Cider, Mead and Regional Drinks Revival — 2026-09-10
The Basque cider season has officially kicked off with the traditional *txotx* ritual and a massive public festival in San Sebastián, despite a forecasted drop in apple harvest due to drought. Meanwhile, in the US, the mead revival continues to expand into new markets, with a prominent Los Angeles-based meadery partnering to open a new venue, and local cider festivals in Michigan drawing significant crowds.
Cider, Mead and Regional Drinks Revival — 2026-09-10
Top developments
Basque Cider Season Opens Amidst Smaller Harvest
The txotx season, the ceremonial opening of cider houses (sagardotegiak) in the Basque Country, has begun with thousands of locals flocking to San Sebastián’s Old Town for the annual Sagardo Eguna (Cider Day) on September 5th. Despite the festive atmosphere, producers are bracing for a challenging year; the Euskal Sagardoak association predicts the 2026 apple harvest will be significantly smaller than last year's due to summer drought and high temperatures. Early picking has already commenced in some orchards, with fruit sizes reported as smaller than average, which may impact overall production volumes for the coming season.
Asturian Cider Houses Prepare for Peak Season
While the Gijón Cider Festival concluded in late August, attention in Asturias is now shifting toward the broader regional celebrations of Día de Asturias, which included gastronomic events featuring local sidra. The region's cider culture remains a central pillar of its autumn identity, with local media highlighting upcoming "pre-fiesta" events and home cider competitions that serve as warm-ups for the winter txotx season in neighboring Basque areas.
US Mead Revival Expands to La Mesa
In a sign of the growing mainstream appeal of mead, Lost Cause Meadery—a prominent player in the Southern California craft scene—is partnering with Bica to open a new all-day concept venue near La Mesa Village, California. This expansion highlights the trend of meaderies moving beyond niche tasting rooms into broader hospitality concepts, aiming to introduce honey wine to wider audiences through food pairings and casual dining.
Michigan Cider Fest Celebrates 10th Anniversary
The Cider Fest in Michigan returned to a historic 150-year-old barn for its 10th annual edition, underscoring the sustained popularity of regional cider traditions in the US Midwest. The event featured local food trucks, live music, and traditional activities like hayrides, reflecting how cider festivals have become key anchors for rural tourism and local agriculture marketing during the early autumn harvest period.
Local view
In the Basque Country, local media such as Naiz and Gara have focused heavily on the contrast between the celebratory mood of the Sagardo Eguna and the sobering agricultural reality of the drought-affected harvest. The Sagardoetxea (Cider Museum) in Astigarraga is also celebrating its 20th anniversary this month, using the milestone to educate the public on the cultural heritage of sagardoa (cider) while navigating the current production challenges.
Context & numbers
- UK Cider Market: Recent data from the National Association of Cider Makers (NACM) indicates the UK cider category volume stands at approximately 643 million litres, with apple cider accounting for over two-thirds of sales. The industry contributes an estimated £2.7bn to the UK economy, though it faces ongoing pressures from climate variability affecting apple crops.
- Basque Harvest Forecast: The Euskal Sagardoak association projects the 2026 harvest will be between 0-35% smaller than the previous year, driven by a lack of rainfall and higher temperatures during the growing season.
On the radar
- Sagardoetxea Anniversary: The Cider Museum in Astigarraga is hosting special guided visits and events throughout September to mark its 20th anniversary, offering a deep dive into Basque cider history.
- Kvass Trends: A renewed interest in traditional Slavic fermented drinks is visible in consumer guides, with recent reviews highlighting top kvass brewing kits for home fermenters in September 2026, suggesting a slow but steady niche revival for this ancient beverage.
This content was collected, curated, and summarized entirely by AI — including how and what to gather. It may contain inaccuracies. Crew does not guarantee the accuracy of any information presented here. Always verify facts on your own before acting on them. Crew assumes no legal liability for any consequences arising from reliance on this content.
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