In today’s episode, I chat with Alan Shapiro, co-founder and lead producer of Cider Summit. We dig into how he went from beer and cider importing to producing a series of cider festivals across the US over the last 15 years. From wine coolers, to Aspall cider, to taking cues from the craft beer movement of the 80s, using cider festivals as educational opportunities. How Cider Summit grew from a dozen vendors with 40 selections to 40 plus vendors with 125 selections. We talk about what he’s learned over the years, adjusting during the pandemic shutdowns, festival disasters and highlights, about connecting to industry leaders and consumers, and where the festival goes next. Pommes & Pints listeners get a special promo code for $5 off admission for the Seattle 2026 festival. Listen to the episode for the code.

In today’s episode I chat with Jenna Boucher, head cider maker at Geo Cider and licensed educator for the American Cider Association. We dig in to how she went from social worker to brewery cellar hand to cider maker, vacations with family, attending youtube university, making cider coast to coast in Canada, how she became a licensed educator, the certification options of certified cider guide and pommelier, upcoming taste like a pro workshops, the meaning of HAGS, cider faults and flaws, how mouse doesn’t belong in cider, and moving the industry forward through education.

In this episode we’re diving into Cider Con Providence 2026 as a solo episode. We’ll dig into all the parts of Cider Con from tours to sessions, networking events to after hours extravaganzas. Plus answer the question, what is Cider Con? As this is a recap episode, I will only be giving insight on what I attended, but if you’re intrigued, check out the ACA website for more Cider Con information!