Klein Cider Mill of Sparta Wins 22nd Annual Cider Contest
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Klein Cider Mill of Sparta, Mich., won first place at the 22nd annual Michigan Apple Cider Contest. The contest took place at DeVos Convention Center on December 5, with 26 cider makers participating in the competition.
“This cider contest was created to help promote the Michigan apple cider industry,” said Bob Tritten, district fruit educator with Michigan State University Extension, and founder of the contest. “This year, we had 26 amazing participants from all over the state of Michigan.”
Erwin Orchards in South Lyon, Mich., owned by Bill and Linda Erwin and Bill Emery, won second place in the contest. The third place winner was Engelsma’s Apple Barn of Walker, Mich.
“The annual cider contest is a great way for cider makers to connect and learn from one another,” said Diane Smith, executive director of the Michigan Apple Committee, co-sponsor of the contest. “Cider makers put in a lot of hard work to make their delicious cider, whether it be growing their own apples or changing up their recipe to make the best cider.”
The Michigan Apple Cider Contest began in 1996. Tritten created the contest to help improve cider making, promote the industry and educate the public. The contest is sponsored by the Michigan Apple Committee, the Michigan State Horticultural Society and the Fruit Growers News.
The Michigan Apple Committee is a grower-funded nonprofit organization devoted to marketing, education and research activities to distinguish the Michigan apple and encourage its consumption in Michigan and around the world. For more information, visit www.MichiganApples.com.
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