Cider Summit PDX in 2013
We are smack in the middle of a another beautiful (and warm) Seattle summer. But, before you know it you’ll be putting away your shorts and wondering why the hell it is getting dark out at 5pm. That’s why you have to take advantage of all your opportunities to drink outside while you still can. If you are a fan of cider, then you certainly won’t want to miss this year’s Cider Summit Seattle. This event is great for the seasoned cider veteran, as well as those of us that are still newbies. I include myself in the latter category, as I sadly haven’t followed through as well as I would like on my plan to delve into the cider world more. There is still time for that to change, though. I’ll start with the bottle of E.Z. Orchards 2010 Cidre (which we found at Full Throttle Bottles) that is beckoning in our fridge; this was one that I discovered at last year’s Cider Summit. It is just one example of what you’ll find pouring at this event, and why it is certainly worth your time and money.
Here is more info about the event:
SBS Imports and the Seattle Beer Collective are pleased to announce the return of the Cider Summit Festival to Seattle, WA. The fifth annual event will be Friday, September 5th from 3p-8p and Saturday, September 6th from 12n-6p. Cider Summit will once again be at The South Lake Union Discovery Center near Westlake & Denny in downtown Seattle. The event is presented byWhole Foods Market.
This will be the twelfth Cider Summit produced by SBS & Seattle Beer Collective, having launched the concept in Seattle in September 2010 and expanding to Portland, Chicago, and Berkeley over the last two years. Each event features 100+ elegantly crafted ciders from producers in Washington, Oregon, British Columbia, California, Michigan, New Hampshire, England, France, Spain and others.
“We’ve been very pleased with the growth of our event in Seattle,” noted SBC’s Ian Roberts. “We believe we have added some nice features and unique cider selections that will help us reach an even wider audience of cider enthusiasts.”
The owners and cidermakers will be on hand to inform and guide guests through the samplings which will be available in 4-ounce tasting portions. In addition to the superb range of ciders, the event will feature live music, specially paired food selections from Whole Foods Market and Capitol Cider along with specially designed filled chocolates from Smitten Truffles. A returning popular feature is the Cider Summit “dog lounge” water station benefitting Seattle Humane.
“We believe we’ve created a unique event,” added event co-founder Alan Shapiro of SBS Imports. “We have found a great home in the South Lake Union neighborhood and we expect a terrific range of ciders. Interest in artisanal cider is exploding right now, and this event is the premier sampling opportunity for both the cider enthusiast and cider curious.”
New for 2014 is a special VIP ticket available for $35. This ticket includes 4 additional tasting tickets and exclusive early admission on Friday from 2p-3p. Only 200 of these tickets are available – exclusively online via the event website.
General admission tickets are $25 in advance and $30 (cash only) at the door and are available online via Stranger Tickets, all Seattle Metro Area Whole Foods locations, Umpqua Bank South Lake Union and selected bottle shops.
Admission includes a tasting glass and 8 drink tickets. Additional tasting tickets will be available for sale onsite at $2 per ticket. Re-admission will be allowed at any time with event wristband and tasting glass. The event is 21 and over only. Dogs of all ages will be allowed on event grounds.
Cider Summit benefits the Northwest Cider Association and The Institute for Myeloma & Bone Cancer Research. The Northwest Cider Association promotes awareness of artisan produced cidersamong the general public and fosters cooperation within the industry for all producers. IMBCR is one of the world’s leading independent research organizations developing effective therapies to increase the quality of life and longevity of myeloma patients.
Cider Summit is presented by Whole Foods Market. Supporting sponsors include Capitol Cider, Umpqua Bank, Click Wholesale Distributing, with media support from The Stranger and KEXP.