Glenbernie Orchard scoops the pool at World Cider Awards

The Illawarra is again making a splash on the world stage, but this time it’s not the Olympics or the Paralympics.

Wollongong’s very own Glenbernie Orchard at Darkes Forest has scooped the pool at the World Cider Awards announced in London on Friday winning three medals, but also taking out a major international category.

Darkes Cider took out two gold medals and one silver medal in the awards as well as picking up an overall award for the World’s Best Sparkling Perry. Perry is a sparkling pear cider.

The medal tally was:

Gold Medal, Best Sparkling Cider, Darkes Cider Howler

Gold Medal, Best Sparking Perry Darkes Cider Perry

Silver Medal, Best Sparkling Cider, Darkes Cider Dry

Overall World’s Best Sparkling Perry, Darkes Cider Perry

Glenbernie Orchard owner Jo-Anne Fahey said the honours, especially the Perry win, were a huge boost for the business.

“It means we are on the map globally and this is a terrific opportunity for export,” Ms Fahey said. "We’ve already sent some of our Perry overseas and are trying to break into the Japanese market.”

Cider Australia, the industry’s peak body, is planning a tasting session of ciders for the Japanese market and Darkes Cider Perry will be a feature at the event.

Ms Fahey said the popularity of cider was continuing to surge due to the nature of the product. “Cider is only made with fresh juice, we’re not adding water or sugar to it,” she said.

“Fruit is the hero of the product, it’s very natural and pure. Cider is like wine and should be treated like wine.

“It goes beautiful with food and we’re trying to educate people on how you can pair cider with food, no pun intended. Our Perry, for example, would go well with a thai salad. It is very clean and fresh on the palate.”

It is the second major award for the Darkes Cider Perry in recent months, having won 'Best Perry' at the acclaimed Red Hill Cider Show in Victoria.

Glenbernie is a sixth-generation family farm, growing apples and other fruit. Glenbernie Orchard makes cider and other products from the apples and fruits grown on the farm and sells these under the DARKES brand.

During the COVID-19 pandemic and lockdowns, Glenbernie Orchard needed to pivot from selling direct to consumers from its cellar door and retail space located within the farm. The business began to focus on online deliveries and direct farm-to-door local delivery.

The Farm is delivering fresh fruit, honey and the award-winning cider to households in the Sutherland Shire, Wollongong and Shellharbour using its own delivery van and staff. Beyond these areas couriers are used.

“Sales have been down during winter but with an end to COVID lockdowns, warmer weather and these awards to celebrate we believe the future looks bright and sales will bounce back strongly,” Ms Fahey said.

Destination Wollongong general manager Mark Sleigh congratulated the farm and the family on their international acclaim.

“What a wonderful result and what a wonderful story this is for our region at a time when we need some uplifting news,” Mr Sleigh said.

“Wollongong has another world champion to celebrate and congratulations go to Jo-Anne and all of the team. This is a product of their labour and love.”

MORE INFO https://www.worldciderawards.com/winner-cider/cider/2021/taste