Ross-on-Wye Cider & Perry is made at the welcoming Broome Farm, near the picturesque village of Peterstow. Family-run for the last 70 years, Mike Johnson is an expert in traditional cider apples and perry pears and boasts over 70 different varieties. Originally solely a supplier to Bulmers, Mike now also makes his own award-winning ciders and perries, including a number of striking single-apple ciders.

Cider and perry is made in the traditional way from freshly-pressed juice and allowed to ferment using the fruit’s natural yeasts. The cider cellar is open for tastings and sales straight from the barrels. Locals bring their own flagons to fill.

When you visit, either make your own way around the orchards with the handy illustrated guide, book ahead with a group, or launch yourself into a volunteer weekend. Either way, say hello to the alpacas, leave time for a taste in the cellar shop and, between Easter and the end of September, tempt yourself to a farmhouse cream tea, courtesy of Mike’s sister, Hilary.

Hilary and her husband John also offer B&B complete with top-notch evening meals.

Don’t miss

• 2009 was a great year for pears, so look out for any vintage perries.
• Mike is justifiably renowned for his single varietal ciders so, once you’ve had a taste, buy a few and do a bit of your own blending back home.

Silverware

• Medium Cider – 1st, Big Apple Putley Cider Trials 2010, Cider Museum Hereford  
• Pomona Award 2009 – CAMRA 
• Champion Cidermaker – Big Apple 2009 & 2011
• 1st Dry Cider / 1st Dry Perry – Three Counties Show 2009 

Annual Events

• Wassail – January
• Annual Cider Festival – September
• Music events & weddings etc in Barn – May to September

see website for details, but be quick for the cider festival – all 499 tickets sell out in under a month

Eco-friendly initiatives

• Volunteer weekends at harvest-time and other times throughout the year
• The farm’s herd of alpacas graze for part of the year in the older orchards.

Community

Broome Farm supports a different charity each year. In 2009, over £3000 was raised for WAWA and the Santa Rose Fund. The charity for 2010 is Herefordshire Headway.

Trade bodies

Three Counties Cider & Perry Association, Visit Herefordshire, Wye Valley & Forest of Dean Tourism Association

Visited Winter 2009