Showerings, the Somerset-based fine cider producer, is celebrating what experts are calling one of the sweetest harvests in recent memory, with over 2,700 tonnes of Dabinett apples collected this season, almost triple last year’s 1,000 tonnes. Weeks of summer sunshine 
across southern England have concentrated sugars in the fruit, echoing the conditions described by orchard master Bob Wadey, who noted that this year’s apples are smaller but significantly sweeter. The result is a crop of great promise, arriving at a pivotal moment following the brand’s recent nationwide Waitrose listing across 96 stores and online.
Fermentation is already underway at Showerings, where the team reports that early liquids are showing depth and balance reflective of the high sugar levels in this year’s fruit. After two challenging harvests and changing
weather patterns brought on by hotter, drier summers, this year’s strong yield marks a welcome recovery. The combination of sunlight followed by timely rainfall has set the stage for what Showerings believes will be an exceptional vintage.
Nick Showering, Director of Showerings, said: “This harvest marks a milestone for us. The long spells of sunshine this year followed by recent rainfall have given us fruit with superb sugar levels, and the quality so far is extremely encouraging. To see the crop almost triple in size while delivering such outstanding sugar levels is extraordinary. The early ferments are tasting exceptional, full of character and complexity, and we could not be more excited for what this vintage will become. Combined with our recent Waitrose listing, it feels like a breakthrough moment for Showerings and fine cider as a whole.”
