Record Year for Rocquette Cider Tours

Manager James Meller said “We started the tours as an after work activity for sports and social clubs because we wanted to show local people what we do.”

The profile of the visitors has changed and expanded to tourists and shore excursions from P&O and Cunard which have increased the visitor numbers. Last year also saw regular weekly visits from parties of German tourists holidaying in Jersey and Guernsey.

Over the last three winters Rocquette Cider has been working on improving their facilities for visitors to the farm. They have developed an area specifically for groups to learn about the process of cider making whilst tasting their ciders with local cheeses and chutney. Works include the construction of a subterranean cellar for the purpose of storing barrels for maturing apple cider brandy and a custom built observation beehive which enables viewers to see the bees, that pollinate the orchards, at close range behind glass.

“We want to make the tours as informative as possible for visitors and we will continue to develop our offering. There have been a lot of changes here and l believe our regular guests have enjoyed watching the evolution” said Mr Meller.

“ We hope that the islands visitor numbers remain strong and that essential air and sea links will support our commitment to developing the touristic side of our business”

Amongst the guests this year have been several young school parties who have been interested to break from the classroom and visit the countryside and wildlife as part of their educational plan.

“ We do not use any chemicals at the farm and have embarked on a new soil regeneration project so we are very keen to show visitors what we have been up to. We run the business out of a working family farm which is not generally open so booking on a tour is the best way to see behind the scenes” said Mr Meller.