Wild West Cider and Wine

Welcome to an exploration of one of humanity's oldest fermented traditions: the craft of cider and wine making. Though the term ‘Wild West’ might conjure images of rugged frontiers, in the world of pomology—the study of fruit—it…

To understand the 'Wild West' of cider, one must first look to the east—specifically the rolling hills of Somerset, England. Here, cider making is less an industry and more a way of life. …

Moving to the actual ‘Wild West’—Western Australia—we find a different approach to the apple. In the town of Bridgetown, located about three hours south of Perth, cider makers have embraced the region's agricultural prowess. …

Perhaps the most striking aspect of modern craft cider and beer production in Western Australia is the willingness to experiment with unconventional ingredients. In Bridgetown, this has manifested in the creation of what is…

The concept of ‘terroir’—the environmental factors that affect a crop's phenotype—is as central to cider as it is to wine. In Western Australia’s southwest, the ‘true four-season climate’ plays a vital role in the character of…

While cider and wine are the primary focuses of many orchard-based ventures, the ‘Wild West’ spirit often extends into the realm of distilling. In the context of our broader tour, we see this in the ‘Wild Atlantic Way’ and the…

We conclude our exploration of craft beverages by focusing on the tasting room—the final interface between the producer and the public. Whether it’s a rustic Somerset barn or a modern Australian facility, the sensory experience…

Our journey through the world of ‘Wild West’ cider and wine has taken us from the ancient, unfiltered traditions of Somerset to the cutting-edge innovations of Western Australia. We have seen how the humble apple can be a vehicle…