Back for another year, Chicago is next up for the tremendously popular and record-breaking Cider Summit series. Artisan ciders from around the world and regions across North America are returning for the popular event. Two sessions will take place in the historical Navy Pier’s Grand Ballroom on Saturday, February 27th, from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. and 4-8 p.m.
The cidermakers, owners and representatives from more than 150 cideries from Scotland, France, Spain and England and national cideries like Anthem Cider, Citizen Cider and Crispin will guide guests for an informative trip, pouring four-ounce samples. Food pairings will also be a highlight and the event is expected to be a sell out.
“Chicago-area cider enthusiasts have really embraced our event,” says Alan Shapiro, event co-founder. “Our expansion to the Navy Pier Grand Ballroom will enable us to accommodate an even larger audience and offer an increased range of ciders for both cider lovers and the cider curious.”
The event benefits the Great Lakes Cider & Perry Association and Heartland Alliance. Tickets are $35 and include 8 tasting tickets, a donation to Heartland Alliance and souvenir tasting glass. Additional tickets for the cider samples are $2.
Chicago Cider Summit is sponsored by one of Chicago’s leading cider bars The Northman along with leading sponsor Binny’s Beverage Depot. Tickets are expected to sell out so purchase them while still available for a $30 early bird special until February 1. New this year is a special $40 VIP ticket, which entails express entry and two additional tasting tickets. A limited number of VIP tickets will be available for each session.
Take the safe route and ride the Chicago Brew Bus, which will be providing shuttle service starting at 10:30 a.m. between the Blue Line Grand stop, Red Line Grand-State stop and Navy Pier throughout the day. CTA buses also run directly to Navy Pier while onsite parking is available in the Navy Pier garages.
Cider Summit is hosted in four cities in 2016, including San Francisco, Portland and Seattle.
