3 minute read

I recently had the pleasure of trying Eckert’s new hard ciders, and let me tell you, they’re worth the trip. These farm-crafted drinks are crisp, refreshing, and a perfect match for summer. If you’re looking for something fun to do this weekend, this is it. Between a record-breaking black raspberry harvest and their Cider Daze celebration, Eckert’s Belleville farm is where you want to be.

The Largest Black Raspberry Crop in Eckert’s History

Starting Saturday, June 7, Eckert’s opens the fields for Pick Your Own black raspberries. This year marks their biggest harvest yet. The berries are ripe and ready, but the season is short, expected to last only about two weeks.

You can pick berries from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on June 7, 8, 11, 14 and 15. Field admission is $8 at the gate or $5 online. Black raspberries are priced at $4.99 per 6-ounce container when picked in the field, or $5.99 in the Country Store if you prefer them ready to go.

If you’ve never tasted black raspberries fresh from the source, this is your chance. It’s a rare and fleeting opportunity, and the flavor alone is worth it.

Cider Daze Returns with Over 40 Ciders

Eckert Farms new hard cider selection
Image credit: @JoesDaily

Also on Saturday, June 7 from noon to 4 p.m., Eckert’s brings back its annual Cider Daze celebration. Expect a wide variety of drinks and plenty of ways to enjoy them:

  • Over 40 hard ciders, craft beers and cider cocktails
  • Live music from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m.
  • Food from local trucks, the Cider Shed and Eckert’s Country Restaurant

This event is for guests 21 and over, and tickets are available now. New this year is an add-on option called Brunch and Brews, which includes a full farm-style brunch and a 16-ounce hard cider for $25. It runs from 10 a.m. to noon and sets the tone for the rest of your day.

GRAB TICKETS HERE

See the Cider-Making Process for Yourself

One of the biggest updates this year is that Eckert’s has brought cider production in-house. That means you can now see the full cider-making process from start to finish, right on the farm.

Getting a behind-the-scenes look at how they turn their own fruit into small-batch cider adds something special to the experience. And having tried their newest blends myself, I can say with confidence that they’ve nailed it.

Plan Your Visit

Whether you’re there for the berries, the cider or both, make sure to get there early. This is one of those events that fills up fast, and with good reason.

  • Location: Eckert’s Belleville Farm, 951 S. Green Mt. Rd, Belleville, IL
  • Black Raspberry Picking: June 7, 8, 11, 14, 15 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
  • Cider Daze: Saturday, June 7 from noon to 4 p.m.
  • Brunch and Brews Add-On: June 7 from 10 a.m. to noon