5 Drinks from Devon that you simply must try

Spoiler alert, there is just one cider producer on this list

If I asked you to think of a drink from Devon, chances are cider will be the first one that comes to mind. But there’s a vibrant drinks scene bubbling up in Devon, so who better to check it out than our summer intern, Jake, who is Devon born and bred.

Having been lucky enough to grow up surrounded by the rolling hills, fantastic pubs and unrivalled hospitality that Devon has to offer, this blog has been a pleasure to write. 80% of Devon’s landscape is used for Agriculture meaning they are not short of space or produce to create amazing Devonian drinks and food. Home to 33 cider makers, 17 Gin distilleries, national parks and Exeter Chiefs, Devon has plenty to offer in terms of world-class attractions. Here is a brief guide to a few of Devonian locals’ favourite Devon food and drinks.

Sandford Orchards- Crediton

Tors Vodka- Okehampton

Sandford orchards is a stone’s throw away from the county capital of Exeter, tucked away in the mid-Devon market town of Crediton. Founded by a Devonian, the community is at the heart of this fantastic product which is housed in the oldest cider mill in the UK. Made with only locally sourced apples, Sandford orchards produce a range of award-winning ciders that can be found across shops and pubs all over the UK, or upon a visit to the friendly cider mill itself. Should you find yourself in Devon or just fancy a visit, Sandford orchards run pizza nights and tasting tours for those who wish to sample the product at the source.

Pebblebed Vineyards- Clyst St. George

Pebblebed Vineyards have been a community wine project since 1999, growing to a 20-acre enterprise capable of producing 50,000 bottles per year. This Cylst St George base vineyard has recently been acquired by the Devonian powerhouse Dart farm to take Pebblebed to the next level. Already producing a range of award-winning sparkling wines, the future looks exciting. Not only will you be able to find the Wine at darts farm HQ in Topsham, but you can visit the Vineyard for tasting tours of their 5 wines. For those who feel like being more hands-on, Pebblebed offers the unique opportunity to help with the annual harvest, epitomising the symbiotic relationship this vineyard has with the community.

Honlons brewery

Crafted in the heart of Devon by passionate brewers for a curious palate, Hanlons brewery produces some of the best beer Devon has to offer. A range of products including my personal favourite and award-winning Yellow hammer (or Hello Yammer after a few), stout, bitter, ale and IPA can be found at pubs around Devon. For those looking for a more in-depth experience, Hanlons offers a range of tour and tasting packages at their brewery meaning there is something for everyone.

Salcombe gin- Salcombe

Nestled into the popular coastal town of Salcombe you find the beating heart of the 17-producer-strong Devonian gin movement. Salcombe gins award-winning range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic gins, both of which have won prestigious international awards. This is I’m sure music to any gin enthusiast’s ears however, the unique thing about Salcombe gin is the conscious and intentional (mean the same thing) effort to reduce their carbon footprint and support the ocean they owe so much of their idyllic views to. With each bottle of Salcombe gin purchased, you are supporting carbon off-setting and sea grass maintenance, essential for maintaining healthy oceans and air.

This is only the surface of what Devon has to offer. For those looking to travel to Devon, I could not recommend a county with more friendly people and more varied landscapes, experiences and hospitality. After all, ‘Devon is heaven’.