Category: Events

NW Cider Symposium Postponed

March 6, 2020

After many hours of conversation, and in consultation with local public health officials, the Northwest Cider Association has made the difficult decision to postpone the NW Cider Symposium due to the spread of COVID-19 virus in Washington state. This was a difficult decision, as we all were excited to learn, grow and connect with our Northwest cider community.

The Northwest Cider Association holds our community’s health and wellness as our highest priority. For this reason, the Board of Directors is following the guidance of the local public health officials and postponing the symposium until a later date, likely in early 2021.

We realize that the economic impact of postponing the event will affect our participants, as it will impact the NWCA. With individual vendors, small businesses, and service workers in mind, the Northwest Cider Association urges registrants to retain your registration for the postponed symposium. Not only will you support your community and ensure that we can defray costs for our small business colleagues, we commit to honoring your 2020 symposium ticket price through 2021.

We are currently investigating options for remote learning sessions, particularly in the area of online and direct-to-consumer sales. Please be on the lookout for further information on these sessions and more information about rescheduling this conference!

Washington Cider Week 2013 Media Release

August 17, 2013

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Sherrye Wyatt
Sherrye@nwcider.com

Cidermakers Announce Third Annual Washington Cider Week
Celebrate the state’s most exciting beverage with more than 75 activities, September 5-15

SEATTLE, WA—The Northwest Cider Association (NWCA) has announced the third annual Washington Cider Week, a 10-day celebration of craft cider. The celebration kicks off with two Seattle events, the first on September 5 at Capitol Cider on Capitol Hill, followed by the two-day Northwest Cider Summit at South Lake Union. Washington is one of six states in the U.S. celebrating a Cider Week this year, joining California, Michigan, New York, Oregon and Virginia. Fourteen Washington cideries are participating. 

Cidermakers in Washington have a lot to celebrate. Several regional cideries have won major awards for their traditional dry ciders and perrys, while new blends featuring black currants, honey, hops, lavender and quince are giving cider fans plenty of unusual flavors to enjoy. Nationally, cider continues to be the fastest-growing segment of the beverage market. Hard cider, crafted from apples with the same careful attention that wine is developed from grapes, is naturally gluten-free, and makes use of fruit varieties that date back hundreds of years. 

Over 75 separate activities and special menu items are planned throughout Washington State. Reservations are strongly encouraged for some events, such as the Northwest Cider Summit and cidermaker dinners. This year Edible Seattle is co-sponsoring Washington Cider Week.  For a complete schedule of events, visit http://nwcider.com.  

Here are a few highlights of Washington Cider Week:

  • Experience the two-day Northwest Cider Summit festival at South Lake Union’s Discovery Center Park, featuring 110 ciders, 59 of which have never been poured at the Cider Summit before.  
  • Dine through three and four course prix fixe cider pairing dinners at the VUDE at South Lake Union and the Gastropod in Seattle’s SoDo neighborhood.
  • Explore gluten-free menu choices paired with ciders at the Northwest’s newest cider bar, Capitol Cider.
  • Discover special ciders on tap at taverns from Yakima to Tacoma to Bellingham, and in the new pub at Whole Foods in Seattle’s on Westlake.
  • Taste menu items created especially to pair with particular ciders at Café Flora in Madison Park, Prima Bistro on Whidbey Island, and Terra Plata on Capitol Hill. 
  • Cycle a cider trail through Seattle with stops at pubs along the route, each offering cider samples.
  • Complete an educational cider short course conducted by Chris Lehault, cider columnist for SeriousEats.com, at The Pantry at DeLancey in Ballard.
  • Follow cider-themed craft cocktail trails, making special appearances at Seattle bars and restaurants like Tavern Law, the Stumbling Goat, and Tilth.
  • Enjoy sweet and savory chocolate and cider pairings at Bravehorse in South Lake Union (featuring Theo Chocolates) and the Chocolate Box, near Pike Place Market. 
  • Gather at casual events planned in the garden at Bottlehouse in Madrona and on the deck at Beveridge Place in West Seattle.

The Northwest Cider Association is a trade organization representing 32 cider producers throughout the Pacific Northwest in Washington, Oregon, Montana and British Columbia. Memberships are also available to individual cider enthusiasts, as well as retail shops, restaurants and beverage distributors.

To learn more visit our Washington Cider Week pages.

 

Washington Cider Week planning underway!

May 31, 2012

Hey folks, as the official headquarters for Washington Cider Week we are now looking for Washington State businesses and business owners to that would like to help us celebrate in September by hosting their own cider events and/or cider specials. We are looking for the usual suspects and new comers alike.

If you need ideas we can help. Head over the our Washington Cider Week page and take a read… Or you can contact us for a few more ideas custom fit for your business.

Here is how YOU can help make Cider Week a success:

 

Got a suggestion? Pass it along!

Know of an establishment that would be interested? Connect them with us today!

Our Northwest Cider cidermakers will likely be in high demand and if you’d like them to make an appearance at your location, arrangements should be made early.

2nd Annual Orcas Island Cider and Mead Festival Saturday May 12, 2012

March 29, 2012

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!

Olympic Peninsula Wineries’ NW Wine & Cheese Tour

March 28, 2012

Sip cider, say cheese and kid around with Finnriver Farm & Cidery at the NW Wine & Cheese Tour on Saturday April 14 and Sunday April 15, from 11-5.

Finnriver Farm & Cidery Orchard Blessing - Spring 2012We’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 Cheese Festival is pouring and pairing local ciders.

March 27, 2012

The Washington Artisan Cheese Festival will pouring and pairing two of our own… Tieton Cider Works and Alpenfire Cider. Beer and wine folks like to brag about how well wine pairs with cheese, those of us who drink and work around cider know that the bond cider and cheese share can’t be matched. Don’t believe us? You should head on over to the WA Artisan Cheese Festival on Saturday April 7th and decide for yourself.

 

 

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 ticketsBuy 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.

NWCA Cidermaker Dinner coming to PDX 04/04!

February 20, 2012

Our popular Cidermaker’s Dinner is coming to Portland for the first time! The evening offers PDX residents a remarkable opportunity to taste many of our beverages, while learning about the cider process from orchard to glass. The first hour of the event will feature a casual passing of appetizers to be enjoyed with two ciders from member cideries.   Many cidermakers will be on hand to answer your questions and share information about their orchards and forthcoming ciders.

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.

2nd Annual Cidermaker’s Dinner in Seattle – February 25th 2012

February 19, 2012

Craft cider, made with traditional methods and heirloom apple varieties, is a deliciously historic beverage that’s making a remarkable comeback in the Pacific Northwest. Created just over a year ago, the Northwest Cider Association currently boasts 17 member cideries spread across the region. The 2nd annual Cider Maker’s Dinner offers a remarkable opportunity to taste many of their beverages, while learning about the cider process from orchard to glass.

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

Peter Mitchell – Cider and Perry Sensory Evaluation – 07/05

May 30, 2011

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.