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CIDERMAKING 101: CORE CONCEPTS

A practical introduction to how cider is made

 

Curious about making cider for the first time? Learn the essential steps of cider and perry production, from fruit selection and juice preparation to fermentation, maturation, and packaging.

WHO IS THIS COURSE FOR?

Cidermaking 101: Core Concepts is designed for anyone who wants to understand how cider is made. 

It is especially useful for:

  • Anyone new to cidermaking who wants to make cider at home
  • Cider enthusiasts curious about the production process
  • Non-production cidery staff
  • Tasting-room, hospitality, retail, and distribution professionals

You do not need prior production experience or professional equipment to take this course.

Interested in training your team? Ask about discounted pricing for multiple learners.

ONE-TIME PURCHASE • 30-DAY COURSE ACCESS

$99

LEARN AT YOUR OWN PACE

 

COURSE FORMAT

  • Self-paced online course

  • 8 modules with approximately one hour of prerecorded instruction

  • Beginner-friendly, practical lessons

  • Access from anywhere with an internet connection

  • 30-day course access to review lessons as needed

  • Companion learning resources

  • Assessment quiz and Certificate of CompletioN

GET STARTED WITH CIDERMAKING 101 →

TESTIMONIAL

"A great introduction to home cidermaking...nice general introduction and the quiz helps to reinforce the information"

- Ted O'Neill, BJCP Judge / Saint Louis Brewhogs (Missouri, USA)

WHAT YOU'LL LEARN

Whether you're making cider at home, working in a tasting room, supporting a cidery team, or simply curious about the craft, Cidermaking 101: Core Concepts gives you the foundational knowledge to understand how cider is made.Explore the production journey - from choosing fruit and preparing juice to fermentation, maturation, carbonation, stabilization, and packaging.

No previous cidermaking experience is required.

Recognize Your Learning: Complete the course and receive a Certificate of Completion to add to your LinkedIn profile, share with your employer, or include it in your professional development record. This course is a standalone learning opportunity. You do not need to pursue the Certified Cidermaker credential to benefit from it.

COURSE CONTENT

  1. Module 1: Choosing Apples for Cider

    1. Explore the apples used for cider and how sugar, acidity, and tannins influence the finished cider.
    2. Module 1 Quiz

  2. Module 2: Turning Apples into Juice

    1. Learn how apples are harvested, prepared, milled, and pressed to produce quality juice.
    2. Module 2 Quiz

  3. Module 3: Preparing Juice for Fermentation

    1. Learn how cidermakers prepare and measure juice before fermentation.
    2. Module 3 Quiz

  4. Module 4: Yeasts and Bacteria

    1. Discover how yeasts and bacteria influence fermentation, flavor, and cider quality
    2. Module 4 Quiz

  5. Module 5: Fermentation

    1. Learn how yeast transforms apple juice into cider and how fermentation is managed.
    2. Module 5 Quiz

  6. Module 6: After Fermentation

    1. Explore clarification, maturation, blending, and finishing to shape the final cider.
    2. Module 6 Quiz

  7. Module 7: Final Steps

    1. Learn how cider is stabilized, carbonated, and packaged while protecting quality.
    2. Module 7 Quiz

  8. Optional Module: Home Cidermaking Equipment

    1. Learn the basic equipment and techniques for making cider at home.

  9. Cidermaking 101 Companion Resource

    1. Next Steps
    2. Cidermaking 101 Companion Resource

  10. Course Exam

    1. Course Exam

WHY LEARN WITH CIDER INSTITUTE?

 The Cider Institute connects scientific research, technical knowledge, and practical production experience to provide education grounded in the realities of cidermaking.

RESEARCH-BASED Grounded in scientific research and technical knowledge.

EXPERT-LED Developed and taught by experienced cider professionals, researchers, and educators.

PRACTICAL Focused on knowledge and skills you can apply in production.

CONNECTED Built through collaboration with cider professionals, universities, and research institutions.

BEGIN YOUR CIDER JOURNEY →

Ready To Go Beyond the Basics?


If you’re planning to become a professional cider producer or want to scale up your cidermaking, our Cider & Perry Production - A Foundation course provides in-depth, production-focused training, with options to learn online or in person. The Foundation course also leads to the Cider Institute's Certified Cidermaker recognition.

Not sure which course is right for you? Contact us and we’ll help you choose.

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