165: Monterey Bay Cider Tour | California

Monterey Bay, California cider tour April 12th & 13th, 2019 Reservations are open!

Must be 21 years or older to attend.

Tour Begins: 1pm Friday | April 12, 2019 in Capitola, California

Meet the makers and orchardists of Monterey Bay:

Cider and Orchard Tours and Tastings with:

Santa Cruz Cider Company  2019 Good Food Awards finalist for cider

• Two sisters, Nicole and Natalie founded this company back in 2013.  Nicole's husband Felix creates the amazing ink labels that adorn this enterprising cidery's labels. Listen to Nicole's Cider Chat episode 60 and a recent conversation with Natalie and Nicole on a walkabout the orchard on episode 159.

Soquel Cider  - 2019 Good Food Awards winner for cider

• Laura Everett is making cider at the orchard based organic farm, but I have a feeling that her husband Rich who tends the Honey Crisp orchard while Laura is nuturing the heirloom orchard is always at the ready with a smile and helping hand.  Listen to episode 164: Soquel Cider's Organic Orchards | California with Laura.

[caption id="attachment_3933" align="aligncenter" width="200"] Laura Everett - Soquel Cider[/caption]

Rider Ranch Ciderworks

• Eric Rider is a self describe cider geek. He can't wait to talk to anyone interested in the subtle nuances of cidermaking. On the tour Eric will lead us through both a vertical and horizontal tasting of Newtown Pippins. Listen to the Riders Cider Chat on episode 110

[caption id="attachment_2731" align="aligncenter" width="225"] Katie & Eric[/caption]

Tanuki Cider Company 

• Robby Honda is the maker/owner of Tanuki. Listen to Robby on Cider Chat episode 103

• [caption id="attachment_2575" align="aligncenter" width="225"] Robby Honda of Tanuki Cider[/caption]

Serventi Ranch Cider 

• Peter and Erin Serventi have an orchard based cidery outside of Watsonville. We will be having our lunch in their orchard and take part in a tour and tasting.  

[caption id="attachment_3947" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Peter and Erin of Serventi Ranch Cider[/caption]

• Jake Mann of Five Mile Orchard
  • Jake part of a multi generational orcharding family and he also like to make cider for his own enjoyment. Listen to Jake's Cider Chat episode 113

• And the oldest maker in the USA - S. Martinelli & Company  founded in 1868
  • John Martinelli will lead the tour at the company's main juice plant. Listen to John's Cider Chat episode 162

[caption id="attachment_3821" align="aligncenter" width="225"] John Martinelli and Ria recording episode 162[/caption]

Costs of Tour:

• $385/person  - February 12, 2019
• $400/person - February 13th - March 12th, 2019
• $420/person - March 12th - April 12th, 2019

What's included?

• Cider Tours and Orchard Tastings
• Lunch on Saturday
• Cider Dinner Saturday Night at Soquel Cider
• Transportation to the tours, and cider dinner: Meet up and drop off location in Capitola

What is not included?

• Flights or other transportation to and from Capitola, California
• Airport transfers
• Lodging
• Travel Insurance (optional)
• Dinner Friday night on own
• Food and drinks outside of this cider tour offering
• Cider bought from makers
• Personal expenses

Please note that itineraries are subject to change.

Reservations are open!

Need Lodging: If you are coming from out of town - I have secured rooms at the Best Western  Plus Capitola By-the-Sea Inn & Suites in Capitola at a reduced rate of 169.99 + Tax.  This is a brand new hotel with gluten free options for breakfast, a heated pool, workout room and located a short walk to the Capitola Wharf. The BW room coupon code will be sent once your reservation is confirmed.

Locals lodging rates during this time of year in the area really swell up - like an apple filled with water - This is a very good rate - so lets fill up BW with cider fans!