Last week I was lucky enough to be invited down to Westons Cider Mill in Gloucester, to see the harvest process within the beautiful organic orchards of Wyld Wood Organic Cider. Now if you follow me on Instagram (come say hey @littlemisswinney) then you’ll know this cider is one of my faves, so seeing exactly how it’s made and the ethos behind it was really interesting. I went along with a group of other bloggers and creatives to celebrate Organic September and to talk not only to the Wyld Wood team but also to the Soil Association on what ‘organic’ really means.
So in a nutshell, organic farming is not only better for the land and for nature in general, it also has huge health benefits for us too. There are so many reasons to choose organic but here are a few I feel really stand out –
1. Fewer pesticides
Almost 300 pesticides can routinely be used in non-organic farming. Many of these remain in the food we eat, despite washing and cooking.
2. No artificial colours & preservatives
Hydrogenerated fats and controversial artificial food colours & preservatives are all banned by organic standards.
3. Always free range
Organic means the very highest animal welfare standards.
4. No routine use of antibiotics
Organic means happier, healthier animals raised without the need for routine use of antibiotics
5. No GM ingredients
GM ingredients and crops are banned under Soil Association standards.
“Sustainability remains hugely important to us. We consider the impact on the environment in all that we do.” – Wyld Wood Organic Cider
The cider itself is a traditional cider, produced from fruit sourced in Herefordshire’s organic orchards. Fully matured in old oak vats for maximum taste. On our tour of the mill we visited each of the vats, each of which had a name. From June to Arsenal each vat was a true member of the cider mill family.
Wyld Wood has a truly appley, fresh and full bodied taste with a ripe aroma. I think that’s why it’s such a favourite of mine. It’s what I call ‘proper cider’ – the flavour is strong and it almost transports you to a beer garden outside in the Autumn sunshine as soon as you take your first sip. It’s a true celebration of nature in a glass and that is all down to the beautiful orchards and cider mill itself.
I really did have such a great day discovering what goes into making the cider, even meeting some 3rd generation cider makers, family members of the mills founder still working at the mill today. The orchard is a haven for wild life and the mill a home of love and tradition. Each and every person is proud of the beautiful cider they create. So next time you fancy a true taste of British countryside, order yourself a bottle of Wyld Wood – trust me, it’s top notch…cheers!
K x
*This post was kindly sponsored by Wyld Wood Organic Cider*
Oooh I love a glass of cider, especially in warmer weather. I love that this is organic too xJenny | LuxeStyle
Hey Jenny,Thanks for you comment, I really appreciate it! Yes I agree, a cider in the sun is perfection! xx
Love these pictures, the apples look so fresh and good. Glad you enjoyed your trip, I love cider too espeically if it's local! Great blog 😀 Becky P x
Thanks Becky, yes the apples with the rain drops look great right? It's the weekend so I'm sure i'll be having a cider or two tomorrow! Thanks for reading xx
Loving these pictures! The farm looks so heavenly and the apples look so fresh!xxhttp://realgirltalks.com/
It was such a great experience and everything was so fresh and beautiful! xx
This is so lovely! I love the pictures and the colour of every fruit it so nice and yummy hahawww.blossomikebana.com
Thank you so much for reading and for leaving a comment, means so much! And yes, the apples and the cider were sooooo good!Kate xx
Oh this looks like such a great place ti visit! I just got back from visiting the UK and I loved all the apple cider options available.So yummy!Great photos tooLyndiwww.stylecalling.com
Hey Lyndi, yep – our cider is pretty good! Hope you had a great visit xxx
What a beautiful place! I love apple cider.Kimsimplylovebirds.com
Hey Kim, It was so beautiful, I had the best time :DThanks for reading!Kate xx