Thursday, February 5 — 3:45 – 5:00 PM

Price: $20

This panel will take a deep dive into the burgeoning cider culture of the Baltic region, exploring how history, tradition, and innovation come together to shape cider production in Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania. Panelists will share insights on regional styles, apple varieties, fermentation techniques, and the unique challenges and opportunities facing cider makers in the Baltic countries. Attendees will gain a richer understanding of how terroir and tradition inform cider innovation in this dynamic and diverse region.

Speakers: Anna Palelione, Martins Knipsis, Janis Matvejs, Māris Plūme

Thursday, February 5 — 2:00 – 3:15 PM

Price: $20

Participants will practice blindly evaluating two ciders using the ACA’s Structured Sensory Evaluation process guided by Certified Pommelier™ and Education Operations Director Jennie Dorsey and a panel of Certified Pommeliers™. This session will teach you how to objectively assess any cider, empowering you in the cidery and in assisting customers to find a cider they love while also helping you to prepare for the sensory portion of the Certified Pommelier™ exam.

Speakers: Jennie Dorsey, TBD

Thursday, February 5 — 10:30 – 11:45 AM

Price: $20

Ontario, Canada is a massive province with a huge range of soils and climates. We range from zone 7 to 0 and have every type of soil imaginable. Join a panel of cider makers from disctinct ecoregions to discuss their orchard’s terroir and its impact on their apple and cider flavors. How this Northern climate makes for distinct ciders and distinguishes Ontario cider from the rest of the world.

Speakers: Martha Lowry, Sara Boyd, Tom Heeman, Wes Hunter

Wednesday, February 4 — 3:45 – 5:00 PM

Price: $20

Golden Russet is a storied American heirloom apple, beloved for its rich tannins and complex character in cider. In this session, a panel of Eastern cideries will showcase single-varietal Golden Russet ciders, highlighting how regional terroir shapes its expression. Attendees will taste and compare styles while learning about orchard practices, fermentation choices, and traditions that influence the final glass. This session is a rare chance to explore the depth and diversity of one iconic apple.

Speakers: Zack Kaiser, Ben Kinsbaugh, Ian Mansfield

Wednesday, February 4 — 2:00 – 3:15 PM

Price: $20

Still ciders are making a comeback, celebrated for their elegance, depth, and ability to showcase fruit and terroir. In this guided tasting, one Austrian and two U.S. cideries will share their approaches to crafting still cider, from cellar techniques to cultural traditions. Panelists will discuss why these quiet ciders are special, how they fit into their portfolios, and what makes them resonate with today’s drinkers. Attendees will taste along while exploring the artistry behind this resurgent style.

Speakers: Jennie Dorsey, David Kargl, Haritz Rodriguez, Dan Wilson

Wednesday, February 4 — 11:00 AM – 12:15 PM

Price: $20

Taste the magic of how place and style transform cider. In this unique panel, Eastern cideries craft their own expressions from the same blended apple juice grown at Ricker Hill Orchards. Attendees will taste side-by-side ciders while learning about regional influences, fermentation choices, and stylistic intent. A rare chance to experience the artistry of cider through a shared starting point.

Speakers: Andy Ricker, Keith Bishop, Steve Wood