Cider and Perry Production Foundation Online - Spring 2026 (Apr 2 - Jun 18)

This 12-week online course begins April 2, 2026 and includes live virtual sessions every Thursday from 9:00–10:30 a.m. PT / 12:00–1:30 p.m. ET through June 18, 2026.

About the Course

Since 2016, the Cider Institute has set the industry standard for cider production education. Our courses are taught by leading scholars and practitioners, combining the latest research with practical industry insight.

Cider & Perry Production – A Foundation offers a comprehensive introduction to cider and perry making through a flexible, modular, 12-week online program. Participants will gain the core knowledge and hands-on skills needed to produce high-quality cider, connect with peers and experts, and build a solid foundation for career advancement.

Upon successful completion of the course and qualification exam, participants will earn the Foundation Certificate in Cider & Perry Production — the prerequisite for all advanced-level courses.

Expert Instruction

Instructors from Cornell University, Brock University, Washington State University, and Virginia Tech cover the fundamentals of cider production, history, and traditions. Live discussions feature cidermakers and consultants who share practical applications of production knowledge across the global cider industry.

Course Format

Designed for an engaging and interactive online experience, the course combines self-paced study with live discussions and hands-on activities.

• Weekly Modules: Access new materials and videos each week through our online learning platform.
• Live Sessions: 90-minute virtual discussions every Thursday with cider experts, recorded for those unable to attend live.
• Group Collaboration: Connect with peers through online tools and build a professional cider network.
• Sensory Training: Develop tasting and evaluation skills through guided and independent sensory sessions.
• Certification Exam: The Foundation Certificate exam will take place during class time on June 11, 2026.

Estimated time commitment: 20 hours of live instruction + 30 hours of independent study.

Course Schedule (subject to change)

• Week 1: Orientation & Introduction to the Cider Industry
• Week 2: Cider History & Overview of the Production Process
• Week 3: Cider Chemistry & Laboratory Analysis
• Week 4: Laboratory Tools & Techniques
• Week 5: Midterm Break (no class)
• Week 6: Cider Microbiology
• Week 7: SO₂, Faults & Fermentation Management
• Week 8: Sensory Evaluation
• Week 9: Downstream Processing (carbonation, stabilization, filtration)
• Week 10: Cellar Hygiene & Good Manufacturing Practices
• Week 11: Foundation Certificate Exam
• Week 12: Starting a Cider Business – Cost Calculations & Key Considerations

Registration & Fees

• Early Bird Registration: USD $1,850+ services charges (through February 28)
• Regular Registration: USD $1,980+ services charges (starting March 1)
  

Each participant must enroll individually. The course fee includes 12 weeks of instruction, all course materials, and one attempt at the qualification exam.

To avoid service charges, payment by check is available — contact brighid@ciderinstitute.com for details.

International Participants

International students are welcome and encouraged to join. Please note that shipping of some course materials may be restricted or require additional customs fees outside North America. Contact brighid@ciderinstitute.com for details.

Cancellation Policy

• Cancellations received on or before January 31, 2026: 100% refund (minus service fees)
• Cancellations received February 1–28, 2026: 50% refund (minus service fees)
• Cancellations received on or after March 1, 2026: Non-refundable, though substitutions from the same organization are accepted.

Questions? Contact Brighid O’Keane, Executive Director, Cider Institute at brighid@ciderinstitute.com.