A Celebration of Local, Sustainable Craft Ciders in Paso Robles
On July 24, 2024, the California Cider Festival was held in Paso Robles, drawing cider enthusiasts from across the state to celebrate the flourishing craft cider industry. With over 40 cider makers showcasing their products, the festival underscored California’s growing reputation as a hub for innovative, high-quality craft cider production.
The Rise of Craft Cider in California
California’s craft cider industry has been steadily growing over the past decade, thanks in part to the state’s diverse range of apple varieties and its commitment to sustainable agriculture. At the California Cider Festival, cider makers offered a range of styles, from traditional dry ciders made from heirloom apple varieties to innovative blends incorporating local fruits like pears and peaches.
Key participants included Ace Cider, one of California’s largest and most recognized craft cider makers, as well as smaller, boutique cideries like Apple Blossom Cidery and Sierra Nevada’s Ciderworks. These producers are leading the way in bringing craft cider into the mainstream, with many of them focusing on using organic and locally sourced ingredients in their ciders.
The Innovation of California Ciders
One of the highlights of the festival was the Cider Innovation Competition, where cider makers competed to create the most unique and innovative cider. Apple Blossom Cidery took home the Best Cider Innovation Award with its blend of apples and honeycomb, which offered a perfect balance of sweetness and complexity.
Additionally, the Cider and Food Pairing event was a crowd favorite, where local chefs paired their dishes with various ciders. One of the standout pairings featured Chef Aaron Berman of The Berman Kitchen, who paired a dry apple cider with his smoked pork belly, bringing out the deep, smoky flavors of the meat.
Sustainability and Local Sourcing
As with many craft beverage events in California, sustainability was a major theme of the festival. Several cider makers emphasized their use of organic apples and commitment to carbon-neutral production. The festival was held at the Paso Robles Event Center, which utilized sustainable practices throughout, including compostable cups and zero-waste initiatives.
The Future of Craft Cider in California
The success of the California Cider Festival signals that the craft cider movement in California is here to stay. With more cider makers emerging every year and an increasing demand for locally sourced, sustainably produced beverages, California’s craft cider scene is poised for continued growth. As more consumers discover the variety and complexity of craft cider, it is likely that the industry will expand both regionally and nationally.
