Cider reigns at the third annual Australian Cider Festival

15 Sep 2014

Cider Australia is busily brewing up the best mix of cider, food and entertainment to ensure that its up-coming festival is the biggest and best yet.

More than 1500 people are expected to flock to the Australian Cider Festival, which will for the first time be held in Melbourne, on October 11 and 12.

The weekend celebration will be a relaxed affair to follow on from the industry’s major awards ceremony on the Friday night.

The festival, to be held at Ormond Hall at The Village, will feature up to 30 stalls with dozens of cider and perry styles to sample.

“We are excited about showcasing Melbournians some of the best and most unique ciders from across the country,” Cider Australia President Sam Reid said.

“Our industry has enjoyed rapid growth in recent years and as a result we have expanded our awards program and we are growing the festival element to ensure we keep a spotlight on our fantastic, locally-made products.

“And, at the end of the day, who needs an excuse to sit back in the spring sunshine and sip on a few ciders!”

Festival goers can make their way to The Village Melbourne Brasserie for live entertainment and cider-matched food offerings, including pork belly sliders with apple relish cider, pulled pork po boys and pan seared scallops with pork belly.

Entry is from 1pm at the earlybird price of $20 per day (available online at www.cideraustralia.org.au) or $25 at the door and includes 20 x 50mL complementary tastings, a program and tasting notes and a tasting glass.

Producers showcasing their wares will include Batlow Cider, Bilpin Cider, Cheeky Rascal Ciders, Endless Cider, Flying Brick Cider, Frank’s Cider, Hazeldean Forest Farm, Hillbilly Cider, Hills Cider, LOBO Cider, Mock Red Hill, Napoleone Cider, Small Acres Cyder, Spreyton Cider Co, Too Many Chiefs and Willie Smith’s Organic Cider.

For more details, please contact Cider Australia executive officer Jane Anderson on 0434 559 759. You can also keep up to date with the latest news via twitter @cideraustralia or www.cideraustralia.org.au