Nestled in the picturesque West Country, Somerset is a haven for cider enthusiasts and curious minds alike. Known for its rich heritage and verdant orchards, Somerset is the epicenter of traditional cider making in the United Kingdom. The region boasts a plethora of award-winning cider farms, each with unique processes, stories, and flavors that define the best of British cider. This article will guide you through the top locations where you can immerse yourselves in the art of cider making in Somerset, offering a full and enriching experience.
The Charm of Burrow Hill: A Cider Lover’s Paradise
When it comes to traditional cider making, Burrow Hill Cider Farm stands out as a quintessential destination. Located at the heart of Somerset, this farm has been producing cider for over 150 years. Known for its idyllic settings and apple orchards, Burrow Hill offers more than just a tasting experience.
Visitors are often enthralled by the cider production process, which takes place in the historic barns of the farm. From cider apples to the final product, the journey is as enchanting as the rolling hills surrounding the farm. What sets Burrow Hill apart is its dedication to producing traditional cider using time-honored methods. Here, you can witness the pressing of fresh apple juice and the fermentation process that gives each bottle its unique character.
Moreover, Burrow Hill is also famous for its cider brandy, a delightful spirit that has won numerous accolades. The farm’s apple brandy is aged for several years in oak barrels, resulting in a smooth, rich flavor that is perfect for any occasion. For those looking to delve deeper into the world of cider, Burrow Hill offers tours that provide a comprehensive understanding of the cider making process.
To make your visit even more memorable, Burrow Hill’s beautiful landscape is ideal for capturing stunning Instagram posts. The combination of lush orchards, rustic buildings, and the scent of fresh apples makes this a must-visit location for any cider aficionado.
Exploring Wilkins Cider: A Journey Through Time
Another gem in Somerset’s cider crown is Wilkins Cider Farm. Known for its authentic and local approach to cider making, this farm offers an experience steeped in tradition. Founded by the legendary Roger Wilkins, the farm has been producing traditional cider for decades, ensuring that every sip captures the essence of Somerset’s rich apple heritage.
At Wilkins Cider Farm, you can expect to see cider production methods that have remained unchanged for years. The farm uses a variety of apple types, each contributing to the unique flavors in their ciders. Visitors are welcome to explore the orchards, where trees full of ripe cider apples await harvest. The pressing and fermenting rooms provide a first-hand look at the meticulous process involved in creating high-quality cider.
The tasting room at Wilkins Cider Farm is a highlight for many visitors. Here, you can sample different cider varieties, each with distinct notes and aromas. The food and drink offerings complement the ciders, making for a well-rounded sensory experience. If you’re lucky, you might even get to meet Roger Wilkins himself, who is always eager to share stories and insights about the farm and its cider production.
A visit to Wilkins Cider Farm is not complete without purchasing a few bottles of their celebrated cider. These make excellent souvenirs or gifts, allowing you to share the traditional cider experience with friends and family. Don’t forget to capture the rustic charm of the farm in your Instagram posts, ensuring the memories last a lifetime.
Sheppy’s Cider: Combining Tradition with Modern Flair
Located near Taunton, Sheppy’s Cider is renowned for balancing traditional cider making techniques with modern innovation. This seventh-generation family farm has been crafting apple cider since 1816, making it one of the oldest and most respected cider companies in Somerset.
Sheppy’s boasts expansive orchards filled with a wide range of apple varieties. The farm’s commitment to using only the best cider apples ensures that every bottle is a testament to quality and craftsmanship. The cider production process at Sheppy’s is a fascinating blend of age-old methods and cutting-edge technology. Visitors can take guided tours that cover every aspect of cider making, from the apple harvest to the bottling line.
The farm also features a cider museum, where you can learn about the history of cider production in the West Country. The museum showcases vintage equipment, old photographs, and informative displays that paint a vivid picture of how cider making has evolved over the centuries.
One of the highlights of visiting Sheppy’s is the tasting session. The farm offers a variety of ciders, each with its unique flavor profile. From dry to sweet, and everything in between, there’s a cider for every palate. The food pairing options available on-site enhance the tasting experience, making Sheppy’s a delightful destination for both food and drink lovers.
The farm’s scenic surroundings are perfect for leisurely walks and Instagram posts. Whether it’s the blooming apple trees in spring or the golden hues of the orchards in autumn, Sheppy’s offers a picturesque backdrop that captivates visitors year-round.
Rich’s Cider: A Legacy of Excellence
Rich’s Cider is another award-winning farm that has been a cornerstone of Somerset’s cider heritage for over 60 years. Located in Highbridge, this family-run farm is celebrated for its commitment to producing high-quality traditional cider.
Rich’s Cider farm is home to extensive orchards where a variety of cider apples are grown. The farm’s dedication to using only the best apple varieties is evident in the exceptional quality of their ciders. The cider production process at Rich’s is a harmonious blend of tradition and innovation, ensuring that each bottle is crafted to perfection.
Visitors to Rich’s Cider can enjoy guided tours that provide an in-depth look at the cider making process. From the moment the apples are harvested to the final bottling stage, every step is carefully explained, offering a fascinating insight into the world of cider production. The farm also features a museum and shop where you can purchase a range of ciders, apple juice, and other apple-related products.
Rich’s Cider is known for its friendly and welcoming atmosphere. The farm’s tasting room is a popular spot where visitors can sample a variety of ciders, each with its unique flavor profile. The food on offer complements the ciders perfectly, making for a delightful culinary experience.
The farm’s picturesque setting is ideal for leisurely strolls and Instagram posts. Whether you’re exploring the orchards or enjoying a quiet moment in the tasting room, Rich’s Cider offers a memorable experience for all who visit.
Thatchers Cider: Innovation Meets Tradition
Thatchers Cider, located in Sandford, is a name synonymous with cider excellence. With over 115 years of cider making heritage, this family-run farm has carved out a reputation for producing some of the finest ciders in the West Country.
Thatchers is known for its innovative approach to cider production, while still adhering to traditional methods. The farm boasts extensive orchards filled with a diverse range of apple varieties. The commitment to quality is evident in every aspect of the cider making process, from the careful selection of cider apples to the meticulous fermentation process.
Visitors to Thatchers can enjoy guided tours that offer a comprehensive overview of the cider making process. The tours cover everything from the apple harvest to the final bottling stage, providing a fascinating insight into the world of cider production. The farm also features a shop where you can purchase a range of ciders and apple juice.
Thatchers’ tasting room is a highlight for many visitors. Here, you can sample a variety of ciders, each with its unique flavor profile. The food pairing options available on-site enhance the tasting experience, making Thatchers a delightful destination for both food and drink lovers.
The farm’s scenic surroundings are perfect for leisurely walks and Instagram posts. Whether it’s the blooming apple trees in spring or the golden hues of the orchards in autumn, Thatchers offers a picturesque backdrop that captivates visitors year-round.
In Somerset, cider making is more than just a craft; it’s a way of life that has been passed down through generations. From the historic Burrow Hill Cider Farm and the authentic charm of Wilkins Cider to the innovative yet traditional approaches at Sheppy’s, Rich’s, and Thatchers, there is no shortage of places to explore and learn about traditional cider making. Each farm offers a unique experience, rich with history, local culture, and, of course, delicious cider.
So, if you’re eager to immerse yourselves in the world of traditional cider making, Somerset is the place to be. Here, you will find not just the best ciders, but also the stories, people, and landscapes that make this region the heart of British cider culture.
