As Seen on TV
We’ve had an exciting few months with lots of TV appearances. In November, Barny and the cider works featured on BBC’s The One Show, showcasing our DNA mapping work. Then, in December, Devon Red appeared on BBC’s Saturday Kitchen and wowed Olly Smith, Matt Tebbutt and his guests.
In March, Red Zero appeared on ITV’s Love Your Weekend with Alan Titchmarsh, who loved it so much we sent him some more. Also, in March, the Thorverton Arms appeared on Channel 4’s Four in a Bed and treated their guests to a private tour at Sandford Orchards, which we’d like to think contributed in no small part to their winning!
We have had some great coverage in the press too including Red Zero being named ‘Best non alcoholic cider’ in The Guardian and getting rave reviews in City AM plus Katja Rosé being voted ‘Best Easter Rosé’ by Woman & Home.
Meet the cider makers
Our cider makers, Andy May-Macleod and Jake White, are the dynamic duo that work with Barny to provide the skills, expertise, science and passion that transforms our humble apples into Sandford Orchards’ award-winning ciders. Andy moved to Devon from Kent, looking for a job in the cider industry, having developed a passion for ‘real cider’ as a lad. He started as a harvest temp at Sandford Orchards and, eight years on, his role has changed somewhat but it’s clearly a job that he loves. He says: “For me, the creativity of making cider is what excites me so much. I love blending cider, in particular.” Jake has been making cider for over fourteen years, the last two of which he has been part of the team at Sandford Orchards. He says: “It’s really rewarding to think that a recipe we perfect now will be made over and over to bring thousands of people enjoyment in the form of truly delicious cider!’ To find out more head to ‘The Drop’ on our website.
New Limited Edition Perry
We have just launched a brand new, limited edition, 2024 vintage Perry (ABV 7.5%). It’s crafted from Blakeney Red, Green Horse, Brandy and Gin pears and available in 750ml bottles. It is a delicate floral perry that is crisp, fragrant and fresh with ripe pear, citrus acidity and a subtle tropical nose. It pairs perfectly with roasted chicken, creamy pasta or grilled fish.
British Cider Week
British Cider Week celebrates the depth and diversity of British cider. The week features events across the country hosted by a wide range of producers, from new young startups to traditional producers with generations of heritage. We are always keen to bring the joy of cider to as many people as possible so we are delighted to be part of British Cider Week and its efforts to celebrate and promote cider to a wider audience. As part of the celebrations, Barny will be opening up the cellar for an intimate Tour of the Barrels.
Franklins Night
Sandford Orchards will be marking Franklin’s Night with a special event at The Cider Works in Crediton on Saturday 17th May 2025. Franklin’s Night is based on an old folklore that suggests a brewer called Franklin, who was keen to reduce the availability of cider, made a pact with the devil to send a frost in May to hit the cider apple blossom. In order to enjoy a bountiful crop of apples, there has to be a healthy blossom coverage in the spring. To avoid this late freeze, the old story goes, the cider maker needed to throw the devil off the bridge!
The evening kicks off at 6.30pm on 17th May and will celebrate this ancient tradition with a reenactment, live music, food and cider. Tickets cost £10.00 (over 12s only) and can be bought here.
