This weekend Batlow hosted the annual Australian Cider Conference and Cider Festival. I was invited to speak at the conference so a big thank you to Batlow CiderFest and NSW DPI for that opportunity.The  big news out of the weekend was that the Australian Government is investing $500,000 in the craft cider industry to build a brand proposition and marketing strategy aimed at boosting exports, as part of the $50 million Export and Regional Wine Support Package (the $50m Package). At the conference among the speakers Madeleine Way, PhD candidate at the University of Tasmania will talk about four different varieties of apples and the way pre-treatments impact the quality of the apple juice for cider making.  Breaking down variables such as apple variety ferment temperature and growing region.

On the Saturday, the main street of the small town of Batlow was closed for the cider festival. With a cracking blue sky and a huge crowd enjoying fine cider everyone was in a good mood.

Thanks again to everyone down in Batlow for inviting me out for the weekend.

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