Do I need prior experience in cider making?

No experience is needed; the workshop is designed for beginners and enthusiasts alike.

Can I take my crafted cider bottle home immediately?

The bottle needs time to carbonate properly after the workshop before consumption.

Are children allowed in the workshop?

This workshop is intended for adults 18 and over to ensure safety and focus.

Is transportation provided to the farm?

Transportation is not included; participants should arrange their own travel to 1 Rue Saint-Thomas, Vesly.

Can I participate if I have an apple allergy?

Due to the nature of the workshop, it’s recommended to consult with the organizers beforehand.

Is the workshop wheelchair accessible?

Accessibility details are limited; please contact Farm Experiences & Tours directly to inquire.

Hands-On Cider Workshop in Vesly with Farm Experiences & Tours | Food Tour

Located in the quiet rural village of Vesly in Normandy, France, Farm Experiences & Tours offers a unique dive into artisanal cider making with the Blend Your Cider Experience. This three-hour hands-on workshop invites visitors to step beyond the usual outdoor activities and immerse themselves in the authentic agricultural heritage of the region. The cider house at 1 Rue Saint-Thomas serves as both classroom and playground where participants learn the meticulous processes behind Normandy’s iconic cider production.

The day begins with a guided tour of the historic cider house, revealing spaces where apples are sorted, crushed, and fermented. Normandy’s landscape is dotted with apple orchards featuring a variety of heritage apples, prized for their balance of sweetness and acidity essential to traditional ciders. Through this intimate introduction, participants gain a clear sense of the fermentation science and seasonal rhythms that shape the craft.

What sets this experience apart is the sensory game that sharpens the palate and nose, teaching how subtle notes and aroma profiles influence the perfect blend. Under expert supervision, guests become cider artisans, blending their own unique recipes, and bottling their creation to mature and enjoy later. Beyond the technical instruction, the workshop offers a tactile connection to local culture, pairing education with a sensory celebration of terroir.

For adventurous souls seeking more than typical hikes or farm tours, this workshop offers an active, skill-building journey into Normandy’s living tradition. The hands-on nature and personalized takeaways make it a memorable addition to any trip through northern France. Farm Experiences & Tours stands out not only for its authentic approach but also for fostering a deeper appreciation of one of the region’s most revered beverages, making it a must-do for visitors wanting a grounded taste of Normandy’s countryside craftsmanship.

About Farm Experiences & Tours

Farm Experiences & Tours is a Portugal-based operator located in Santa Bárbara, Lisboa, offering curated farm and winery experiences across multiple European regions. Featured on The Adventure Collective, the company connects travelers with rural producers through guided tastings, cellar tours, picnics, and farm lunches. Their program includes wine tastings in Lourinhã (3- and 6-wine options), a picnic winery experience, Sicilian olive oil experiences with farm lunches, Tuscan Chianti Classico tastings and lunches, Provence wine and goat cheese tours, and a coffee farm experience in Las Palmas.

Each itinerary focuses on direct engagement with producers: guided vineyard walks, explanations of winemaking and olive oil harvesting techniques, tasting masterclasses, and estate-hosted meals. Experiences are presented as day tours or on-site visits to family-run estates and châteaux, emphasizing regional flavors and landscape settings.

Farm Experiences & Tours uses trip descriptions and on-site programs supplied by partner farms and wineries; the operator showcases factual, location-specific experiences such as Montevago olive oil production, Chianti Classico tastings, and Lourinhã vineyard visits. Guests are encouraged to review individual trip details for accessibility, duration, and booking terms.

By featuring a diverse selection—wineries, olive farms, a coffee plantation, and goat cheese pairings—the operator provides verified rural culinary experiences suitable for wine lovers, culinary travelers, and nature enthusiasts seeking authentic, producer-led activities in and beyond Portugal. Information on group size limits, seasonal availability, and meal inclusions is provided for each listing to help travelers plan. Local partners include small estates and producers who host tastings and lunches on-site throughout Portugal.