the story of mill haus
Learn the origins of this unique cidery and taproom.
the beginning
Founded in 2017, Mill Haus Cider Company embodies a deep commitment to community, the cornerstone upon which our identity is built. In the tight-knit Eatonville community, father-son duo, Steve and Caleb Schmidt, joined forces with close family friend Nick Baublits. They initiated operations by crafting cider in a rented warehouse and distributing select flavors locally. The company's expansion saw the arrival of Justin Baublits, Nick’s brother, and his wife Mel Baublits.
building from the ground up
Mill Haus was quite literally built from the ground up. After finding the perfect location right in the heart of Eatonville, the building began. Steve is the visionary behind most of the unique touches and construction that is the taproom today. Next time you see one of our metal signs, unique fire tables, or chandeliers, you can think of him.
The construction of the Mill Haus taproom was truly a community effort. From the initial measurements for concrete and the brick laid outside to the landscaping and photos hanging inside, it is the result of an amazing effort of friends and family.
the taproom opens
After years of dedicated effort in the construction of Mill Haus, we proudly celebrated its grand opening in November 2021. Since then, it has blossomed into a cherished community hub – a warm and inviting haven where families and friends come together to share moments, savor ciders, relish meals, and partake in outdoor games.
In the years since, we’ve added many new events including hosting local markets, multiple live music nights a week, yearly Fall festivities, and more.
Pictured: Owners Caleb Schmidt, Mel and Justin Baublits, Steve Schmidt, and Nick Baublits
What’s happening next?
In 2024 Mill Haus is excited to officially open our distillery! We’ll be offering a selection of handcrafted apple brandy.