Cider, Mead and Regional Drinks Revival — 2026-09-11

Top developments

Basque Cider Season Opens with Record Crowds and Drought Concerns

In early September, the Basque Country celebrated Sagardo Eguna (Cider Day), with events in San Sebastián drawing over 4,000 people to Plaza de la Constitución for traditional tastings. The event featured cider from 32 sagardotegis (cider houses), signaling the official start of the season despite warnings from producers that this year’s apple crop will be significantly smaller than last year’s due to a dry summer. The smaller fruit size is expected to concentrate flavors but reduce overall production volume, a trend mirrored across European apple-growing regions.

German Apfelwein Industry Faces "Sunburn" and Smaller Apples

Hessian cider makers have officially opened the 2026 Apfelwein season, though they report challenging conditions with apples suffering from "sunburn" and falling prematurely from trees. The Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung notes that despite drought and smaller fruit, the industry remains optimistic, citing growing international interest in Apfelwein as a premium regional product. Kelteries (presseries) are actively soliciting apples from private gardens to supplement the short commercial harvest.

UK Cider Sector Warns of Supply Tightness Amid Drought

The UK cider industry is facing potential supply constraints as the latest Westons Cider Report highlights a category volume of 643 million litres, with apple cider dominating sales. The National Association of Cider Makers (NACM) has indicated that the 2026 harvest will be smaller than 2025, which could drive up prices for both producers and consumers. This follows a record-breaking 2025 harvest, making the current contraction a significant shift for the £2.7bn industry.

Mead Expansion Continues in US Regional Markets

The mead revival continues in the United States with new openings and partnerships. In Altavista, Virginia, Kvasir Meadworks has opened its doors, offering traditional honey-based beverages in a historic setting. Meanwhile, in La Mesa, California, Lost Cause Meadery is partnering with Bica to launch an all-day concept, indicating that meaderies are increasingly integrating into broader hospitality models rather than operating as standalone tasting rooms.

Local view

Basque-language media has focused heavily on the community aspect of the cider season. Goierriko Hitza reported on the upcoming Ordiziako Sagardo Eguna, noting it will close out the local festival cycle with 18 participating cider houses. In Germany, local press like Frankfurter Rundschau is emphasizing the environmental impact on traditional crops, framing the smaller apples not just as an economic issue but as a visible symptom of climate change affecting local heritage products.

Context & numbers

• UK Production: Total cider category volume stands at 643 million litres, with apple cider accounting for more than two-thirds of sales.
• Basque Attendance: Over 4,000 people attended the San Sebastián cider tasting event on September 5th.
• Crop Yield: Basque producers estimate the 2026 harvest will be approximately 0-35% of last year's volume, with apples being notably smaller due to lack of rain.

On the radar

• Ordizia Cider Day: Scheduled for Saturday, September 12, in Ordizia, Gipuzkoa, featuring 18 cider houses.
• Sagardoetxea Anniversary: The Basque Cider Museum in Astigarraga is celebrating its 20th anniversary with special guided visits throughout September.
• Kvass Trends: While not a new opening, kvass brewing kits have seen a surge in reviews and popularity in September 2026, suggesting a continued niche interest in Slavic fermented drinks in Western markets.