The distinctive Devon Crimson Queen apple
David Berwick of St Ives Cider
Orchards and cider makers
The West Country has a strong and widely recognised heritage of cider making. But as we discovered from Barrie Gibson at Fowey Valley Cider, ‘Champagne’ style sparkling wine (and cider) actually has its origins in the West Country, in the early 17th century, long before a certain Dom Pérignon came on the scene. Bottled wine, imported from France, would continue fermenting in the bottle back in England, creating a fi when o ened. Whi e this fi was temperamental, it was discovered (on this side of the channel) that adding a little sugar helped the second fermentation ensuring a consistent fi . From 1615, burning coal to produce glass instead of charcoal (when oak was required by James I for building warships), enabled stronger, thicker bottles, less prone to exploding under pressure – tellingly known as the ‘Verre Anglais’. This glass production was patented by Sir Robert Mansell, one-time MP for Lostwithiel. Fowey Valley Cider is famed for its Champagne style sparkling ciders (www.foweyvalleycider.co.uk). As Barrie tells us, the Fowey valley was once laden with orchards and he is proud to continue the tradition of cider making in this beautiful part of the world, gaining acclaim for his deliciously crisp ciders and cider products, including vinegar. (Discover more about Fowey Valley Cider on page 17.) Run by David and Kate Berwick, ST IVES CIDER is a small company that packs a huge avour (www.stivescider.co.uk). In fact, hot off the press, we’re delighted to learn that St Ives Cider has just won an extremely prestigious international award for its ground-breaking cider at the recent World Cider Awards. Congratulations to David and Kate for this phenomenal achievement – we’ll certainly drink to that! (Discover more about St Ives Cider on page 17.) Situated in the scenic Allen valley, near St Mabyn on the outskirts of Wadebridge, you’ll find HAYWOOD FARM CIDER, the creation of Tom Bray (www.haywoodfarmcider.co.uk). Cider making is truly in Tom’s blood, as is clear from the ancient granite cider press on the grounds. (Discover more about Haywoor Farm Cider on page 27.) Westnorth Manor Farm, on the south coast, is home to CORNISH ORCHARDS, a venture started by Andy Atkinson, keen to restore traditional orchards and create an environment for wildlife to thrive (www.cornishorchards.co.uk). As well as ciders, they produce tasty ginger beer, juices and softdrinks. We really have only just scratched the surface of the staggeringly vast array of drinks producers here in Cornwall. In shining a spotlight on just a few of them, we hope to inspire you to make a few discoveries of your own – cheers!
DISCOVER MORE
Barrie Gibson of Fowey Valley Cider
Stock up your drinks cabinet at Mr Small’s Cornish Taphouse, Par, stocking an impressive range of Cornish ales, lagers, ciders and wines. For more details visit www.mrsmalls.co.uk
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Head over to our Vimeo page now for a fascinating video from Fowey Valley Cider. www.vimeo.com/cornwallliving
Here’s your chance to sample the wonderful drinks produce of Cornwall! You could win a Skinner’s beer tasting kit, complete with bottle opener and mixed case of ales, as well as a cider tasting evening at Stable Falmouth or Fistral. There are plenty of other great prizes up for grabs too, including luxury coastal breaks. Simply turn to pages 67 and 69 for all the details. Enter now at www.cornwall-living.co.uk terms & conditions apply
Courtesy of Anna Photography www.anna-photography.co.uk
St Ives Cider’s roaming cider press
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