Somerset, a western county in England, is a paradise known for its stunning landscapes, rich history, and the world-famous ciders that are as traditional as they are delicious. The lush, rolling hills of Somerset are dotted with countless apple orchards, making it an ideal place for cider-making. This article aims to guide you through experiencing the traditional cider-making process in Somerset. Whether you’re a cider enthusiast or a curious traveller, this journey will be one of a kind.
Discovering the Heart of Cider Country: Somerset
Somerset, often referred to as ‘cider country’, has a long-standing tradition of cider-making dating back to Roman times. The rich, fertile soil and the temperate climate of the region make it ideal for growing a wide variety of apples, each contributing to the unique taste of Somerset ciders. Every autumn, the apple harvest signals the start of the cider-making season. This is the perfect time to visit Somerset to witness the traditional cider-making techniques in action.
There are many local farms and cider mills that open their doors to visitors, offering tours and tastings. A visit to these farms will not only allow you to learn about the cider-making process but also give you a chance to taste some of the best ciders in the world.
A Visit to Sheppy’s Cider Farm
One of Somerset’s most famous cider-making farms is Sheppy’s. A family-run farm that dates back over 200 years, Sheppy’s is an excellent place to experience traditional cider-making. The farm boasts over 90 acres of apple orchards, producing a staggering range of apples that go into making their award-winning ciders.
A tour of Sheppy’s will take you through its historic cider press, where you can watch apples being pressed into juice using traditional methods. The tour will also take you to their fermentation vats and maturation areas, where you can learn about the science and art behind cider-making. After the tour, you can visit their shop, which boasts a wide variety of their ciders, apple juices, and brandy.
Cider Tasting and Pairings
No trip to Somerset would be complete without experiencing the rich, diverse aromas and tastes of the local ciders. Most cider farms, including Sheppy’s, offer generous tasting sessions. Here, you can sample a range of ciders, from the traditional dry ciders to the sweet or flavoured varieties.
To enhance your cider tasting experience, why not try some cider and food pairings? Ciders are incredibly versatile and can complement a wide range of foods. Many farms also house restaurants that offer local dishes, perfectly paired with their ciders. This is a great opportunity to experience the best of Somerset’s local produce.
Exploring Bristol’s Cider Scene
Just a short drive from Somerset is the bustling city of Bristol, which also has a vibrant cider scene. Bristol is home to many cider bars and pubs that stock a wide variety of local and international ciders. This is a great way to sample an array of ciders without having to travel far.
One of the best places to try cider in Bristol is The Apple, a cider bar on a converted Dutch barge. With over 40 varieties of cider on offer, there’s a cider to suit everyone’s taste. Another must-visit is the Bristol Cider Shop, which sells a carefully curated selection of the best ciders from around the West Country.
Cider Festivals and Events
To cap off your cider experience in Somerset, why not time your visit with one of the many cider festivals and events that take place throughout the year? These festivals are a celebration of all things cider and are a fantastic opportunity to immerse yourself in the local culture.
One of the most popular events is the Bristol Cider Festival, which features live music, traditional food, and, of course, plenty of cider. Another event worth checking out is the Sheppy’s Cider Wassail, an ancient tradition to bless the apple trees for a good harvest in the coming year.
Experiencing traditional British cider-making in Somerset is a unique journey that combines learning, tasting, and cultural immersion. So, next time you’re planning a trip to the UK, don’t forget to add Somerset to your itinerary. The cider country awaits!
Burrow Hill: A Guided Tour in The Magical World of Cider Brandy
A trip to Somerset cider country without visiting Burrow Hill is almost unthinkable. Falling under the umbrella of cider farms, Burrow Hill is a unique gem that needs to be on your itinerary. This farm is not just known for its traditional cider but for something more potent – cider brandy.
Stepping into Burrow Hill is like stepping back in time. The farm has been growing apple trees for over 150 years and distilling cider brandy for the last 35 years. This is a place where time-honoured tradition meets innovative techniques to create a spirit that’s rich in flavour and history.
A typical tour of Burrow Hill starts with a look at the vast expanse of apple orchards. Here, you’ll learn about the different apple varieties they grow and how the mixing of these varieties contributes to the distinct flavour of their cider and cider brandy.
The tour then moves on to the distillery. Burrow Hill is one of the few places in England with a license to distil cider brandy. They use two traditional copper pot stills, named Josephine and Fifi, to turn their fermented apple juice into cider brandy. This part of the tour gives you a glimpse into the fascinating process of distillation, turning simple apple juice into a sophisticated spirit.
After learning about the process, you’ll get to taste the fruits of their labour. The farm shop offers tastings of their cider, cider brandy, and other apple products.
Farm shop visits are a highlight of any cider farm tour. Here at Burrow Hill, you can buy bottles of their award-winning cider and brandy. Besides these, the shop also sells fresh pressed apple juice, cider vinegar, and other apple-based products.
An Instagrammable Journey: Capture the Essence of Somerset’s Cider Making Tradition
In today’s world, no adventure is complete without sharing it on social media. An Instagram post from Somerset should include a snapshot of the picturesque landscapes, the rustic charm of the cider mills, and, of course, the golden hues of the cider itself.
A post shared from Sheppy’s could feature a photo of the historic cider press, or perhaps a shot of you enjoying a tasting session. Get up close and personal with the apple varieties, capturing the vibrant colours and textures for your Instagram post.
Visiting Burrow Hill? How about a post Instagram of the quaint copper pot stills or a picture of the distillery against the backdrop of sprawling orchards? Or perhaps, a snapshot of your cider brandy tasting experience, with a caption detailing the rich, complex flavours you experienced.
Regardless of where you are in Somerset, don’t forget to capture the joy of cider tasting. Whether it’s a glass of cider bathed in golden sunlight or a flight of cider samples against a rustic backdrop, it’s all Instagram worthy.
A view post from the cider festivals can also make for a fun Instagram post, capturing the lively atmosphere and the local culture.
Remember, each post shared helps promote the hard work of these cider makers and contributes to the preservation of this traditional cider production.
In Conclusion
Somerset is a cider lover’s paradise, steeped in history and rich in flavour. Exploring the cider farms, tasting the award-winning ciders and cider brandies, and immersing yourself in local events and traditions, make for an unforgettable experience.
Whether your Instagram post captures the beauty of the orchards, the excitement of a cider festival, or the simple pleasure of a glass of cider in the Somerset countryside, you’re not just sharing a photo. You’re sharing a piece of Somerset’s cider-making tradition, a tradition that’s been honed over centuries and continues to bring joy to many. So, raise a glass to Somerset, the cider capital of the West Country, and relish the taste of tradition.
