Took time out yesterday to visit a local abbey and taste the cider they produce. Ampleforth Abbey. It was very interesting and excellent value for money. A potted history of the Abbey and School was followed by a tour round the cider production area, where the process was explained in great detail. The sun popped out as we wandered in the orchard, learning about the great apple varieties there are - not just the 6 or so the supermarkets sell, but a who array of old and new varieties.
Then a short presentation followed by a very nice lunch (including apple cake) and sampling of the cider, beer and the apple brandy....very nice indeed. It really is worth booking on to one of these days as the knowledge and enthusiasm by Cameron is infectious. We went away wanting to plant Apple trees..
