In addition to our normal business hours and special events, we encourage groups to schedule a time to come visit the farm. Anyone from large families to tour groups to slow food fans will enjoy spending a few hours exploring the farm, learning more about the cider-making process, and—everyone’s favorite part—trying some of the ciders! To learn more about what our group tours involve (and how to schedule a group tour for your group), please read our FAQs below.
Orchardist and owner Rob Miller leads a group on a tour of the orchard.
FAQs:
Q: Who are the tours for?
A: The group tours are for anyone who wants to learn more about growing apples and brewing cider. We frequently give tours to slow-food groups, large families (especially around Halloween, Thanksgiving, and the holidays), and have even given tours to bachelorette parties and work groups. We prefer a minimum of at least fifteen people per group.
Q: When are tours given?
A: The tours are given by appointment. Please call (240) 344-8856
or email us (ciderguys@distillerylaneciderworks.com).
Q: How long is the tour?
A: The tour lasts 45 minutes to one hour (depending on the number of questions) and allows participants to see the orchard and cider house, as well as taste some of the ciders.
Q: What topics will be covered in the tour?
A: The tour covers the basics of apple growing (apple varieties, grafting, rootstock, etc.) and cider making. After the tour, participants taste some of our cider in our tasting room.
Q: What do tours cost?
A: Group tours cost $10 per person and include the tour, cider tasting, and a complementary DLC official tasting glass. Payment should be made in one transaction either cash, check, or credit card on the day of the tour.
Tim Rose, DLC’s Cidermaker, explains the fermentation process to a group.
Q: Are there a minimum number of people needed for a group tour?
A: We prefer a minimum of fifteen people for each group tour.
Q: What about lunch?
A: Although we do not offer lunch on the farm, there are a few local restaurants that we recommend (and that serve our cider!). Please see our Where to Eat (and Drink) page for more information on restaurants serving our cider. Additionally, groups are welcome to pack a picnic lunch to eat on the farm.
Q: What else can our group do while we are in your area?
A: There are numerous places we suggest you visit while in the area, ranging from other wineries to historic sites. For more information, please look at our Area Attractions page (under Visiting DLC).
Q: Do you have bus parking?
A: We can easily accommodate small buses on the farm. Larger tour buses can be parked in the parking lot for the Burkittsville Ruritan Center (directly across the street from Distillery Lane Ciderworks).
Q: How does my group sign up for a group tour?
A: Please email us at ciderguys@distillerylaneciderworks.com with the number of people in your group and the date you would like to visit the farm.