An impressive 28 craft cider producers will showcase 112 different ciders at the 2016 Australian Cider Festival, being held in Melbourne this Saturday.

Over 1,000 people are expected to attend the annual festival being held at the Malthouse Theatre Forecourt in Southbank, as the Australian craft cider industry revels in another year of strong growth.

The Australian Cider Festival is open from 12-7pm. Tickets are $45 online through ciderfestival.com.au with limited sales at the door. Entry gives you unlimited free tastings and a PLUMM stemless wine glass with a promise of no pesky tokens!

Alongside the impressive line-up of ciders will be live music by Zevon Hiltz and the Midnight Specials. Delicious New Orleans soul food by Gumbo Kitchen and the opportunity to win some great prizes for voting in the People’s Choice.

By popular demand, festival-goers can this year purchase a wide range of craft ciders directly from producers to take home and enjoy – a unique opportunity for cider lovers.

Cider Australia President and Willie Smith’s co-founder, Sam Reid, said attendees can sign up for free cider master classes with some of the industry’s best cider makers including Drew Henry from Henry of Harcourt talking cider apples, and Tim Jones from Willie Smith’s Organic Cider discussing French, English & New World cider styles.

“The festival is always a great day out for all, and there is no better opportunity to chat to producers while tasting an exceptionally diverse range of ciders”, Mr Reid said.

Mr Reid continued, “This year we have a number of producers such as ourselves debuting ciders at the festival and so it’s a great opportunity to be the first in Australia to try and buy these ciders. There will be more ciders than ever before shown that use purpose grown cider apples in their production, and we expect this to be the next phase in this ever evolving category”.

The Festival will follow the 2016 Australian Cider Awards to be announced tomorrow night at a gala dinner at The Craft & Co in Melbourne.

A producers forum on the Saturday morning before the festival will be held from 9.30-11am featuring Cider Australia’s guest judge for the 2016 Awards, UK cider expert Bill Bradshaw. For details visit facebook.com/CiderAustralia/events

Cider brands appearing at the festival are 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, Mr Little Cider, 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, Westons Cider Australia, Willie Smith’s Organic Cider and Yarra Valley Cider.

Australian Cider Festival Key Details

– Malthouse Theatre Forecourt, Southbank, Melbourne
– Tickets: $45 from www.ciderfestival.com.au & at the door (if available)
– Time: Midday – 7pm
– Details: Unlimited tastings of 112 different cider with takeaway sales available

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