The craft cider scene in California continues to grow in influence, and this year’s California Cider Festival, held on September 10th at the Sonoma County Fairgrounds, proved that the Golden State is a powerhouse in the cider world. With over 30 of California’s top cider makers in attendance, the 2022 festival not only showcased the incredible variety and quality of ciders being produced across the state but also highlighted emerging trends, innovations, and the future of the industry. The event brought together cider makers, consumers, and industry professionals, further solidifying the importance of craft cider as a key player in California’s expanding beverage landscape.
The Rise of California’s Craft Cider Industry
California, with its diverse apple-growing regions and agricultural richness, has long been a leader in the wine and craft beer sectors. However, in recent years, cider has emerged as a strong competitor in the state’s craft beverage scene. The California Cider Festival celebrated this growing industry, where cider is now gaining attention for its quality, sustainability, and creativity. The festival featured a wide array of cider styles, from traditional dry ciders to fruit-infused and barrel-aged blends, demonstrating how local cider makers are pushing the boundaries of the craft.
Attended by over 3,000 people, the festival allowed visitors to sample dozens of ciders from well-established brands as well as smaller, boutique producers. The event was held at the Sonoma County Fairgrounds, a venue known for its iconic wine events, and this year it showcased California cider in all its glory. The festival attracted not only local residents but cider enthusiasts and professionals from all over the country, making it a crucial event in the craft beverage calendar.
Key Players in the 2022 Festival
California’s cider scene has been shaped by both long-established and emerging cider makers. Golden State Cider, one of the leading producers from Sebastopol, continues to gain recognition for its clean, well-balanced ciders. Known for their organic, small-batch production, Golden State Cider’s innovative approach to cider-making was on full display, with offerings like their “Dry Apple Cider,” which quickly became a crowd favorite at the event.
Another key participant was Ace Cider, a well-known brand that helped pioneer the California cider revolution. With a history of crafting some of the finest ciders in the state, Ace presented a diverse range of ciders, including the popular Ace Perry, which blends European-style perry pears with California apples. The brand’s commitment to quality and innovation continues to make it one of the most trusted names in the California cider industry.
Smaller producers like Sonoma Cider, another local favorite, showed off their creativity with unique ciders, including their popular “The Wash,” a refreshing, lightly effervescent cider made with apples and a touch of mint. The festival provided a platform for these smaller, innovative producers to introduce their new releases and engage directly with consumers. Wilder Cider, a newer brand from the Sierra Foothills, was also on display, introducing festival-goers to the unique apple varieties of the region and its focus on sustainable, farm-to-bottle cider production.
Innovations and Trends in California Cider
The 2022 California Cider Festival also highlighted several emerging trends in the cider industry. One of the most notable trends was the growing popularity of dry ciders, which have become a favorite among consumers seeking a more complex, less sugary alternative to traditional sweet ciders. Many of the festival’s featured ciders, like those from Sierra Cider, embraced the dry style, allowing the true flavors of California-grown apples to shine. Dry ciders, often compared to wine, are quickly becoming a staple for those interested in more sophisticated cider experiences.
Another trend that gained significant attention was the rise of barrel-aged ciders, which bring a new level of depth and complexity to the beverage. Cider makers like Sonoma Cider and Sierra Cider showcased barrel-aged options that had been fermented in oak barrels, resulting in ciders that mimicked the nuanced characteristics of wine or craft beer. These barrel-aged ciders, some infused with spices or additional fruit flavors, added an intriguing twist to the festival and attracted many connoisseurs eager to explore new cider experiences.
Fruit-infused ciders also continued to gain traction, with some cider makers experimenting with tropical fruits, berries, and even herbs like lavender. These innovative flavors created unique combinations that offered a refreshing twist on traditional apple cider. Brands like Ace Cider and Rebel Cider Co. were at the forefront of this trend, unveiling new blends that push the boundaries of cider-making.
Sustainability Takes Center Stage
Sustainability is becoming an increasingly important issue in the craft beverage industry, and cider makers in California are leading the charge. At the 2022 festival, many producers emphasized their commitment to organic farming practices and reducing their environmental impact. Golden State Cider, for example, is known for its focus on using organic apples and employing sustainable production methods, such as using less water and minimizing energy consumption.
Several cider makers also took steps to reduce their carbon footprints by sourcing apples locally and supporting small family farms. This focus on locally sourced ingredients not only benefits the environment but also helps foster a sense of community and supports the local agricultural economy. The emphasis on sustainability was a key talking point at the festival, with many attendees expressing a desire to support brands that prioritize eco-friendly practices.
The Future of Craft Cider in California
As California’s craft cider industry continues to grow, the 2022 California Cider Festival helped solidify the state’s role as a leader in the craft beverage sector. With increasing consumer demand for unique, locally sourced beverages and a growing interest in sustainable practices, California cider makers are well-positioned to continue innovating and capturing the attention of cider enthusiasts both within the state and across the country.
Looking ahead, the future of California cider seems bright. The festival underscored the diversity of flavors, techniques, and cider styles emerging from the state. As more consumers discover the complexity and quality of craft cider, California is poised to see continued growth in the industry, with the festival likely to grow in size and significance in the coming years.
With its focus on local ingredients, sustainability, and experimentation, the California Cider Festival is undoubtedly a key event in the industry and a celebration of the Golden State’s craft cider revolution.
