Excellent — a very interesting and informative tour, followed by tasting some superb cider and perry. One not to miss out on!
apple picking
pick and washing the apples straight from the tree
mill & press
hands on apple sorting followed by manual pressing setup
ferment & drink
load into VATs and watch it turn into juice
Important information
Register Interest for our Hands-On Cider Making
We’re currently gauging interest for our 1-day cider making courses potentially planned for 2024, though nothing is confirmed yet. Having hosted over 200 participants in our previous sessions, we’re excited about the possibility of bringing this unique experience back. If there’s enough interest, here are the details we plan to offer:
We start in the perry pear or mixed fruit orchard, where we explore apple varieties and harvesting techniques before picking for our finished product. Then, at our operations station, we go through the entire process of washing, milling, and pressing, with guided explanations at every step. Finally, you get cider to take home at the end. Read below for more in-depth details. If you’re passionate about cider and eager to learn, let us know you’re interested! Here are some more specific details about what’s included:
Price
£150
Group Size
up to 6 people
Length
over 8 hours of cider making
Lunch included
Everyone gets food provided for
Book now
We are flexible about when we run cider courses 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 cider making
Apple Picking & Washing
The course begins with a visit to one of our orchards, either the perry pear or mixed fruit orchard. We start by giving a brief explanation of the importance of this stage in cider production. Participants will then have the opportunity to collect apples directly from the trees, guided by Martin. After gathering the apples, we'll transport them back to where we will be producing the cider or perry. Here, the next step involves thoroughly washing and sorting the apples, preparing them for the milling and pressing stages of cider making.
Milling and Pressing
Next involves milling and pressing the apples. Initially, the apples are placed on an elevator, where any remaining unsuitable apples are removed. The good apples are then blended into a pulp. This freshly blended apple pulp is then transferred into one of our containers. Following this, we lay the apple pulp onto sheets in our authentic cider press, a key piece of equipment we've been using since our establishment. From here you can witness your apple juice being extracted in real time.
Bottling
Finally we bottle and drink. Often overlooked, we will wash the bottles before lining them up and filling with the juice we just milled and pressed. And now for the best bit, drinking your fresh apple juice!
For a more detailed guide of how we do it check out our cider making process page.
When will the cider making course be available, and how can I reserve my spot?
The course is set to launch next year. While specific dates are yet to be announced, you can reserve your spot by signing up for our waitlist. We’ll notify you as soon as the dates are set, and you’ll have the opportunity to book your place before we open bookings to the general public.
What is included in the £150 per day course fee?
The fee covers a comprehensive cider making experience, including apple picking, sorting, milling, pressing, fermentation, and bottling processes. It also includes a guided tasting session and a bottle of cider that you can take home. All necessary equipment and materials are provided, and you’ll receive hands-on training from our experienced cider makers.
Do I need any prior experience in cider making to join the course?
No prior experience is necessary! Our course is designed for both beginners and cider enthusiasts. We provide step-by-step guidance through each stage of the cider making process, making it a fun and informative experience for everyone.
Are there any age restrictions for participating in the course?
Yes, due to the nature of the course, which includes cider tasting, participants must be 18 years or older. We ask that all participants bring a valid ID on the day of the course for age verification.