Cyder
Somerset is apple country, with the perfect soil and climate for growing apples and making cyder. It has been going on here for centuries. Head out to the small farmlands of Somerset and you’ll spot ancient orchards still dotted about; clumps of mistletoe in the canopy, sheep grazing under the dappled shade of laden trees. Old barns still with the farmer's cyder press within, some still making cyder today. Here at The Newt, we celebrate every aspect of our county’s signature crop; from the sapling to the tree, the fruit, its juice and the final stage: cyder.
A Story in Every Sip
Around the time Hadspen House was built, the finest quality cyders were preferred to champagne by sniffy Somerset gentry who knew their tipple. People in our apple-growing regions consumed over a pint a day; at the time, this mildly alcoholic drink was safer than water. Everyone, including children, drank it – even at breakfast! Records show that the secondary fermentation process being used at this time - in glass bottles, sealed with corks - came well before French monk Dom Pierre Pérignon reportedly invented Champagne.
Book A Cyder Tour
Join us for a guided journey into the art of cyder-making, led by one of our expert cyder team. Over the course of 45 minutes, you'll explore our state-of-the-art Cyder Press & Cellar, uncovering the secrets of our slow fermentation process and the heritage apple varieties that make our cyder so distinctive. Tours run daily at 12pm and 2pm for members, with an additional 4pm tour exclusively for hotel guests. With just six places per tour, we recommend booking in advance to secure your spot. £10 per member or included in your stay as a guest.
Explore Cyder
Our cyders are made with 100% apple juice, using slow cold fermentation to release the residual sweetness of this humble fruit. Discover more about cyder making with daily tasting tours, taking you inside our cathedral-like cellar dedicated to the golden drop.
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Explore the Estate
Stay a little longer and enjoy all The Newt has to offer.
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