59: Ciderville Tales | Monterey Bay, CA

59: Ciderville Tales | Monterey Bay, CA

Author: Ria Windcaller: Award-winning Cidermaker, Podcaster | Craft Beer Columnist December 19, 2018 Duration: 52:59

The farmers of Monterey Bay California have been growing apples since the state constitution was first ratified in1849. The primary apple of the region is Newtown Pippin due partly to the demand for this apple by Martinelli's, a 4th generation family run cider and apple juice producer.

If you speak to any orchardist in the area, there is a undeniable agreement that if not for Martinelli's there would likely be no orchards in the area today.

This episode takes the listener along on my travels to the region to meet makers and plan for an up coming Totally Cider Tour" Monterey Bay. If you would like to get on the list for this tour now - do send an email to ria@ciderchat.com.

We begin with a song by Robbie Robertson of The Band "Christmas Must Be Tonight", sung by my cousin Jay. Then we head out on the road to meet with makers for an evening of cider and chat surrounding the upcoming cider tour.

Makers at the Cider Dinner hosted by Santa Cruz Cider Company

After the meet up on the next day, I met with John Martinelli of S. Martinelli's Cider Co. in Watsonville

Mentions in this chat

CiderCon2019 - February 4-8, 2019 - register to go today

Cider Competition February 10th - 2019 New York International Cider Competition

The 1st Annual New York International Cider Competition is Cider focused competition that is held in conjunction with the 6th Annual New York International Beer Competition.

Top Trade Buyers from the New York Metro Area including Cider Bars, Retail Stores, Distributors and Importers will be judging the cider by its category and actual price.

It is open to all commercially made cider from around the world. Your cider does not have to be sold and or imported into New York to be in the competition.

Please Help Support Cider Chat Please donate today. Help keep the chat thriving!

Find this episode and all episodes at the page for Cider Chat's podcasts.


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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