Mock Red Hill

Mock Red Hill, located in the Hinterland of the Mornington Peninsula, is a well-established Bio-Dynamic apple orchard and processing facility. The family-owned and operated orchard has been producing high quality, Bio-Dynamic (enhanced organic) fresh fruit, apple juice, apple ciders and apple cider vinegar for the local region and beyond for many years. The Mock family has been growing apples since 1895, when they planted their first orchard just outside Melbourne. Mock Red Hill owner Neville Mock is a fourth generation orchardist, who completed an apprenticeship in fruit growing with his father, Walter Charles Mock, back in 1981. By that time the family had already been living on the Peninsula for almost twenty years, with Walter moving the business to the well-known apple growing area of Red Hill in 1960. These days, Neville Mock remains the orchardist and cider maker, but the business has moved with the times. The family became pioneers within the Bio-Dynamic movement in Australia when their orchard was first certified in 1974, and Neville has continued to push this factor as a key differentiator for the Mock brand. The family continues to nurture and nourish the same Demeter-certified orchard, creating a unique range of Bio-dynamic products. Being certified Bio-Dynamic they are nationally recognised for providing high quality food and beverages with flavour. Mock Red Hill is still a family business in every sense of the word. Neville Mock is the Business Owner and Director; his brother Allan Mock is the General Manager of Totally Pure Fruits; Neville’s daughter Sheryn Mock, manages sales & marketing and also operates the Farm Gate store. The core focus lies in tending the A-grade Summer Pinks, Galas, Fujis, Golden Delicious and other apple varieties growing in the orchards. Being certified bio-dynamic, produce has been grown and processed according to the standards of the Bio-Dynamic Research Institute. The use of environmentally friendly, ecologically safe, biological methods to activate and nurture the life of the soil, plants and animals within natures organisation, without the use of artificial or synthetic chemicals, fertilisers, genetically modified organisms or any unnecessary additives. Though this farming method produces increased B-grade fruit, due to the difficulty in keeping away pests, it has provided opportunities for other products. Several different brands fall under the “Mock Red Hill” banner. Mock Orchards Fresh Fruits, Mock Red Hill Apple Cider (dry, classic and sweet), as well as apple juice, sparkling apple juice and apple cider vinegar are all produced on the farm. They recently added sparkling pear juice to the range too, as they continue to look for new ways to delight the palate. The ‘Totally Pure Fruits’ part of the business produces an extensive range of freeze-dried fruits and vegetables. Their unique method of freeze-drying food ensures it retains all of its fibre and up to 95% of its nutrients. The Farm Gate store run by Sheryn, is open all year round and invites the public to sample and purchase their products. Their most recent addition is a unique sensory tasting experience set up in the original wooden cool store, built in 1945. After the tasting experience, customers will have to option to take the experience back home, with products available for purchase. Otherwise, kick back and relax with a cold cider, complimented by a platter of local produce, cheese and of course Mock Red Hill and Totally Pure Fruits’ very own dried and fresh produce.