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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
  • New or non-production cidery staff
  • Tasting-room, hospitality, retail, and distribution professionals
  • Anyone beginning their formal cider education

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

ONE-TIME PURCHASE • 30-DAY COURSE ACCESS

$99

LEARN AT YOU OWN PACE

 

COURSE FORMAT

  • Self-paced online learning
  • Beginner-friendly instruction
  • Practical introduction to cidermaking
  • Clear explanations of essential production concepts
  • Access from anywhere with an internet connection
  • The flexibility to revisit lessons as needed
GET STARTED WITH CIDERMAKING 101

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.

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 brings together scientific knowledge, research, practical experience, and the craft of cidermaking.  Our courses are developed with input from experienced cider professionals and educators, helping learners build practical knowledge grounded in real-world production.

Cidermaking 101: Core Concepts is a practical, accessible introduction for anyone ready to learn how to make cider at home.

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 Cider Institute Certified Cidermaker recognition.

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