Devon Made Cider That’s Good For The Soul At Rull Orchard
When a writer describes a place as their “best-kept secret,” you know you’re in for something special. Lucy Telfer has finally decided to let us in on one of her favourite Devon discoveries: Rull Orchard. This small-batch cider producer near Exeter has been quietly making waves (and award-winning ciders) since 2017, combining sustainability with serious craftsmanship and a healthy dose of fun. Lucy’s only condition for sharing? That she gets first dibs on tickets to their next event.
I have a local producer of wonderful ciders and fun events that I am reluctant to share with you. The reason being that their events and ciders are fairly small productions and much in demand. On the other hand, Claire and Mike of Rull Orchard are such brilliant people, and their products are so fantastic that you really should know about them. Rull Orchard, just outside Exeter, may be relatively new to the cider business, but they are serious contenders.
Award-Winning Ciders from a Tiny Orchard
This tiny, diverse orchard produces multi-award-winning small-batch ciders. In fact, their Devon Heritage Blend was recently listed as the Number 1 Cider to Try by Suzy Atkins in The Telegraph, who described it as ‘A juicy, mouth-filling, nearly dry, orange-tinged cider from Exe Valley orchards’. It’s a mere snip at £12 a bottle. Devon Heritage also won Gold at the Food Drink Devon awards alongside 2 of Rull’s other products. You can order directly from Mike and Claire.
Claire and Mike established Rull Orchard in 2017 with a desire to move away from busy urban lives and connect more meaningfully with nature. They committed their dreams to a small piece of land overlooking the Exe Valley which they planted with mixed species orchard, woodland and wetland areas.
Sustainability at the Heart of Everything
Passionate about sustainability, they have beehives, wildflower areas and planting designed to support insect life. In fact, Rull has won Gold for the Food Drink Devon Sustainability Pioneer Awards for the second time in three years.
Events That Celebrate Tradition (and Silliness)
Their events are exclusive, heartfelt and personal, from the silliness of wassailing the trees to feast nights where they pair their ciders and perrys with dishes from local producers and chefs served with warmth and kindness. They have a feast night planned for November. On the 21st at the Ring of Bells in Cheriton Fitzpaine. Prebooking is essential. For the Ring of Bells event, email info@theringofbells.com.
We went to their Wassail in Spring to wake up the apple trees, which was thoroughly silly and great fun, filled with folklore and traditions. Look out for it – it’s a great event to add to your calendar to mark the end of Winter.
How to Experience Rull Orchard for Yourself
Give Rull Orchard a follow on Facebook or Insta and try to get along to one of their events. They may be funny and sometimes silly, but they are always serious about cider. Buy your tickets early, but only once I’ve got mine.
Lucy Telfer is a freelance writer, content creator and owner of Yonder Meadow homestead and glamping site. Her work has been featured in Exeter Life, Devon Life as well as nationally produced educational materials. Connect with Lucy on Linkedin.
Tags: cider, Devon, Exeter