Ross-on-Wye Cider and Perry Co. Ltd., Broome Farm, Peterstow, Ross-on-Wye Herefordshire, HR9 6QG
Tel: 01989 567232 Email: info@rosscider.com. .

Ross-on-Wye Cider and Perry Company is tucked away in a quiet corner of Herefordshire at Broome Farm, Peterstow. The farm has been in the Johnson family for over 70 years and has had many uses but today is a thriving cider producing farm with over 50 acres of orchards producing 40 varieties of cider apples and 30 of perry pears. Proprietor, Mike Johnson and his team take great pride in this age old tradition, and from initially producing fruit for in house consumption, the company now makes its own cider and perry for sale with the bulk of the apples going to a local national cider maker. Mike has won many awards with his produce. Mike's farm was recently featured on BBC2 as part of the 'Living World' series along with a bee keeper, a sheep farmer and a gillie, all from the Wye Valley.

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Most of the harvesting is done using modern machinery, however, some of the work is still done in the good old fashioned way, by hand. Harvesting usually begins in September and carries on until December. The fruit is washed, pulped, pressed and then left to ferment in its own natural yeast, with no additives or preservatives. The finished products are completely natural. For those who prefer a sweeter cider, however, a little sugar syrup is added.

Visitors to Broome Farm are always welcome. Mike and his team encourage new cider makers and are always happy to give advice. The farm is frequently visited by the Welsh Cider Society, who bring groups of cider makers, along with their fruit, to press their produce, which they later take back home to ferment. During their visit, they are given a tour of the farm and enjoy a cream tea in the lovely gardens of Broome Farm B & B which is run by Mike's sister, Hilary and her husband John.

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If you are visiting Ross-on-Wye, it is well worth taking some time to call in at Broome Farm. There is signed, self guided orchard walk to enjoy, perhaps stopping for a picnic along the way. If visiting at the weekend why not book a group orchard walk and cider tasting with a tour leader? These are available, by appointment between Easter and the end of August on Saturday and Sunday afternoons. A discretionary cover charge may be made for these tours and groups should consist of a minimum of eight and a maximum of twenty persons. By prior arrangement, tours can occasionally be given at other times.

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After your tour, you will be given the opportunity of sampling some of the ciders and perries in the cider cellar and you will be amazed at the range of products available there. If you are looking for an unusual gift to take back home with you, Ross Cider and Perry Company have a great selection of gift packs as well as single bottles of cider or perry. You can also buy the draught cider and perry of your choice in either plastic bottle or bag in box containers. Many local people already do that on a regular basis. For an extra special touch, why not order labels for your containers with your family name on them? You will also find Hilary's delicious cider cake or marmalade and ginger cake on sale here.

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As well as producing fantastic ciders and perries, Broome Farm and Ross Cider and Perry Company have a tremendous social aspect. Many events are held at the farm each year, not least Broome Farm's annual Cider Festival, a three day event which is held at the end of August / beginning of September. Many cider producers are invited to bring their wares along for comparison and a whole range of live music is performed throughout the weekend. If you would like to enjoy the whole weekend, camping is available at a very reasonable rate.

On Twelfth Night, a Wassail is held, with mulled cider on offer as well as great food prepared by John and Hilary. The 'Butler' leads a procession around the orchards for an annual, ritual blessing of the apple trees. This event is becoming increasingly popular. The barn at the farm is the venue for many a ceilidh, folk night, blues night or even classical event and the atmosphere there is always very warm and friendly.

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For further information on Ross Cider and Perry Company please contact Mike on 01989 567232. He will be happy to speak with you. For further information on the events at Broome Farm, please feel free to visit the 'What's On?' page of Wyenot.com or, alternatively visit the Ross-on-Wye Cider and Perry Co. Ltd web site.