Pant Du Cider

Autumn is on its way; there is morning dew on the slopes, crispness in the air, leaves changing colour and… apples falling off the trees left, right and centre! So the question is what to do with them all and from the ideas I’ve heard so far, making cider is one of the best! But if you’re not up for the challenge of making your own, you’ll be pleased to know that Snowdonia has its own brand of cider….Pant Du Cider.

Based on the slopes of the Nantlle Valley, Snowdonia, the Pant Du Orchard was started in 2007. Of the 2900 trees planted, 2000 are traditional cider making apples and the remaining trees are made up of native Welsh varieties including Bardsey apples which have been planted in support of developing and securing the future of this near extinct variety from the Llyn Peninsula. There are 4 types of cider to choose from; decide on whether you want dry or medium dry and then from there you have a choice of alcoholic content.

Alongside the orchard is a vineyard where they grow 8 varieties of vines and from these a red, white and rose are available. They have won a number of awards since it start in 2010 including The United Kingdom Vineyards Association (UKVA) bronze medal and Welsh Vineyards Association, Wine Competition 2013.

They have recently introduced tours and tasting which run every Sunday at 11am for an hour (from beg April to end Oct). If you want to enjoy the experience to the full, make sure you shotgun ‘not driving’ on a trip there, but if you do find yourself behind the wheel, don’t fret, they also offer a great apple juice (both still and sparkling) and there is a cafe on site if you want at bite to eat.