Cider Chat

441: Wilding Cider and the Rural Method | Somerset, UK


Listen Later

Wilding Cider, founded by Sam and Beccy Leach in 2019, uses Regenerative farming practices and a "rural method" to cider making. Based in Somerset the culinary skills of Sam blend with Beccy's Sommelier palate. Their dedication to traditional orchards and natural fermentations has led to the creation of their standout orchard based ciders and perrys. This process sets Wilding apart, showcasing a commitment to purity, sustainability, and the land.

Beccy and Same Leach The Orchard at Wilding
  • Size & Scope: 7.5 acres at the home orchard and additional rented orchards.
  • Varieties: Kingston Black, Stoke Red, Porter's Perfection, and so many more.
  • Regenerative Practices
Sam in the home orchard

The orchards provide the perfect environment for Wilding's cider-making, ensuring low-intervention fermentations that align with the Rural Method philosophy.

What is the Rural Method of Cider Making

Sam credits Skyborry cider in Wales for coining the phrase "rural Method". He explains in this chat that at Wilding Cider Rural Method is an energy-efficient, traditional approach to crafting naturally sweet ciders. It utilizes:

  • Cold Winter Fermentations: Utilizing natural temperatures to slow fermentation.
  • Low Nitrogen Content: Achieved by using unfertilized orchards for balanced fermentations.
  • Minimal Intervention: Avoiding filtration, sulfites, or pasteurization.

This method produces clean, complex ciders that capture the essence of Somerset orchards.

Signature Wilding Ciders and Perry

Wilding Cider showcases the Rural Method through their unique blends and single varietals:

  • Symphony: A bittersweet blend.
  • Comics: Multi-orchard cider built on Browns and Yarlington.
  • Single Varietals: Stoke Red and Kingston Black.
  • Perry Cider: Carefully macerated to achieve depth and balance.

These ciders are celebrated for their balance of tannins, acidity, and natural sweetness, hallmarks of the Rural Method.

Contact and how to find Wilding Cider
  • Website: http://wildingcider.com
  • Open Days: Second Saturday of the month, April through September.
  • UK: Independent shops and restaurants.
  • International: Belgium, Japan, and limited availability in the U.S.
Mentions in this Cider Chat
  • CiderCon2025 Promo Code – Once you get to the registration form, towards the end of the first page you'll reach a section in the form that says "additional registration information" and there is a question: If you have a coupon, please enter code here (case-sensitive): CiderChat
  • Totally Cider Tour to the UK – send an email to [email protected] to get on the wait list for this 2025 tour taking place August 25-31, 2025
...more
View all episodesView all episodes
Download on the App Store

Cider ChatBy Ria Windcaller: Award-winning Cidermaker, Podcaster | Craft Beer Columnist

  • 4.8
  • 4.8
  • 4.8
  • 4.8
  • 4.8

4.8

85 ratings


More shows like Cider Chat

View all
The Moth by The Moth

The Moth

27,187 Listeners

Orchard People by Susan Poizner, OrchardPeople.com

Orchard People

50 Listeners

Revisionist History by Pushkin Industries

Revisionist History

59,082 Listeners

Pod Save America by Crooked Media

Pod Save America

87,466 Listeners

The Daily by The New York Times

The Daily

112,882 Listeners

Up First from NPR by NPR

Up First from NPR

56,980 Listeners

Ologies with Alie Ward by Alie Ward

Ologies with Alie Ward

24,515 Listeners

Behind the Bastards by Cool Zone Media and iHeartPodcasts

Behind the Bastards

15,619 Listeners

Hard Fork by The New York Times

Hard Fork

5,535 Listeners

Beyond Organic Wine by Beyond Organic Wine

Beyond Organic Wine

54 Listeners

The Weekly Show with Jon Stewart by Comedy Central

The Weekly Show with Jon Stewart

10,522 Listeners

Uncanny by BBC Radio 4

Uncanny

836 Listeners

Letters from an American by Heather Cox Richardson

Letters from an American

6,075 Listeners

The Headlines by The New York Times

The Headlines

670 Listeners

Good Hang with Amy Poehler by The Ringer

Good Hang with Amy Poehler

12,848 Listeners