Bristol: Wine and Cider Tour with Tastings

If you’re eyeing a little taste of Bristol’s local alcohol scene, this Wine and Cider Tour with Tastings from Wild West Cider and Wine might just be a charming option. It’s a brief but well-rounded experience, offering a peek into the world of small-batch, organic drinks right on the farm. We’ve looked into it closely, and here’s what you should know before you book.

What really drew us in are the personalized approach — a hands-on vibe that makes you feel part of the process, and the chance to sample award-winning ciders and wines made right there. That said, it’s not a full-day extravaganza but rather a compact 1.5-hour experience, perfect for fitting into a busy schedule or for those who like their tours straight to the point. The one potential snag? If you’re not a fan of walking, especially over uneven farm tracks, it’s worth noting that some parts of the experience involve outdoor exploration, so sturdy shoes and weather-appropriate clothing are a must. Ideal for curious adults who appreciate good drinks and genuine craftsmanship, this tour isn’t geared toward families with young kids, but it’s an excellent fit for anyone interested in natural farming practices and small-batch beverages.

Key Points

• Authentic, hands-on experience of natural winemaking and cider-making
• Opportunity to taste award-winning, handcrafted drinks paired with local cheese
• Includes walking through orchards and vineyards, so comfortable shoes are essential
• Personal interaction with the owners, Matt and Sean, who share their passion
• Access to the winery and cider house, with seasonal activities like testing sugar levels and bottling
• Weather doesn’t stop the fun, as the tour runs rain or shine, just dress accordingly

You can check availability for your dates here:

An Honest Look at the Tour Experience

What’s Included and How it Works

This 1.5-hour experience begins with a warm welcome from Matt or Sean, the passionate founders of Wild West Cider and Wine. They’re keen to share the story of their small-batch, organic approach, which is a big part of the charm. You get to explore the farm’s organic vineyard first, where you’ll learn about the challenges and rewards of growing grapes without chemicals. The hosts are happy to explain the seasonal rhythm of vineyard management, from pruning in winter to harvesting in late summer.

You’ll probably sample a glass of their first vintage of natural wine, grown and bottled right at Failand Farm. It’s a genuine moment — tasting the fruit of their labor, unfiltered and authentic. It’s this kind of hands-on experience that makes the tour stand out, especially if you’re into learning about sustainable farming practices.

Walking Through Orchards and Apple Growing

Next, the tour takes you through the orchards, where you’ll hear about the annual cycle of apple growing. From winter pruning to the harvest, it’s fascinating to see how much effort goes into producing quality apples for cider and eating. Depending on the season, you might hear about different apple varieties or even see some in the process of being harvested.

The orchard exploration isn’t just a quick walk — it’s a chance to see the farm’s natural approach firsthand. You’ll get insights into how they manage the land, which can be especially interesting if you’re into eco-friendly farming or just want to see where your cider and wine are coming from.

Behind-the-Scenes at the Winery and Cidery

Back at the winery and cider house, the real magic begins. Depending on the time of year, you might get involved in various parts of the process — from testing sugar levels, which helps determine ripeness and sweetness, to pressing, racking, bottling, or even labeling bottles. It’s a genuine peek behind the curtain, where you see how small-batch drinks are crafted with care.

Some reviews mention that the owners are very approachable and eager to answer questions, making it a personalized experience that feels more like a visit to friends’ farm rather than a commercial tour. This informal vibe is highly valued by those looking for authentic, local experiences.

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Tasting and Pairing

The highlight for many is the tasting session at the end, where you sit down with a selection of handcrafted ciders and wines paired with local cheese. The guide walks you through the flavor profiles — dryness, sweetness, tannin, acidity — helping you appreciate the nuances of each bottle.

People often praise the delicious food pairing, noting that the cheese complements the drinks well. For those avoiding alcohol, soft drinks are available, and the hosts are happy to accommodate dietary needs, including vegan options.

Overall Value and Practicalities

While the experience is short, it packs a lot of value. You not only sample drinks but also gain insight into small-scale, sustainable production that you won’t find in typical commercial venues. The tour’s price reflects this boutique approach, and many reviews mention it’s good value considering the personalized, hands-on nature.

It’s important to remember that, as it’s a farm-based experience, comfortable shoes and weather gear are essential. The tour runs rain or shine, so a raincoat or sunhat could come in handy depending on the weather. Accessibility is considered — the winery and orchard are accessible, and facilities like a disabled toilet and wheelchair ramp are available, though some parts of the orchard might involve a bit of walking on farm tracks.

What We Think Overall

This tour is a great choice for curious adults who want a genuine taste of the West Country’s organic drinks scene. It’s especially suited for those interested in sustainability, craftsmanship, and local food and drink. It’s not a party or a big-group tasting, but rather an intimate, educational experience.

The owners’ evident passion and the quality of the tastings make it stand out. The small size of the operation means you’re likely to leave with a better understanding of what goes into each sip — and with some bottles to take home if you wish.

Who Will Love This Tour?

If you’re into authentic, small-batch drinks and want to learn about organic farming, this could be your go-to experience in Bristol. It’s ideal for adults who appreciate a more personal, educational outing rather than a commercialized activity. If you’re traveling with friends who enjoy good food and drinks, or even a couple of wine and cider enthusiasts, they’ll likely find it very rewarding.

The Sum Up

For those seeking a relaxed, informative, and tasty glimpse into Bristol’s organic wine and cider scene, this tour ticks many boxes. You’ll get to see the farm where the drinks are born, learn about natural winemaking and apple growing, and enjoy a carefully curated tasting paired with local cheese. It’s a genuine experience that keeps things simple but meaningful.

While it doesn’t include a long walking or sightseeing itinerary, that’s part of its charm — the focus stays on quality, authenticity, and personal stories. It’s perfect if you want something off the beaten path that feels both educational and delicious. Just remember to wear comfy shoes and be ready for some outdoor exploration!

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for families with children?
This tour is primarily geared toward adults interested in wine and cider. While children are not explicitly the focus, the farm setting might appeal to some, but keep in mind that activities involve tasting and some walking. Check with the provider if unsure.

How long does the tour last?
The experience runs for about 1.5 hours, making it a manageable and enjoyable way to learn without feeling rushed.

Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, booking is recommended. You can reserve now and pay later, offering flexibility for your travel plans.

What should I wear?
Comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate clothing are essential, as you’ll be walking through orchards and vineyards outdoors.

Is the tour accessible for people with limited mobility?
Yes, the winery and cider house are accessible, with facilities like a disabled toilet and wheelchair ramp. Some orchard areas might be more challenging but are generally manageable.

Are the drinks vegan-friendly?
Yes, the ciders and wines are vegan friendly, though the cheese pairings are not vegan. Vegan alternatives can be arranged if requested.

Can I sample soft drinks if I don’t drink alcohol?
Absolutely, soft drinks are available as an alternative, and you should let the provider know in advance.

What seasonal activities might I see?
Depending on the time of year, activities like testing sugar levels, pressing, bottling, or labeling may be part of the experience.

How much does the tour cost?
While the exact price isn’t specified here, the experience offers good value considering the personal and educational nature of the tour and tastings.

Is the experience weather-dependent?
It runs rain or shine. Dress appropriately and bring rain gear or sun protection as needed.

If you’re curious about local, small-batch drinks and enjoy a bit of farm-life charm, this Bristol tour offers a relaxed way to learn, taste, and appreciate the craft behind your favorite beverages.

You can check availability for your dates here: