As the harvest season arrives, a new series of experiences — Cider Safaris — is being planned by Gabe Cook, AKA The Ciderologist, in Herefordshire.
“Herefordshire makes more cider than anywhere else in the world and it has a heritage dating back 1,000 years, yet for many drinkers in the UK, cider is more synonymous with Devon or Somerset,” says Gabe.
Cider Safari seeks to bring to life the heritage, story, and personality of Herefordshire cider through a series of unique, quality experiences.
There’s a cider-themed walking safari around Hereford city centre on 3rd October, featuring storytelling and stop-offs at three venues to sample ciders. It ends at the Museum of Cider just in time for Perry Fest.
Saturday, 17th October, is the date for the inaugural, flagship Safari, a minibus tour of three of the county’s leading makers, hosted by The Ciderologist himself, and including a ploughman’s lunch.
If the interest in cider extends to making as well as sampling, then on 24th October, at Dragon Orchard, Putley, a cider-making experience day will be hosted, fun and informative, while getting hands covered in apple pulp.
And launching in time for Visit Herefordshire’s Craft Cider Week — from 12th to 19th September — visitors to the county can engage Gabe’s services for private cider tasting experiences from the comfort of their accommodation.
“These experiences not only champion this great drink and the heritage of Herefordshire, they also support farmers at a time when agriculture is going through a tough time,” said Cook.
“I’m really excited to launch the Cider Safari brand, and later this year I will look to undertake some crowdfunding to facilitate purchasing my very own cider safari wagon, thus expanding the opportunity.”
