Local Cider Trail Map
BY BROOKE HERRON / PHOTOGRAPHY BY MICHAEL WOOLSEY | AUGUST 23, 2021
Apples were introduced to Sonoma County in the early 1800s, planted by the Russian- American Company along with other fruit and produce intended to supply Russia’s settlements in what is now Alaska. By the 1940s, nearly 15,000 acres of Sonoma County were planted with apples. Over time, most of those orchards have been replaced by vineyards, but a handful of local farmers and landowners remain loyal to the fruit—and the biodiversity maintained by the preservation of this historic crop.
By the 1940s, nearly 15,000 acres of Sonoma County were planted with apples. Over time, most of those orchards have been replaced by vineyards, but a handful of local farmers and landowners remain loyal to the fruit—and the biodiversity maintained by the preservation of this historic crop. Today, Sonoma County farmers still grow over 2,000 acres of apples, representing around 150 different varieties, with the majority of plantings being heirloom multipurpose apples such as Gravenstein, Golden Delicious, Jonathan, Newtown Pippin and Rome, among many others. The county also has almost a dozen established cider brands, with more businesses starting to experiment with cider as it continues to attract a growing fan base of thirsty craft beverage drinkers locally and across the country.
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