


Sun, Aug 16
|Main Stage @ The Plant
Talk: Pears, Perry & the Art of Fermentation
Join Ben Starr from Starrlight Mead & Cider for a discussion of the pear's answer to hard cider
Time & Location
Aug 16, 2026, 2:00 PM – 2:30 PM
Main Stage @ The Plant, 220 Lorax Ln, Pittsboro, NC 27312, USA
About the event
Most people know hard cider, but far fewer have heard of perry—a traditional fermented beverage made from pears. Join Ben Starr, owner and meadmaker at Starrlight Mead, as he explores the history of perry, the unique pear varieties that make it possible, and what makes this centuries-old drink such a fascinating expression of the humble pear.
This year's perry is still in the making. As the pears ripen over the coming weeks, they'll be harvested, pressed, and transformed into a new vintage that's expected to be ready this fall.
In the meantime, visit Starrlight Mead's tasting room at The Plant to experience the creativity and craftsmanship they bring to fermentation. From honey and apple juice infused with apricots, blackberries, blueberries, and peaches to inventive seasonal creations featuring fruits and herbs, Starrlight crafts distinctive beverages that celebrate the character of every ingredient.
This is part of The Plant's Pear Festival, which…
