The Cider Institute: Training the Next Generation of Cider Makers

The Cider Institute, formerly known as the Cider Institute of North America (CINA), is the premier resource for cider education. Founded in 2016 at CiderCon, the Institute focuses on training cider makers of all levels, from beginners to advanced professionals. With a growing global reach, the Institute now offers online and in-person courses, making cider education more accessible than ever.

In this episode we speak with the Cider Institute’s Executive Director Brighid O’Keane.

Executive Director Brighid O’Keane Core Offerings: Cider Education for All Levels

The Cider and Perry Production Foundation Course is the flagship program, covering everything from apple selection to fermentation, chemistry, microbiology, and post-production techniques. This 12-week online course includes weekly Zoom sessions with industry experts, ensuring hands-on engagement even in a virtual format.

For those just getting started, the upcoming Cider Making 101 will be a self-directed, beginner-friendly course, introducing enthusiasts to the fundamentals of cider without the deep technical dive of the foundation course.

For experienced cider makers, advanced courses cover topics like:

• Safety & Sanitation – Ensuring proper practices in cider production
• Sensory Analysis – Understanding cider flavor profiles
• Laboratory Testing – Learning critical quality control techniques
• Operations-Focused Hands-On Training – A five-day immersive experience

A Global Perspective on Cider Training

With increasing international interest, the Cider Institute is expanding worldwide. Upcoming in-person classes for 2025 will be offered at Brock University (Canada), Washington State University, and Virginia Tech, with plans for courses in the UK and beyond. The Institute also runs production tours, fostering knowledge exchange between cider makers across regions.

(Left to right) Board Members – Christine Walter, Brighid O’Keane E.D., Nick Gunn, Chris Gerling, Steven Trussler, Nicole Leibon, Dave Takush, Kira Bassingthwaighte Contact Info for the Cider Institute

• Website: https://www.ciderinstitute.com/

Mentions in this Cider Chat

• Totally Cider Tours
• Kordick Family Farm – newsletter sign up at https://kordickfamilyfarm.com/
  • Note the apple pretzels in the tree below

• Know Your Roots Consulting – newsletter sign up at