Jan 4, 2016

Penn State Extension adds new hard cider workshop

Penn State Extension announced the next workshop in the Hard Cider Business and Production workshop series. “Hard Cider from Seed to Sip” will be held on Feb. 1, from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. at The Vineyard and Brewery in Hershey, Pa. The workshop is being held in conjunction with the Mid-Atlantic Fruit and Vegetable Conference.

“This workshop will give attendees an intimate and informative look into the operations of a cidery, from start to finish.” Carla Snyder, hard cider program educator said. “The workshop will have meaningful information for those who are just starting in the industry as well as those who want to expand their existing knowledge.”

Sessions will include:

• Establishing and maintaining the American Hard Cider Orchard
• Fermentation, Sanitation and Yeast Strain Selection
• East Coast Consumer Trends in Hard Cider
• Content Marketing – How to Engage with Your Customers to Increase Sales

This intensive workshop will also include a benchmark tasting of fruit ciders lead by Denise Gardner, Penn State enologist. Following the workshop, networking and socializing with cider makers and industry professionals will be available.

Tara Baugher, tree fruit expert adds, “Hard cider production has grown rapidly and has the ability to diversify and expand an existing fruit operation for increased profitability.”

Advanced registration is required. Cost is $120 per person and includes the benchmark tasting. For more information and to register, visit the workshop’s page on the Mid-Atlantic Fruit and Vegetable Conference’s website or contact Erin Dugan at 717-334-6271.