Distillery Lane Ciderworks, Apple Picking and Cider Pressing
The brisk air, growing shadows and emerging fall hues mean one thing: Apple Season! ...And turning them into cider. Now is your chance to see the process and taste the results.First a little history lesson. You know Johnny Appleseed? The mythic frontiersman spreading apple trees all across the (then) West? Bet you didn't know he actually did it in order to bring hard cider to the masses.Prohibition nearly sounded the death knell for the cider industry in America. But with renewed interest in local, sustainable, heritage foods, hard cider is making a comeback. The taste doesn't hurt either. Taking on characteristics of the apples used, it too has a terroir much like wine.Now that your interest is piqued...
Distillery Lane Ciderworks is offering Slow Food members and the public a chance to learn all about the process of turning apples to cider. Located just outside Burkittsville, MD, the family-owned and operated farm grows unique apple varieties perfect for baking, eating, and of course cider making. On Saturday, October 15, 2011 you can come to pick apples, learn about cider making and participate in pressing the apples.Tickets are $20 dollars for the public and $15 for Slow Food members. Some of the ticket price will be credited towards the apples you get to take home.The official tour starts at 1pm, but if you come at Noon, Slow Food DC is planning on having a potluck lunch. Just bring something to share with 3 other people. And if you only spend $5 for your contribution, even better!The Distillery Lane Ciderworks is about 15 minutes from Frederick, MD and about an hour from DC. Given that, we are hoping to coordinate rides. If you can offer one or need one, please contact kati_(at)_slowfooddc.org with info on where you're coming from.