Cider, Mead and Regional Drinks Revival — 2026-09-13

Top developments

Basque Cider Houses Launch Season Amidst Climate Challenges

In Astigarraga, Gipuzkoa, the historic Zapiain cider house began pressing its first apples of the 2026 harvest on September 11. Egoitz, the production manager, noted that the season has been difficult due to a lack of winter chill, rain during flowering, and heatwaves since May, resulting in a challenging crop for the traditional sagardotegi (cider houses). This marks the beginning of the txotx season, where visitors will soon flock to cider houses to drink directly from the barrels, a ritual central to Basque gastronomy.

German Apfelwein Season Opens with "Sunburned" Apples

The official Keltersaison (pressing season) for Apfelwein began in Frankfurt and the wider Hesse region on September 11. However, local press reports indicate that the climate crisis is visibly affecting the fruit; apples are falling earlier and smaller from trees, with many exhibiting "sunburn" due to excessive heat and drought. Despite these agricultural stresses, the Frankfurt branch remains optimistic, viewing the unique flavor profiles of this year's Stöffsche (local term for Apfelwein) as a potential draw for enthusiasts.

UK Cider Industry Reports Strong Volumes Despite Drought

While drought conditions have raised concerns about apple yields, the latest Westons Cider Report indicates the UK cider category reached 643 million liters in total volume, with apple cider accounting for over two-thirds of sales. The National Association of Cider Makers (NACM) estimates the industry contributes £2.7 billion to the economy, suggesting that consumer demand remains robust even as growers face smaller fruit sizes.

Mead and Cider Expansion in US Regional Markets

In Virginia, Kvasir Meadworks opened its doors in Altavista, adding to the growing list of meaderies in the US South. Meanwhile, in Washington State, Two K Farms announced the return of their "Cider by the Bay" festival for September 19 after a one-year hiatus, signaling a rebound in regional community-focused cider events.

Local view

Basque Media Focus on Harvest Quality: Local Basque media outlets are closely monitoring the impact of weather on the upcoming cider quality. Deia reported that the dry summer (uda lehorraren ondorioz) has accelerated the apple harvest, with most cider houses (sagardotegi) expected to start their presses within the first half of September. The narrative emphasizes that while quantities may be lower, the concentration of flavors could be higher, a point echoed by producers in Gipuzkoa.

German Press Highlights Community Sourcing: In Frankfurt, local news outlets like Frankfurter Rundschau are emphasizing the role of community gardens in supplementing commercial orchards. With commercial apples suffering from sun damage, local presses are calling on garden owners to donate or sell their backyard apples to help meet production demands, reinforcing the communal aspect of Apfelwein culture.

Context & numbers

• UK Market Volume: 643 million liters total cider volume; £2.7bn economic contribution by the industry.
• Harvest Timing: German and Basque pressing seasons officially commenced around September 11, 2026, slightly ahead of typical schedules due to early ripening caused by heat,.
• Crop Conditions: Reports from both regions indicate smaller fruit sizes compared to average years due to heat stress and water scarcity,.

On the radar

• Cider Week Frankfurt Recap: Although it took place in August, the recent coverage of Cider Week 2026 continues to highlight the growing international recognition of Apfelwein, with specific attention paid to Basque Sagardo as a premium competitor.
• US Cider Festivals: The return of "Cider by the Bay" in Washington State on September 19 serves as a bellwether for post-hiatus regional festivals in the US Pacific Northwest.
• Meadery Growth: The opening of Kvasir Meadworks in Altavista, VA, reflects a steady trend of meadery expansion into non-traditional markets, following global market projections of significant growth through 2029.