making cider but showcasing the unique characteristics of high-
elevation fruit. While crafting the cider is one challenge, educating consumers about its quality and story has been equally important.
I’ve always approached challenges with curiosity and determination, researching and learning as I go. For me, this journey has never been about chasing dollars. It’s a true passion and calling. The fruit itself inspires me, and my drive to innovate and elevate cider-making to the same standard of wine is fueled by that connection.
What are the most valuable lessons you’ve learned about yourself through your life and career?
One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that failure is essential to success. Not everything works out as planned, but I’ve learned to accept challenges, reevaluate, and move forward. I’ve also realized the importance of stepping back and taking time to reflect, especially when faced with frustration or setbacks.
As a naturally Type A person, I’ve had to embrace patience and the process of learning from mistakes. These moments of growth have taught me resilience and the value of persistence. Success isn’t about not failing; it’s about continuing to adapt and grow from those failures.
What drives your desire to contribute and make a difference?
I’m deeply motivated by cider’s rich history as a craft beverage and the connection it has to our land and fruit. Growing apples at a high elevation is a labor-intensive, high-risk process due to weather and other environmental challenges. Yet, it’s this very risk that inspires me to create something truly special.
What drives me is the opportunity to elevate the cider industry and educate people about the impact of terroir on cider apples, much like wine. I want to leave a legacy of contributing to the growth of the cider industry and being a voice for craft cider makers. By staying true to the craft and using real, orchard-grown fruit, I hope to inspire others to appreciate the artistry and history behind each cider.
If you could go back and advise your younger self, what would it be?
I'd tell my younger self to be patient and realize that success is built through experiences over time. When I was younger, I was all fire, wanting everything to happen right away. But I've learned that meaningful progress takes time — and patience is everything.
I’d also remind myself to embrace challenges, keep learning, and never give up. Success isn’t measured by immediate results but by the lessons and growth that come from persistence and dedication.
What can GlobalMindED do to support women in their aspirations and goals?
GlobalMindEd can continue on providing a platform for women to share their story and experiences.
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