Speakers have been announced for CraftCon, the Three Counties Cider and Perry Association conference, taking place in Taunton next month.
This year’s opening keynote delivered by Eleanor Leger, of Eden Ciders, based in Vermont, USA, who will also deliver a seminar on the specialist technique of Ice Cidermaking. The international theme continues with an American cider symposium, presented by Christine Walter, of Bauman’s Cider, and Brighid O’Keane, of the Cider Institute.
Orchardists will learn how to apply regenerative agriculture techniques with Ross Mangles, of North Down Farms, and Sarah and John Whittick, of Cider Apple Trees. Martin Maudsley will speak on the history and renewed enthusiasm for Wassailing, while Geoff Newman, of Natural England, will lead a technical seminar on preserving traditional orchards.
Cidermakers will learn about new techniques and share inspiration through sessions on fermentation health, with Sigrid Gertsen-Schibbye, of Lallemand, as well as learn from keeving experts Phill Palmer, of Palmer’s Upland Cyder, Yann Gilles, of Malus & Vitis, and Simon Rawlins, from Rawlins Family Cider.
For the first time, the conference will feature a titration workshop, led by Tom Tibbits, of Artistaw Cider, giving new producers an understanding of the importance and practicality of measuring acidity levels in their cider.
Further topics covered over the two days include labelling legalities, branding strategies, exporting to the EU, an exploration of terroir in cider, and how to blind taste ciders. There will be 20 sessions in all.
A highlight for delegates will be a three course dinner, supported by The Bag in Box Shop, where Barny Butterfield, of Sandford Orchards, will deliver a keynote speech. Prior to the dinner is the Cider Share, a two-hour whirlwind of cider networking, supported by Sheppy’s Cider, Somerset Cider Solutions, and Enartis/Itasca Wines.
CraftCon will take place at the Somerset County Cricket Club, in Taunton, on 12th and 13th March. Registration is now open and expected to sell out ahead of the deadline on 3rd March. Tickets are available here.
