There’s a growing sense of excitment at this time of year as we watch and wait as tree by tree and row by row those first dark pink buds burst open. Come and walk with us in our orchards at blossomtime.
We have a 6 different tree varieties in our orchards, and their age and aspect mean that the magical transition steals upon them at different moments.
So walking the orchards at this time of year, we are always on the look out for the next tree that has burst into blossom.
Walking through the apple trees enrobed in petals, feels like stepping out of time entirely. The clouds of soft petals, and the delicate sweet fragrance speak straight to the heart. The perfect antidote to modern life if you’re feeling a little weary and jaded!
Every year it feels like a celebration. Of spring. Of renewal. And for a cider-maker is a little glimpse into the future of the fruit and cider to come.
Blossomtime is late this year but reminds us that all good things are worth waiting for. This week Ben will be racking off the cider which has been slowly fermenting since last autumn – over 6 months now! He draws off the clear, fresh juice, free of sediment for the final-stage, malolactic fermentation to take place in new vats. A transformation as magical as the blossom in our orchards, this secondary fermentation smooths out the flavour profile of the cider and brings out its honeyed depths.
We think there’s nowhere lovelier than Apple County on a sunny day at this time of year. Come and enjoy the delights of the blossom for yourself on our 3 mile Orchard Walk.
And the best part of a beautiful walk round the blossom? Working up a thirst to enjoy a nice cool glass of this stuff.
We hope you’ve enjoyed this glimpse into our orchards at blossomtime. Here’s to the start of a blue-skied cider summer!