Excellent — a very interesting and informative tour, followed by tasting some superb cider and perry. One not to miss out on!
See
How we make the cider
Tour
The orchards
Taste
The finished products
Important information
Interested in the art of cider making?
Our cider tour at Butford Farm in Hereford offers you a great opportunity to learn about how cider is made. We show you around our cider-making facilities which are set up in our 300-year-old barns, walk through the orchards we have planted here and finish with a tasting of a selection of our products. Full details are set out below.
Tour Price
A tour costs £15 per person - under 18s free - with a 10% discount off any purchases from our shop
Tour Length
The tour usually lasts 1.5 to 2 hours depending on how much time we chat!
Group Size
We can accommodate groups from 2 to 15
Tasting
Up to 4 products to taste with an explanation of how they are made with apple juice for U18s
Book now
We are flexible about when we run cider tours and arrange them on mutually convenient dates. Please complete the form below with your party size, available dates, and any other important information in the message field or alternatively call. We will come back to you to finalise the details.
What to expect during a tour
Cider Making Process
We'll explore Butford Organics’ cider-making journey from when we moved here in 1999. Cider was probably first made here 300 years ago and we will explain the parallels between the techniques used then and now. We’ll guide you through our process and how using simple techniques with minimal intervention a diverse range of cider can be made. You will have close up look at our equipment, including the cider mill, cider press and fermentation room.
Orchards Tour
We then take you on a guided tour through the two orchards we have planted here. The first is a mixed orchard of some 200 apple, pear, plum and walnuts - and one fig tree! The other is a perry pear orchard with about 15 different varieties. The strip of woodland next to this orchard is home to some beehives which help the pollination of all our trees.
Cider Tasting
After your cider tour and orchard exploration, it’s time for you to experience the results of our labours. You will sample a selection of upto 4 distinct ciders and perrys, each offering a unique and varied flavour profile. We will explain how each is made and their particular features. Apple juice will also be available for U18s.
Is there a minimum age?
Guests of all ages are welcome! For those under 18, we offer a non-alcoholic apple juice tasting as an alternative to the cider tasting.
Can I bring my dog along for the cider tour?
Yes, all dogs are allowed on the tour! We have a collie and a spaniel and so we would appreciate you letting us know in advance if you are bringing your dog.
What should I wear or bring for the cider tour?
We recommend comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing and footwear, as the tour involves some walking in the orchards. It’s also a good idea to bring a camera to capture the scenic views and memorable moments!
Is the orchard wheelchair accessible?
Sadly not, but the other elements of the tour cider can be enjoyed by all.