"I've never been on holiday in my life. I work 365 days a year. I enjoy what I do." — Denis Gwatkin A few friends, some old cider-making equipment, and enough cider to share before heading to the pub. That was the plan. Then a stranger stopped at the farm gate, and Denis Gwatkin's homemade perry took an unexpected journey. In Herefordshire's Golden Valley, Cider Chat host Ria Windcaller sits down with Denis at Gwatkin Cider Mill's Red Cow restaurant. What began as making cider for friends has grown into a destination for farmhouse cider, perry, food, camping, and music festivals. Denis shares how it all came together and takes the long view on changing tastes. Strawberry cider helps pay the bills, but what happens to traditional bittersweet orchards when the market wants something different? Through it all runs a deep attachment to the farm and a clear enjoyment of the life he has built. In This Cider Chat The chance encounter with CAMRA's John Hallam that brought Denis's perry to a wider audience. How customer requests helped turn a cider shop into a destination. Changing tastes, fruit cider, and the future of bittersweet apple orchards. Natural fermentation, oak barrels, and stainless steel. How bag-in-box packaging and flash pasteurization changed the business. Selling cider face to face at agricultural shows and food festivals. Lessons from Denis's uncle, Brian Browning, on fruit and perry making. Finding satisfaction in a life where farming, cider, and home are intertwined. Ciders and Perry Discussed Kingston Black, Foxwhelp, Yarlington Mill, Norman, Stoke Red, Silly Ewe, No Bull, and Squeal Pig perry. Denis also discusses strawberry cider and recalls that his early award-winning perry was probably made from Moorcroft pears. Out and About in Ciderville CiderFeast Boston: November 14, 2026, at the South Boston Lithuanian Citizens' Association. Ria will be attending and recording conversations. Going too? Connect on Instagram @ciderchatciderville. Cider gains another competition platform as the Argentina Spirits Awards adds cider alongside mead and kombucha. A preview of the French Blossom Time Totally Cider Tour planned for late April 2027, visiting Paris, Normandy, and Brittany, including a hike at Étretat. A potential UK Totally Cider Tour in August 2027, with dinner at Gwatkin Cider Mill on the itinerary wish list. To join the interest list for either tour, email info@ciderchat.com. Contact Info for Gwatkin Cider Website: Gwatkin Cider Restaurant and camping: Gwatkin Red Cow Location: Moorhampton Park Farm, Abbey Dore, Herefordshire, HR2 0AL, England Telephone: +44 (0)1981 551906 Down on the Farm Festival Golden Valley Vintage & Country Fair Time Stamps 00:00 Cider as a Way of Life 00:23 Introducing Denis Gwatkin 01:15 Out and About in Ciderville 03:17 Cider Community and 2027 Tours 06:32 At Gwatkin Cider Mill with Denis 07:45 Farm Roots and Cider History 10:28 An Accidental Start and Award-Winning Perry 16:12 From Cider Shop to Destination 18:07 Festivals, Camping, and Farm Life 21:47 Changing Tastes and Fruit Cider 27:21 What Changing Tastes Mean for Orchards 29:15 Staying True to Traditional Cider 30:23 Natural Fermentation 32:34 Cider-Making Equipment 34:14 The Bag-in-Box Breakthrough 36:38 Selling Cider at Shows 37:55 Lessons from a Life in Cider 41:38 Exploring the Gwatkin Cider Range 42:33 A Passion for Perry 47:04 Orchards and Sourcing Fruit 48:17 Visiting Gwatkin and Final Thoughts 50:16 "Strange Apples" Outro Song Listen & Subscribe 🍎 Apple Podcasts 🎧 Spotify ▶️ YouTube Learn More 🌐 Episode show notes: https://ciderchat.com/podcast/518-denis-gwatkin-cider/ 📰 eCiderNews: https://ciderchat.com/ecidernews Support Cider Chat If you enjoy independent cider journalism and conversations with cider makers from around the world, consider supporting Cider Chat. 🍎 Become a Patron or Commercial Partner: https://www.patreon.com/c/ciderchat Stay Connected 📬 Story tips: news@ciderchat.com 📱 Instagram: @ciderchatciderville
