Cidery News: WA: Governor Inslee Proclaims September 4-14 Washington Cider Week

OLYMPIA, WA - Governor Jay Inslee has formally proclaimed September 4-14 Washington Cider Week, further acknowledging the apple state sits at the center of the country's fastest-growing beverage.  Cider will be flowing throughout the region during the 10-day celebration from Seattle to Spokane, Pullman to Wenatchee, and Yakima to Tacoma.

“Three years ago when the idea of Washington Cider Week was in its infancy, we could not have imagined the support the cider industry would receive so quickly," said Sharon Campbell, owner of Tieton Cider Works and the driving force behind establishing the Northwest Cider Association and Cider Weeks in both Washington and Oregon. "A proclamation by the governor was way beyond our dreams!”

Founded in 2010, the association has grown from 10 to 50 members, and Cider Week’s events have exploded from a handful to hundreds. Washington Cider Week started four years ago as a way to introduce more people to cider. "Now it's a week of celebration by those who love cider  and who want to introduce their friends to this fabulous beverage,” said Campbell.

Northwest cidermakers, known for their creative innovation and commitment to quality, are getting well-deserved recognition from around the world. This spring they earned a collective 80 medals, placing in every category, at the Ninth Annual Great Lakes International Cider and Perry Competition.  Recently two new cider competitions were launched by Northwest cidermakers themselves, the Portland International Cider Cup by Reverend Nat's Hard Cider, and the Pacific Northwest Cider Awards by Seattle Cider Company, further demonstrating this pursuit of excellence. 

This year's Washington Cider Week events range from the simple to the significant.  For example, the eve of cider week marks the launch of Cidercraft Magazine, the first glossy, consumer publication in the United States solely devoted to the timeless beverage.  Campbell is not surprised that historic events such as this are happening in Washington, where cider is quickly moving to the mainstream. “After all," she remarks, "If a cider culture doesn’t happen in the Northwest, where will it happen?”  

Additional events include cider and apple pie paired with two opportunities to meet renowned food writer Rowan Jacobsen during the  release of his new book Apples of Uncommon Character (Yakima, at Gilbert Cellars on Sept. 4; Sept. 5 at Seattle's Town Hall).  Some daily highlights in Seattle are cider cocktails, food pairings, and cider flights at Boka Restaurant and Bar, 30 taps featuring only Northwest ciders at Capitol Cider  and samplings at PCC Natural Markets throughout Puget Sound. The Cider Summit Seattle on Sept. 5-6 is followed by the grand opening of a new cider pub by Schilling featuring over 30 cider taps in Fremont on Sept. 6. A very special chef's dinner is planned every night at the Salish Lodge and Spa, debuting their new honey cider, in addition to local ciders expertly paired with special courses.

Washington is one of six states in the U.S. celebrating a Cider Week this year, joining California, Michigan, New York, Oregon and Virginia.  This year’s sponsors are the Northwest Cider Association and Northwest Travel Magazine. For an updated list of Washington  Cider Week events visit http://www.nwcider.com/washington-cider-week-events-cal/