Liquid sunshine

As sun-drenched days make their welcome return to our shores, so too does The New Zealand Cider Festival, back for its second year.

The New Zealand Cider Festival is back again, with bigger and bolder plans to treat Kiwis to more mouthwatering ciders from around the country. Good is proud to be a sponsor of this event, which will also feature industry speakers, talented Kiwi musicians, local artisan food and fun for the whole family.

Described by National Geographic as “heaven for cider seekers”, Nelson produces 60 per cent of the country’s cider. Popularity for this delectable drop has doubled in New Zealand in the last five years, and today more than one in four consumers include cider amongst their shopping. However, a third of Kiwis have never tried cider – a statistic the festival hopes to change with their offering in one handy and very scenic central location.

Perfect pairings

This year’s festival coincides with the New Zealand Cider Awards on November 3. Festival goers can head along to sample the winning drops and hear wine and beverages writer, Yvonne Lorkin talk with the 2017 award winners, discussing what made them the best in their class. Jody Scott from Zeffer Cider Co. (voted The World’s Best Cider at the 2017 International Brewing & Cider Awards in London) will also be talking about Zeffer’s journey, and back by popular demand is Nick Widley from the Cod & Lobster Brasserie to demonstrate how to make your own cider cocktails. If the kids are in tow, there is plenty of fun for them to get involved with too, including giant Jenga.

“We are very excited by the level of interest this event is receiving from both cider makers and consumers,” says Ali Lawley, Nelson Venues director and event organiser. “The industry is embracing the event, creating unique cider products that will be showcased for the first time at the festival.”

Sustainability is a huge focus for the event, with organisers pushing for a zero-waste 2017 event, which includes using compostable or recyclable containers and souvenir glasses for festival goers.

The New Zealand Cider Festival Founders Heritage Park, Nelson, November 4. For all the information see good.net.nz