486: Apples, Cider, and Community | 450 Years of Cider Culture in Chile

Recorded live at CiderCon, this episode brings listeners into a rare, in-depth conversation about Chile's living cider tradition—one shaped by more than 450 years of apple fermentation, deep regional biodiversity, and community-based agriculture. Moderated by Eli Shanks, this panel features cider makers, cooperative leaders, and academics from southern Chile who explore how apples arrived, adapted, and endured across Araucanía, Los Ríos, and the Chiloé archipelago. Rather than a "new" cider movement, Chile offers something far rarer: a cider culture that never disappeared. At the heart of the discussion is Chicha—the traditional name for fermented apple beverages in Chile—and the cultural weight that language carries. Panelists unpack how Chicha and cider share the same roots, why heritage orchards matter, and what's at stake as aging farmers, development pressure, and climate change threaten seed-grown apple diversity. Listeners will also hear about: Heritage apple orchards over 100 years old, many grown from seed The role of women as primary stewards of orchards and biodiversity Native fermentation vessels made from Raulí and other Chilean woods Cooperative cider making on the island of Chiloé The challenges of valuing cider beyond "cheap, rural" perceptions The future of Chilean cider on the global stage, including education, competitions, and potential export This episode offers an essential perspective for anyone interested in cider as culture—not trend—and in how place, people, and history shape what ends up in the glass. Panelists & Contributors Eli Shanks – Co-founder, Punta de Fierro Fine Cider; Head Cider Maker, Western Cider Gicella – President, Cooperative Chilwe (Chiloé) René Galindo – Third-generation cider maker, Araucanía Carlos Flores – Co-founder, Punta de Fierro Fine Cider; Orchardist, Valdivia Fabián Lara – Cider & beer consultant; INDAP (Chilean Ministry of Agriculture) José Antonio Aldea – Professor and fermentation educator Key Themes Chilean cider and Chicha traditions Heritage apple orchards and seed-grown ecotypes Women's roles in orchard preservation Cooperative models and island agriculture Native materials and spontaneous fermentation Preserving cider culture in a changing landscape Timestamps ⏱️ Detailed timestamps are listed above to help you jump to specific topics, speakers, and cider discussions. 00:00 Introduction to Chicha and Cider 00:26 News Out and About  Ciderville  00:43 Episode Overview: Chilean Cider Panel 03:30 Upcoming Events and Announcements 07:42 Introduction to the Chilean Panel 10:44 Chilean Cider Regions and History 16:11 Traditional Cider Making in Chile 18:11 Modern Chilean Cider and Future Prospects 20:16 Cider Tasting and Panel Discussion 29:32 Consumer Perception of Cider in Chile 30:07 Challenges and Efforts in Differentiation 30:34 Traditional and New World Ciders 31:13 Exciting Apple Varieties and Characteristics 32:19 Naming and Regional Varieties 35:40 Incorporating Local Fruits into Cider 38:09 Historical Context and Apple Lineages 41:47 Fire Blight and Disease Resistance 42:57 Modern vs. Traditional Cider Making 44:15 Collaborations with Winemakers 47:12 Preserving Heritage Apple Orchards 52:10 Forming a Cooperative in Chiloé 54:53 Market Development and Sales Strategies 57:03 Generational Gaps and Preservation Efforts 59:08 Future Goals and International Connections Support Cider Chat® If you value independent, long-form conversations that preserve cider history and amplify global voices, consider supporting Cider Chat® on Patreon. Your support helps keep these stories accessible and the podcast on the air.