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, cider and all manner of other booze, much of which is unique to the home brewer.
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 or wine from grapes.
Your day at River Cottage
COURSE DETAILS
Arrive: Tractor ride down to the farm
Welcome:
Meet your host and tutor Steven Lamb, over a morning tea or coffee and tasty River Cottage treats.
Session one: Cider – learn how to plan and plant your own cider orchard and how to prepare and juice the apples to make the finished product.
Session two:
Cocktails – making cocktails with seasonal foraged fruits. Learn how to plant your own edible hedgerow to keep you in raw ingredients for years to come.
Lunch: A sumptuous two course lunch of local seasonal fare prepared by the River Cottage team.
Session three:
Wine – learn how to plan and plant your vineyard, the choice of vines and learn about the stages during a year in the vineyard.
Session four: Gins and vodkas – here you will learn about the principles and processes, some great recipe ideas and have a go at picking and making your own.
Q&A: By now you will be bursting with ideas and no doubt have a few questions to ask Steven, this is the opportunity to take away those invaluable tips for success at home.
Close: Get your books signed, have a chat with fellow course attendees and members of the River Cottage team, before jumping on the tractor to take you back up the hill.
This is a guide to the activities that will make up your course at River Cottage. This is by no means set in stone and will depend on the season as well as the group’s interest.
ADDITIONAL DETAILS
Location: This course is run from River Cottage HQ on the Dorset/Devon borders. Full address details of HQ will be provided once you have booked.
Wine/drink: Some drinks are included. We are a licensed venue. We have a wide selection of the finest organic wines.
Accomodation: If you need local accommodation please click here.
Age: We would advise that this course is only really suitable for 18 years of age and upwards. We put these guidelines in place for the safety, comfort and enjoyment of all our guests.
Time: 10.00am - 5.00pm
RELATED LINKS
John Wright's
recipe from the Guardian.
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.
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The day was such a laugh, Steve, Mark and the rest of the staff made everyone feel so welcome. We made lots of different beverages, by the end of it I must say I felt rather squiffy. Some people didn't drink because they had to drive, but they took everything home with them. I would love to come again for another day, hopefully get a course for a birthday present - quite tempted by the Build n Bake day. - Mike Quinn
Added on by River Cottage Reviews I
An all round lovely experience. Great atmosphere, great people and great food! Thanks to all involved.- Brian Evans
Added on by rivercottagereviewsV
It was a very enjoyable day. The guys were very knowledgeable and I came away with some good tips. -Brian Evans
Added on by River Cottage Reviews
A really fun day. Tried lots of techniques and the outcomes. Food was amazing. Lovely atmosphere and surroundings. Best to get dropped off and picked up, too many nice things to pass on.
Added on by Luke_Davison
