Introduction to Growing Cider Apples

Apple growers and craft hard cider makers, join us on Wednesday, July 26th from 1-4pm for a FREE field day at The Cider Farm in Mineral Point, WI.

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Are you a current or aspiring apple grower and/or craft hard cider maker? Have you ever wanted to learn about the different varieties of English and French cider apples that can be grown in Wisconsin? Are you curious about how to manage these varieties organically? Are you interested in looking for new varieties of apples to add to your hard cider or create new hard cider(s) with one or more English and/or French varieties of apples? If so, we have great news! Deirdre Birmingham, owner, and manager of The Cider Farm has graciously agreed to host a FREE workshop on Wednesday, July 26th from 1-4 pm.

Deirdre will share her farm vision and design of their 18-acre high-density orchard and then lead us on a tour to introduce you to the ~20 different varieties of English and French apples she grows to make their delicious ciders and apple brandy. You will learn how she organically manages these different apple varieties and the attributes of each that make them perfectly suited for cider and/or brandy. Come connect with other apple growers and cider makers to explore potential partnerships and market opportunities. Finish the day tasting select apple varieties in hard cider while discussing the varieties cider makers are interested in incorporating into their ciders.

When: Wednesday, July 26th
Time: 1-4pm
Where: The Cider Farm, 7258 Kelly Road, Mineral Point, WI 53565

Attendees are encouraged to bring: Lawn chairs, sunscreen, close-toed shoes for walking ~½ mile, water bottle, long pants, and hat.

Please contact Steffen Mirsky, swmirsky@wisc.edu, (248) 974-1645 or Regina Hirsch, rmhirsch@wisc.edu, (608-335-7755) with any questions.

Deirdre Birmingham and her husband, John Biondi, own and operate The Cider Farm, a 166-acre property in the Driftless region of southwest Wisconsin near Mineral Point. Deirdre manages the orchard while John operates the business, including a tasting room in Madison, WI. The orchard consists of many traditional cider apple varieties that they have been using to craft their artisanal ciders and apple brandy for over 20 years.

This field day is co-sponsored by UW-Madison Extension and the Center for Integrated Agricultural Systems (CIAS).