Overview
Come those long, balmy afternoons of summer time, it gets easier and more tempting to ignore the beer and opt for a clean and crisp cider instead. So to celebrate, the Hotel Steyne in Manly will turn itself over to the Australian Cider Festival on October 19-20. Let the boozy apple juice flow.
The cider industry is gaining some serious traction in Australia, and the festival "will give the general public a chance to sample a wide range of quality ciders in one place", says Cider Australia president James Kendell. Familiar faces include old favourites like Magners and Monteith's, plus up-and-comers like Australia's first certified organic cidery (noun, not adjective), Willie Smiths.
Alongside the dozens of stalls featuring local and international cider makers, festivalgoers can feast on menus tailor-made to accompany cider. Also thrown in are street performers and other family-friendly activities to keep everyone excited and involved.
Tickets are 35 bucks a pop, and include ten tasting tokens, a tasting glass and a tasty gourmet roll. How do ya like them apples?
Thanks to Batlow Cider, we have two double passes to the Australian Cider Festival to give away. For your chance to win, subscribe to the Concrete Playground newsletter (if you haven't already), and email win.sydney@concreteplayground.com.au with your name and address.