Melbourne to host craft cider extravaganza!

25 Aug 2016

Australia’s largest ever festival of craft cider will land in Melbourne this October at a new, outdoor venue perfect for soaking up the Spring sunshine.

The Australian Cider Festival will be held in the Sidney Myer Courtyard, situated between the Malthouse Theatre and the Australian Centre for Contemporary Art in Southbank, on Saturday 8th October.

As the festival moves into its fifth year, Cider Australia President Sam Reid said the organisation was excited to be taking the festival to the next level with 26 craft cider producers to exhibit alongside a feast of food and entertainment.

“Our festival is special because it brings together consumers and cider makers in a welcoming, relaxed setting, made even better by the fact there will be so many quality craft ciders on offer”, Mr Reid said.

“We’ll be asking attendees to vote for their favourite producer on the day with some great prizes up for grabs”, said Mr Reid.

The festival follows the presentation of the Australian Cider Awards at a gala dinner on Friday 7th October. A record 20 categories are to be judged this year by a world-class panel which includes UK cider writer, photographer and blogger Bill Bradshaw.

“There won’t be a better place to be in Australia on Saturday 8th October, and anyone with an interest in craft cider should come on down!” said Mr Reid.

Around 1,500 people are expected to attend the festival with over 60 local and international ciders available to taste, food trucks serving cider-matched fare and master classes throughout the afternoon. Cider will also be on sale to take home.

Confirmed cider brands appearing at the festival include:

• Alpine Cider
• Batlow Cider
• Blue Elephant Beverage Co
• Cheeky Grog Co
• Daylesford Cider
• Flying Brick Cider
• Frank’s Cider
• Granite Belt Cider
• Harcourt Perry & Cider Makers
• Henry of Harcourt
• Hillbilly Cider
• LOBO Cider
• Lost Pippin
• Montague Cider House
• Napoleone Cider
• Pennyroyal Raspberry Farm & Cidery
• Pressman’s Cider
• Sidewood
• Spreyton Cider
• St Ronan’s
• Thatchers
• The Hills Cider Company
• Twisted Sister Cider
• Verano Cider
• Willie Smith’s Organic Cider
• Yarra Valley Cider.

Tickets to the festival are $35 Early Bird/$45 General Admission and include free tastings and a PLUMM tasting glass.

To buy tickets or find out more visit www.ciderfestival.com.au. For updates visit facebook.com/cideraustralia or twitter @cideraustralia. Contact office@cideraustralia.org.au with stallholder queries.