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.
Humboldt Cider began as a small project experimenting with fermentation in a garage. Today it has grown into a regional craft cidery producing cider distributed across Northern California.
- Key points from thisHumboldt Cider started as a garage fermentation project
- Early production took place in a converted milking barn
- The cidery now operates a 15,000 square foot production facility and taproom
- Distribution currently spans 35 counties in Northern California
- Expansion into Oregon and Nevada is being explored conversation
The company’s growth accelerated when they transitioned from keg-only distribution to canned cider in 2020, allowing them to reach a wider retail market.
Cider Production at Humboldt Cider
Humboldt Cider produces a mix of fruit-forward and traditional ciders.
Apple sourcing
Because of the region’s geography, apples come from multiple areas:
- Northern California
- Oregon
- Washington
- Local Humboldt County orchards
- Mendocino County growers
Cider styles discussed
Some of their releases include:
- Cherry cider (their best seller)
- Gravenstein single varietal cider
- Macintosh cider
- Wickson crab apple cider
- Experimental small-batch orchard releases
A typical cider fermentation cycle at the cidery takes approximately one month
The Lost Orchard of Apple Breeder Albert Etter
Albert Etter was one of the most influential apple breeders in California, developing thousands of varieties including the Wickson crab apple, which has become a popular apple used in modern cider making.
Etter established his orchard in Ettersburg, California in 1894. Over his lifetime he bred more than 12,000 apple varieties.
Several of his apples are still grown today, including:
- Wickson crab
- Pink Pearl
- Waltana
- Etter’s Gold
- Jonwin
- Humboldt Crab
Many of these apples were developed with cider in mind, as Etter believed California could produce its own distinctive apple varieties.
Preserving the Etter Orchard
The historic Etter orchard still survives in Humboldt County with roughly 100 remaining apple trees, many more than a century old.
Tom Hart has taken on the work of helping preserve the orchard.
His efforts include:
- grafting cuttings from original trees
- planting new trees from those genetics
- documenting varieties
- organizing annual harvest gatherings
The long-term goal is to preserve the genetic lineage of Etter’s apple varieties before the remaining trees disappear.
Historic orchards like this one hold important agricultural history and represent a living archive of apple biodiversity.
Tom Hart authored the essay Albert Etter: Humboldt County’s Horticultural Genius’ in Eden: Journal of the California Garden & Landscape History Society.
Visiting Humboldt Cider Company
If you travel to Northern California’s redwood coast, Humboldt Cider has a taproom in Eureka.
Visitors can expect:
- a large outdoor garden
- murals from artist Dave Van Patten
- a family-friendly tasting space
- access to nearby redwood forests and coastal trails
The region offers a unique cider destination surrounded by Redwood National and State Parks.
Contact Humboldt Cider Company
- Website: https://www.humboldtcider.com
- Location: Eureka, California
Mentions in this Cider Chat
- Cider Salon Canada – March 28th
- Cider Salon Hungary – April 18th
- Totally Cider Tours
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