494: Humboldt Cider and the Historic Orchard of Albert Etter

494: Humboldt Cider and the Historic Orchard of Albert Etter

Author: Ria Windcaller: Award-winning Cidermaker, Podcaster | Craft Beer Columnist March 11, 2026 Duration: 1:00:53

In this episode of Cider Chat, we hear from Tom Hart of Humboldt Cider Company, located in Eureka, California along the rugged Pacific coastline behind what locals call the Redwood Curtain. We also discusses preserving the original Albert Etter orchard in Humboldt County and continuing the legacy of these historic cider apples.

00:00 Welcome to Cider Chat

00:38 Wickson Crab and Albert Etter

03:06 News Cider Salons Ahead

05:08 Hungary Salon and Champagne Cellars

09:08 Blossom Time and UK Tour

10:59 Support and Show Notes

12:04 Meet Tom Hart

12:30 Humboldt Cider Origin Story

14:36 Taproom and Local Crowd

16:17 Emerald Triangle Economy Shift

22:08 Apples Supply and Production

25:02 Brand Name and Partnership

26:35 Growth Plans and Cider Board Work

30:44 Juice Tankers and Redwood Roads

33:12 Humboldt Outdoors and Fishing

34:47 Where to Stay in Humboldt

35:02 Farmers Market in Arcata

35:59 Cider Batch Sizes and Varietals

37:02 Meet Albert Etter and Ettersburg

38:44 Etter Apple Legacy Varieties

42:12 Stewarding the Historic Orchard

44:47 Orchard Layout and Perry Pear

46:48 Rare Trees and Homestead Grafting

48:32 DNA Testing and Replanting Plan

58:08 Wildlife Challenges and Wrap-Up

59:54 Show Notes and Support the Podcast

Find the full show notes for this episode at CiderChat.com
Episode 494: https://ciderchat.com/podcast/494-humboldt-cider-albert-etter/

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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: 50

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