International Cider Day 3 June 2023
INTERNATIONAL CIDER DAY 3 JUNE 2023
International Cider Day is a global celebration of cider. Celebrating Cider Day this Saturday 3 June is the perfect way to show your appreciation to brewers, cider experts, orchard owners and bar staff! You could host a cider tasting party, splurge on that special cider you’ve been wanting to try, learn about the rich history of cider-making, or even book a visit to an orchard for a guided tour or tasting session.
Mid Devon is renowned for its apple orchards and award-winning cider brewers, we are home to some of the best in the country! Here are a few you could visit or try out for Cider Day:
Rull Orchard
The conditions of the soil in Devon make it perfect to grow fruit trees at Rull Orchard, which are then hand-picked to create unique tasting ciders and fruit juices. Mike and Claire, who run the Rull Orchard at Northdown in Bickleigh, have combined traditional and modern techniques into their cider production process to ensure the end-product is extra special. Mike is also one of the first pomeliers in the country, so be sure to try his rich and sweet Pomological cider which is created using a blend of the boldest apples from a neighbouring orchard that is over 130 years old!
You can find the full range of their produce on their online store.
Ridgeway Cider
Ridgeway Cider in Holcombe Rogus makes farmhouse Cider using traditional tried and tested methods. They have around 200 cider apple trees in the orchards on their farm, from which they press specific varieties to create their award-winning cider. You can pick up Ridgeway Cider from Halberton Court Farm Shop, The Old Well at Uffculme, The Strand Stores in Culmstock, Rumwell Farm Shop, Darts Farm Shop, Stawley and Appley Village Shop and their cider vinegar at Sunseed Health Food Shop in Wellington and Fordmore Farm Shop.
Cider tasting evenings for up to 15 people can also be arranged.
Spreyton Press Cider
Spreyton Press is a Cullompton based Cider maker, using apples sourced from their own orchards in Spreyton plus a few other excellent local orchards. Their cider is made from 100% apple juice and is handmade in Cullompton.
You can buy Spreyton Press Cider at Porters Bar & Grill Cullompton plus JB’s Café Tiverton and at the Spar Shop in Sampford Peverell.
Wellhayes Vineyard
Set on the edge of the Brendon Hills, 10 miles north of Tiverton, Wellhayes Vineyard occupies an ideal location on a South facing slope overlooking the small village of Clayhanger in Mid Devon.
Wellhayes Vineyard produces quality sparkling wine on site from grapes grown in the vineyard. Visits to the vineyard are available by appointment through the website at 3pm on Wednesdays and Sundays between May and September. Visits include a tour of the winery and vineyard as well as a complimentary glass of Wellhayes Sparkling Wine and samples of the luxury handmade chocolates made from Wellhayes spirit. An optional cream tea is also available.
The vineyard is also a venue to concerts and other events in the Tasting Room above the winery over the Summer months; full details of which are available on their website.
Daisyland Home Produce
Daisyland Home Produce, a licensed food and cider producer, is based just three miles east of Cullompton. They are all about home-grown and home-made produce from their 20 acre smallholding.
From their farmhouse kitchen, they jam and preserve home-grown produce for jellies, jams and chutneys, just like their special, vibrant Crab Apple Jelly, sweet Chilli Jelly and deliciously Spicy Tomato Chutney, perfect for sausages or burgers.
Non-stop apple pressing takes place in the autumn to produce fresh, pure apple juice and their own Devon craft cider. All varieties of their juice and cider change each year as they work and blend according to the apples available.
Daisyland Home Produce love sustainability, no waste, no air miles and adore preserving traditionally, the natural way whilst thereby minimising additives of any kind. You can buy all their produce at Cullompton Farmers’ Market or their preserves at Moments Gift Shop on Fore Street in Cullompton.
However you decide to celebrate, make sure to check out what’s going on locally and enjoy some apple-y goodness!
