Alcoholic drinks have been enjoyed for thousands of years, yet the basic principles of making them are simple and remain largely unchanged. Our Booze course lets you in on the secrets that take you away from the industrialised processes that give us much of our alcohol today.  All it takes is a little careful preparation, a little equipment and you can be making your own wine, beer, cider and all manner of other booze, much of which is unique to the home brewer.

On the booze course, Steven and Mark will make sure you become familiar with the principles and legalities as well as the process of making your own wine, beer and flavoured spirits. They will focus on understanding the process and where you can influence the final product, ensuring that you develop a feel and control over the character of your homebrew.

The content of the course will vary with the seasons – in spring may include making birch sap wine, nettle beer, elderflower champagne; in autumn likely subjects include cider, wine from grapes, and beer from hops.

Every course will include the finest alcoholic beverages created from the best of seasonal foraged harvests (eg blackberry whiskey, sloe gin) as well as those from the fruit garden (eg quince vodka, cherries in eau de vie)

You will also learn how to plan and plant your own orchard, small vineyard or edible hedgerow to keep you in raw ingredients for years to come.

This is a hands on practical day with harvesting, preparing and making at least 3 seasonal brews. As well as the practicals you will leave with an understanding of the principles of making your own alcoholic drinks

Seasonality: Spring & Autumn

Hugh does not attend this course 

Maximum no of Guests:  26

Location: This course is run from River Cottage H.Q on the Dorset/Devon borders. Full address details of H.Q. will be provided once you have booked.

Wine/drink: Some drinks are included. We also have a Bring Your Own policy and we do not charge corkage. We have a wide selection of the finest organic wines. We will be serving cordial and iced water from our own well.

Accomodation: If you need local accommodation, click here for a list of hotels and bed & breakfasts, recommended to us by our customers. We don't have camping facilities ourselves, but for information on local campsites, and self catering accommodation, call the Lyme Regis Tourist office. They will be very happy to help.

Age: We would advise that this course is only really suitable for 18 yrs of age and upwards. We put these guidelines for the safety, comfort and enjoyment of all our guests. 

Time: 10.00am - 5.00pm

Once you have booked, you will receive email confirmation of your places purchased along with all of the details of the event including the address, map and directions to River Cottage HQ.