NABC has offered classes in hard cider production since 2009. Recently, though, hard cider is growing in popularity by leaps and bounds (see articles, below).  Domestic cider production has increased from 1.2 million gallons in 2010 to 2.5 million gallons in 2011, and Washington state produced nearly two hundred thousand gallons of cider in 2011.

In 2011 NABC, in partnership with Washington State University and Northwest Cider Association, received a  Specialty Crop Block Grant from the USDA, giving a boost to the emerging hard cider industry in the region.  The grant has been used to support cider research, education and marketing, including the various cider courses NABC offers: Orchard Management: Cider Fruit Production; and Cider Making: Principles and Practice (including two parts — An Understanding of Cider & Perry; and Practical production of Cider & Perry). Through this course, NABC also offers a gateway for amateur cider makers to earn a NACM Certification from the National Association of Cider Makers.

Registration is currently open for the following classes and courses:

Orchard Management classes with Gary Moulton • June 23rd and July 28th. This course will discuss the basics of tree fruit production, with a focus on cider and dessert varieties. Topics will include rootstock, nutrient management, pest management, irrigation, orchard layout planting, pruning, and harvest techniques.
Cider Making Principles and Practice PART 1 ONLY – An Understanding of Cider & Perry with Peter Mitchell • June 25 & 26 OR July 23 & 24 This course will provide students with a broad understanding of cider & perry, the cider industry, and the principles & practices of cider production.
Save the date for Advanced Cider & Perry Production with Peter Mitchell on December 10 – 14, 2012 This course will provide an in-depth understanding of cider microbiology, chemistry, sensory evaluation and technology.  Product development, marketing, and operating a successful cider business will also be addressed.

For more information or to register, visit the Northwest Agriculture Business Center website or contact Carolyn Goodrich: carolyn.goodrich@agbizcenter.org or 360-336-3727

Click here to see photos of our June 2010 cider courses

A press release about the cider project was distributed by WSU Communications and enjoyed robust press coverage, including the WSU newsletter On Solid Ground, Capital Press, The Missoulian, Seattle Times and more. NABC’s Executive Director David Bauermeister even coordinated an appearance on KCPQ Q13 local television news on March 13.  Sharing the television spotlight was Jonathan Roozen representing WSU and Sharon Campbell of Tieton Cider Works representing the Northwest Cider Association. Their joint appearance highlighted cider research, production, availability and a growing market for cider in the northwest. Here’s a toast to good cider press!

Here are more recent articles about Washington’s burgeoning hard cider industry:

Cider makers tout fruit ciders at wine event | Seattle Times | April 1, 2012
Federal grants reach specialty crops | Capital Press | January 5, 2012
Tasting Notes: Washington’s Hard Ciders | Seattle Magazine | September 2010

Slowly Matured.

It's been a long time coming … 18 months to be exact. Our first-ever Méthode Champenoise Perry is now ready to enjoy after a time-intensive process. In September of 2010, when we were picking the perry pears that now reside inside glass walls, we knew we'd be in for a treat. They were small and odd shapes, but bursting with succulent flavors. Some had puckering acidity, others were full of bold tannin, some were soft with silky sweet juice.

Read all about it here, and while you are there sign up for Snowdrift's newsletter list.

2nd Annual Orcas Island Cider and Mead Festival Saturday, May 12
11 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Eastsound Village Green in Eastsound Washington, Orcas Island

Northwest hard cider and mead producers including Finnriver, Wescott Bay, Edgemount, Sky River, Alpenfire, and Tieton Cider Works will be gathering together under the tasting tent at the Eastsound Village Green on Orcas Island celebrating the second annual Cider and Mead Festival at Farmer’s Market opening day.

Orcas home brews will be judged by the professionals and crowned “Orcas Best of the Fest.” No off-island home brews will be allowed to compete for this coveted award this year.

The tent will be perched near the Village stage where Orcas Island musicians will be entertaining the throng during the event. Anyone over 21 will be able to enter the tasting tent for as little as $5 admission fee benefiting the Orcas Island Farm to Cafeteria Program. Co-organizers, Ray’s General Store and Pharmacy and the Northwest Cider Association help produce the event.

