348: Family Inspirations | Storum Ranch Cider & Wine | CA

348: Family Inspirations | Storum Ranch Cider & Wine | CA

Author: Ria Windcaller: Award-winning Cidermaker, Podcaster | Craft Beer Columnist December 14, 2022 Duration: 53:12

The Perfect Balance at Storum Ranch

Pauline and Bill Storum settled in Julian California after Pauline retired from the US Navy in 2013. Planting an orchard and vineyard on the outskirts of this apple town was rooted in their desire to get their son Kyle, who is autistic,  and has a love of round objects engaged. Plus, Bill has wonderful memories of learning about orchard care when he was in high school. Kyle may prefer to stay indoors, but Bill is loving what he call his babies - the apple trees in the orchard.

348 Pauline and bill Storum 200x300 Pauline and Bill Storum

In 2019, the county finally approved their plans and construction on their 81' x 36" steel building began that is both their production area and Tasting Room.  Just as they were getting ready to open their tasting room in 2021, the Covid-19 pandemic hit, allowing them to focus on perfecting their business and building.

Today you can visit the Tasting Room which is air conditioned ( a nice treat when the high desert heat kicks in) or step outside on the patio and enjoy a glass.

Ciders at Storum

All ciders are fermented to dry and are made primarily with the wild ambient yeast at the cidery.

They have both single varietal ciders and blends like Harrison and Campfield. The have set up tastings so that customers can compare the same blends from previous years and educate their palates.

Value Added Products at the Tasting Room

  • Wines
  • Basalmic vinegar
  • Olive oil
  • Try a delicious non-alcoholic with the shrubs they make at the cidery drink.
  • Cider Swag - hats and t-shirts
348 Patio at Storum Cider 200x300 Patio and outdoor seating at Storum Cider

Hiking spots near Storum Ranch Cider & Wine

Grab a sandwich and snacks in Julian to bring out for a day hike after visiting the cidery.

  • Santa Ysabel is a 5 minute drive from the cidery. Find shade, picnic tables, porta potties by the parking lot at the trail head. A great place to have a snack, drink cider and go for a hike.
  • Volcan Mountain is a one hour hike and only a 2 minute drive from Storum. Bring layers! At the on road parking area it may be hot but at the view it can get down right chilly.

348 Storum Road Sign 200x300

Contact info for Storum Ranch Cider & Wine

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There’s a whole world in a glass of cider, and Cider Chat is your invitation to explore it. Hosted by award-winning cidermaker and writer Ria Windcaller, this podcast travels far beyond the bottle to meet the people who make the global cider culture so vibrant. Each conversation is a journey-you might find yourself in a heritage orchard learning the history of forgotten apple varieties, in a bustling taproom with an importer explaining regional traditions, or in a kitchen with a chef pairing cider with unexpected foods. The discussions get into the delightful nuances, too, whether that’s the semantics of what we even call this drink or how the concept of terroir translates from soil to sip. It’s not just about production; it’s about the community, the travel, and the stories that fermentation unlocks. This is for anyone curious about the craft, history, and sheer enjoyment of fermented apple juice in all its forms. So, pour a glass and settle in for a series that feels like a wide-ranging, informative, and genuinely good-humored chat with friends who happen to be obsessed with cider. You’ll come away with a deeper appreciation for every effervescent, tart, or sweet sip, hearing directly from the growers, makers, and enthusiasts who are shaping this drink’s exciting present and future.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 501

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