Cider Safari

Introducing a new side(r) project

I am the classic Geographer - a jack of all trades but a master of none. Not to say that I’m not half decent at doing things - only last night I picked up a Silver Medal for Best Communication about cider at 2025 British Guild of Beer Writers Awards (huzzah!).

But given that cider isn’t wine, whisk(e)y or beer I have to do many different things rather than specialise in one. This has led me to write, to consult, to train and to judge competitions (hard gig, I know). The aspect that I LOVE doing the most however, is hosting tours. There is nothing better for me than to show a group - bigger or smaller - of cider makers, enthusiasts or randoms around The Shire, meeting brilliant producers, tasting great ciders and telling tall tales.

So I’ve decided to cement this into a formal enterprise. Everyone, say hello to Cider Safari. The concept is for small groups - no more than 6 people - to be ferried around by me or another trained cider guide, in Herefordshire, visiting x 3 of the best makers around and having a Ploughman’s lunch in an old orchard. What could be any more idyllic?

Given that cider is a sustainably made drink (no heat used during fermentation unlike beer, far less water use and the ecological magic of orchards) the Safari wagon will be fully electric and a luxuriously brand new. Sustainable tourism is the way to go.

Public tours, where you can purchase a seat or two and ride along with some new friends, will be available at least once a month and there will be opportunity to book a Private Safari - think romantic getaways, birthdays, family gatherings, stag/hen parties etc. And if you’re a group bigger than six people then I friends with folks who have THE most comfortable and exclusive minibuses and small coaches in the land. Aaand if you’re a super cider fanatic, there’s the option for multi-day trips all across the UK.

It’s an expensive business setting up such an enterprise so I’m seeking some kindly sponsors and then in the New Year I will be undertaking a round of crowd funding to help inflate some air into the Safari wagon’s tyres.

The best way to keep up to speed with all developments is to head to cidersafari.com and sign up for updates. You can also follow the @cidersafari Instagram page. And if you’re super keen for a natter then email me at guide@cidersafari.com

Please spread the word and I hope to be guiding you next year!

Wassail!