HANDPICKED: Cider Education Programs

This story was featured in the current print issue of CIDERCRAFT-for more in-depth stories and to subscribe to our print publication, click here.

By Leesy Latronica

Class is in session, but cider education programs across North America are ditching lunch bells and roll call for hands-on lessons with one shared goal in mind-to help cider curious, dabblers and seasoned pros perfect killer batches of cider. Whether through lesson plans, online advice swapping or interactive orchard visits, fill up on behind-the-scenes cider knowledge and earn a tasty graduation day.

University courses of this nature understandably attract a global audience. Consequently, if you are coming from overseas to study one of these classes, you might want to do some research into credit cards for immigrants. Student life can be expensive for international students, and therefore keeping on top of your finances is crucial if you want to maintain a consistently good credit score.

Now, let us discover some fantastic cider education programs.

Oregon State University Craft Cidery Startup Workshop || Online and Portland, OR
Created in response to the growing craft cider industry, this hybrid online and physical workshop was developed in partnership with East Wenatchee, Washington-based Snowdrift Cider. Instructed by Aaron Brodniak, brewery business consultant and former head brewer at Pyramid Brewery, students learn sustainable business and growing practices with sage advice from local cidery owners. Spring 2015 dates to be announced.

The Cider & Perry Academy || Cornell, NY, Washington and Oregon
In The Cider & Perry Academy classes, tradition runs deep-and perhaps few people know it better than international cider master and course orchestrator Peter Mitchell. With comprehensive programs available in both the UK and North America, the academy website maintains a schedule of East Coast events through Cornell University and West Coast events through the Northwest Agricultural Business Center.

Northwest Agricultural Business Center || Washington and Oregon
In addition to its host of The Cider & Perry Academy courses, the Northwest Agricultural Business Center coordinates several orchard management, business, marketing and sustainable food-focused courses in partnership with Washington State University’s Northwest Washington Research and Extension Center. Full details are available at the regularly updated online calendar.

The Cider Workshop || Online
Consider this online resource a one-stop-shop for information and idea exchange among cider enthusiasts worldwide. A conglomerate of advice from the Cider Workshop Google group, the space is dedicated to discussing “all aspects of growing, making and consuming cider… from orchard to glass.” A solid starting point for self-education.

Cloud Mountain Farm Center, Cornell University Orchards || Ithaca, NY
Of Cornell Orchards’ 37 acres of on-campus land, 15 acres are covered with apple trees. While the orchard primarily functions as a research and teaching site for the university’s Department of Horticulture and College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, community members can stop by for some knowledge and apple goodies of their own.