10/14/2025
For 25 years, Ben Watson and a merry band of co-conspirators gathered in Franklin County, Massachusetts to taste and compare ciders. He wrote a book - “Cider Hard & Sweet”. He invited producers from near and far to participate. They came from all over the country and the world.
At its height before the pandemic, scores of makers and hundreds of fans gathered to celebrate and compare ciders. As a producer, it was the one festival I was always willing to pour precious small batch ciders for free, because I knew my most highly regarded peers would be there, and we would have an incredible opportunity to share and learn from each other’s liquids, as well as compare notes on the biz and on life.
This year for the first time since lock-downs, Matt Kaminsky, Zeke Nims, and the Franklin County Cider Days committee are firing up the Cider Salon again. There will be ciders from all over New England, New York, Michigan and perhaps a few international ones as well. This year it will be held at beautiful Scott Farm just over the border in Vermont. (Remember their table of heirloom apples for tasting in front of the Shelbourne Falls Community Center? And medlars!)
Come out to Franklin County Cider Days - Friday - Sunday Oct 31st to November 2nd. So many wonderful educational sessions and tasting opportunities. And come to the Cider Salon on Sunday the 2nd. With energy and support I hope it can build back to the uniquely special event it was in years past.
