Yonder Cider plans expansion into Wenatchee Craft District

WENATCHEE — One of North Central Washington's most recognizable craft beverage companies is preparing to expand into Wenatchee's Craft District, adding another major producer to the Port's long-term vision for the former Columbia Street fruit-storage warehouses.

The Chelan-Douglas Regional Port Authority on June 9 provided an update on a lease agreement with Yonder Cider, which plans to occupy a large production space within the former Lineage complex between Orondo and Yakima avenues.

The move would bring one of the region's best-known cider brands into the Port-owned Craft District, a collection of former cold-storage buildings that has been gradually redeveloped into a hub for brewing, cider-making and other craft manufacturing businesses.

The district's most visible tenant today is Timberline Brewing, the Wenatchee home of Blewett Brewing Company. Port officials have long envisioned the surrounding buildings as a destination for similar producers, pairing manufacturing space with tasting rooms, retail activity and public-facing businesses near the Columbia River waterfront.

Yonder represents a significant addition to that vision.

Founded by Caitlin Braam, Yonder has grown from a local cidery into a regional brand whose products can be found in bars, restaurants and retail locations throughout Washington. Varieties such as Sunnyslope and Mazama have become familiar names on tap lists across the state.

In addition to Yonder's consumer-facing cider label, Braam's company operates The Source Cider, a wholesale division that produces cider base for other cider makers.

Port Director of Economic Development and Capital Projects Stacie de Mestre told commissioners the company has experienced significant recent growth despite broader challenges facing the alcoholic beverage industry.

"She's got that niche market," de Mestre said during a discussion of the proposed lease. "Not only does she create her own product, but she creates the wholesale cider base that she sells to other cider makers."

According to de Mestre, Braam reported production increasing roughly 40 percent over the previous year. The company currently employs between 15 and 20 people.

The Port expects to collect approximately $835,000 in rent during the initial five-year lease term. The agreement includes two additional five-year renewal options.

Both the Port and Yonder are expected to make improvements to the space, including office construction, laboratory facilities, utility upgrades and code-related improvements needed for occupancy. Commissioners on June 9 authorized staff to move forward with refrigeration equipment removal and design work associated with the project once the lease is finalized.

One unresolved issue involves a long-running access easement dispute with BNSF Railway. Port officials said they have made progress toward an agreement with the railroad and do not expect the matter to derail the project, but included provisions in the lease to protect both parties should the issue remain unresolved.

Port CEO Jim Kuntz told commissioners he expected the lease to be signed in the coming days, allowing work to begin on preparing the space for Yonder's move into the district.

Andrew Simpson: 509-433-7626 or andrew@ward.media