Various Island restaurants including Allium and Inn at Ship Bay will feature special food pairings with ciders and meads. The Lower Tavern will be featuring a producer or two on their wine list, and The Kitchen will be cooking up a lunch on the Friday before using ciders in several of its dishes.

Mark your calendar and bring friends to the Village Green on Orcas Island May 12 and enjoy the opening day of our great Farmer’s Market along with festive live music and the Orcas Island Cider and Mead Festival!

The Northwest Cider Association is proud to announce the 2nd Annual Summer Cider Day in Port Townsend will be held on Saturday July 7^th 2012 at the beautiful Maritime Center on the water in Port Townsend.

Mark your calendars and stay tuned for updates and information.

Snowdrift - Artisan Hard Ciders from Voortex Productions on Vimeo.

www.snowdriftcider.com


www.voortexproductions.com
www.abutler.net

We're celebrating spring with sweet wine, sparkling cider, award-winning cheese, artisan bread and frolicking goats!  Our friends and fine cheese-makers Rachel Van Laanen & Scott Brinton, from nearby Marrowstone Island's Mystery Bay Farm, will be on site to sample their array of fresh spring goat cheeses, including their acclaimed Thyme & White Pepper and Chevre & Honey.  Enjoy a savory bite of locally baked Pane d'Amore cheese-sticks and a dollop of gourmet cider jelly.  Wear your farm boots to take a walk around the fields and along our Poetree Trail, and visit with some of Mystery Bay's spring goat kids, along with our piglets, chicks and spring buds.

Go to the OPWA wesbite to purchase tickets and enter free ticket drawing:  olympicpeninsulawineries.org/wine-cheese/

Washington Artisan Cheesemakers Festival is a celebration of the vibrant artisanal cheese industry in Washington State. The Festival will feature a wide variety of delectable artisan cheeses made in Washington along with other locally made fine foods and beverages to accompany or pair with. We invite you to meet the cheesemakers, learn about their products and philosophy, and sample some of the finest handcrafted artisan cheeses made in Washington.

Washington Artisan Cheesemakers Festival

Saturday, April 7th, 2012
12-6pm

Seattle Design Center
5701 6th Avenue South
Seattle, WA  98108 Map

21 and over only Buy tickets here

About the Cascade Harvest Coalition

Washington Artisan Cheesemakers Festival is a benefit for the Cascade Harvest Coalition, a non-profit organization dedicated to re-localizing the food system in Washington by connecting consumers more directly with producers. You can find out more about the Coalition and its programs at www.cascadeharvest.org.

The dinner takes place at the renowned Clarklewis restaurant, known for their commitment to local, organic ingredients. Chef Dolan Lane will prepare a four-course meal, with each course paired with two different Northwest craft ciders and featuring cider as a component of the dish.

Read more about it on our Cidermaker's Dinner PDX event page.

For more information or to buy tickets head on over to our 2nd Annual Cidermaker's Dinner event page.

Sponsored by the NW CIder Association in conjunction with Mitchell F&D Limited.
Tuesday July 5th - Morning Session 8:45 AM to 12:45 PM | Afternoon Session 1:45 to 5:45 PM.
Seattle, WA

For anyone who enjoys drinking cider or for anyone who works in an industry that sells cider this class is a must for you.  Learn about the history, product definitions, the types and styles, and food pairings for cider and perry.   The class will include a sampling of products where you will be asked to assess product quality and identify the flavors and aromas.

When you leave you will have gained the knowledge to taste and discuss the many aspects of cider and perry.

When:  July 5, 2011  2 Sessions 8:45 AM to 12:45 PM & 1:45 PM to 5:45 PM
Where:   Wine World Warehouse - 400 NE 45th St. Seattle, WA

For more information and a breakdown of each session visit our special event listing page.
Or you can head over to Brown Paper Tickets and reserve your space.