About this Event
Please note: This 12-week online course begins on March 13 and includes a live (virtual) session every Thursday from 9:00-10:30am PT / 12:00-1:30pm ET through June 5, 2025.
Since 2016, the Cider Institute has set the industry standard for cider production education. Our courses are taught by leading scholars and practitioners to keep you up-to-date on market trends and key skills. Our online Cider & Perry Production - A Foundation is a unique opportunity to learn directly from experts in fermentation research and cider industry leaders in a 12-week modular learning approach.
Cider & Perry Production - A Foundation provides an in-depth introduction to cider and perry production. Participants will gain an understanding of cider and perry, acquire the key skills and knowledge necessary to make quality products, and network with peers and cider experts. Upon successful completion of the course and qualification exam, participants will receive the Foundation Certificate in Cider & Perry Production; a prerequisite for advanced-level courses.
Academic instructors from Cornell University, Brock University, Washington State University, and Virginia Tech University will introduce you to the fundamentals of cider making as well as the history and traditions behind the modern cider and perry industry. World-renowned cider makers and consultants will lead live discussions about the application of production knowledge to a career in the cider industry.
COURSE FORMAT
This course is developed to deliver an engaging, flexible, and interactive digital experience. With extensive course materials, group discussions each week, and direct access to our expert faculty along the way, your experience is sure to be a rich and rewarding one. This intensive course has the following elements:
Course materials & videos will be available on a weekly basis.
Live (virtual) discussions will occur for 60-90 minutes every Thursday to discuss the week's topic and will feature cider experts to lead conversations related to the topic. All sessions will be recorded for anyone who's unable to make the live sessions.
Group work and networking will be facilitated through online tools to connect with your peers and build community during and after this course.
Sensory analysis skills will be developed and assessed through both guided and independent tasting sessions.
Certification exam will evaluate your cider production knowledge. The exam will be held during the class time on May 29. Successful candidates will receive the Foundation Certificate in Cider & Perry Production, a prerequisite for advanced classes.
COURSE SCHEDULE
This class has 20 hours of live course discussion and an estimated 30 hours of self-instruction. Our modular approach will introduce one topic per week for 12 weeks. Live discussions will be held on zoom every Thursday at 9AM PT / 12PM PT starting March 13 and ending June 5. Attendance to the live sessions is not required and they will all be recorded for future reference.
Module topics (subject to change):
Week 1: Course Orientation & Introduction to the Cider Industry
Week 2: Cider History and Macro-Overview of the Cider Making Process
Week 3 : Cider Chemistry and Laboratory Analysis
Week 4 : Laboratory Analysis and Tools of the Trade
Week 5: Cider Microbiology
Week 6: No class, mid-term break
Week 7 : Sensory Evaluation
Week 8 : SO2, Cider Faults, and Fermentation Management
Week 9: Downstream Processing (carbonation, pasteurization, stabilization, filtration)
Week 10: Cellar Hygiene; Regulation, Record-Keeping, and Good Manufacturing Practices
Week 11: Foundation Certification Exam
Week 12: Starting a Cider Business: Basic Cost Calculations & Consideration
If you have any questions contact Brighid O'Keane at [email protected].
The fee for this course is USD $1,850 + service charges per person. If family members, friends, and /or colleagues wish to take the class together, they must each enroll separately. The course fee includes 12 weeks of expert training, supplies, and one attempt at the CINA Foundation Certificate in Cider & Perry Production qualification exam. Students may send a check to avoid service charges - contact [email protected] for more information.
International students and welcomed and encouraged. Shipments of some of the supplemental course materials may be prohibited to some countries outside North America, or require an additional customs fee. International students can email [email protected] for more information.
Cancellations received before April 1 will be refunded 100%, minus service fees. Cancellations received April 1-15 will be refunded 50% minus service fees. Cancellations received on or after April 15 are non-refundable; however, substitutes from the same organization are welcome.
Event Venue
Online
USD 1975.93
