|
Coveted PGI status awarded to Once Upon a Tree. |
|
 Herefordshire cider producers Once Upon A Tree are celebrating achieving PGI (Protected Geographical Indication) status for their ciders with the release of their 2009 vintage Kingston Redstreak. This will be the first of many ciders from the Dragon Orchard estate to be released with the new accreditation.
“Being awarded PGI status absolutely guarantees our claims to be making cider using traditional methods with traditional cider apple varieties within Herefordshire," explains Cider Maker Simon Day “it also means that the heritage and tradition of cider making in Herefordshire is brought to the attention of consumers. I hope it will bring interest back from the mass producers to the farm business and promote our local, rural economy in Herefordshire."
The PGI accolade ensures that the ciders are made to strict rules and that they meet geographical and quality criteria. Only when they succeed in this process can they be named a Herefordshire Cider and join the elite group of designated products.
“I’m delighted to say that in this new 2009 vintage the famous Kingston Black flavours come through really well, and are perfectly complimented by the Redstreak." says Simon "It’s a medium-dry cider with a rich, spiced filled nose, a full body and a soft finish that fans of our 2008 vintage champion Kingston Black will love. "
Once Upon A Tree are now established in Herefordshire as quality cider producers, and consistently win awards for their ciders and perry. Their commitment to increase production reflects this success and the number of bottles produced for their 2009 vintage will see a four-fold increase on last year.
The launch of Kingston Redstreak coincides with the public “Grand Opening” of the NEW Once Upon A Tree Shop at Dragon Orchard, on the 31st July at 11am. Once Upon A Tree are celebrating the opening of the new, purpose built shop with free tastings of local produce, special discounts, and a free “Orchard Days” poetry walk around Dragon Orchard.
The ciders are also available via mail order, or through a number of stockists. |
|
|
Grand Opening for Once Upon A Tree |
|
 Although somewhat later than originally planned, we have finally managed to build and open our new orchard shop!
This weekend, the 31st July, we are having a "Grand Opening"day, and you are very welcome to come along for a welcome drink of cider or juice, and join us for a complementary "Orchard Days" poetry walk and tour through our orchards, where Norman will talk you through the growing season, punctuated with poems from the Orchard Days poetry book by Charles Bennet. There will be free tastings of Juice, Cider and Perry, as well as other Herefordshire produce.
As an extra incentive, we are offering:
10% discount on all Once Upon A Tree Cider, Perry, Juice and Preserves all weekend.
The fun starts at 11am on Saturday 31st July!
The shop is now open from 10am to 3pm Wednesday to Saturday. Click here for directions - Visit
Here is a PDF of our little flyer if you would like a closer look! |
|
Ribston Lawn wins top award! |
|
 Earlier today (12th May 2010), we were delighted to be awarded 1st place for Best Bottle Fermented Cider or Perry at the International Cider and Perry Competition held at the Hereford Cider Museum. "Sparkling Success" Press Release can be downloaded here.
"This was the first time I had ever attempted to make a perry" explains Cider Maker Simon Day "there is a lot of mystery surrounding perry production and it is certainly more challenging than cider making, but I felt that by following traditional Champagne methods, we could achieve the best expression of flavours, delivered with elegance and finesse"
Ribston Lawn was launched in October last year to critical acclaim, but with limited numbers available it is unlikely to be available for too much longer.
"We have more from the 2009 harvest, but it takes 12 months ageing on yeast lees in bottle to reach a perfect balance of fruit and bready, brioche notes" adds Simon "so come and get it while you still can!"
The Ribston Lawn Perry is an unusual and rather special alternative to Champagne or sparkling wine and has already been selected to be served at a number of foodie weddings, particularly for those looking to source good food and drink locally.
Ribston Lawn is available direct from the Orchard Shop, via mail order, or through a good number of stockists. |
|
 Our little fledgling shop did so well over Christmas, and such was the positive response from everyone who came and found us, that we have decided to do it again with a small shop open from Easter onwards.
From the 31st March we will be open to the public from 10am until 3pm Wednesday to Sunday until Christmas.
We are waiting for planning permission at the moment, so for the time being we will be operating from our existing Cider Shed, but we hope to have built a wooden building next to the orchard in time for the Big Apple Blossomtime celebrations May 2nd and 3rd.
We will be offering:
- Cider, Perry and Apple Juice Tastings and Sales
- Orchard walks (if it's good weather, come and have a picnic in the orchards)
- Work by local artists, and other local food producers
- Tea, coffee and cakes available
- Group tours by prior arangement
Hope to see you soon!
|
|
Christmas Shopping at Dragon Orchard |
|
 Award Winning producers Once Upon a Tree open the doors to their Dragon Orchard shop selling their full range of ciders & apple juice and a selection of locally made gifts and produce.
Partner Hannah Day said: “Its time to celebrate so come along and chose a selection of cider for gifts or to accompany your Christmas meals from Turkey to Christmas pud! We have homemade preserves and local gifts available too, ready to create the prefect hamper. The shop is open every day between 10am and 3pm until 20th December, it’ll be great to see you.”
“Once Upon A Tree brings cider to the dinner table”, explains Hannah whose husband Simon has a background in wine production, “It was our intention at the outset of the company to make cider and perry that would accompany and enhance good food & to make ciders to savour! Simon uses his winemaking skills to capture the true characters of the apples in the juice and ciders which are presented in clear wine bottles with wine style labels to reinforce the message that these ciders are ideal to enjoy with food.”
The Day’s moved to Putley 4 years ago and teamed up with Ann & Norman Stanier whose Dragon Orchard has been in the family for 80 years. The first two harvests saw production of up to 10,000 bottles of cider, but they are currently finishing this  years harvest which has seen a four-fold expansion in production. Once Upon A Tree produce is available at the new shop and from local retailers.
Our recently released Champagne method Ribston Lawn Sparkling Perry, is great for celebrating and our pudding cider, Blenheim Orange, is the first of its kind produced in the UK. We use ice-wine production processes, freezing the juice to give a sweet concentrated juice which is perfectly partnered with dessert.”
Adds Hannah.
Download our Christmas Shop leaflet here and our Hamper flyer here
|
Leave the hustle & bustle of big-city shopping behind
Taste & buy our award winning ciders, perry, apple juice & preserves
Local foodie hampers & gifts
Mulled cider & mince pies
Orchard walks
Work by local artists
Plenty of parking
|
|
|
|
|
|
<< Start < Prev 1 2 Next > End >>
|
|
Page 1 of 2 |
News
Visit the Orchard
Orchard Schemes
Awards