Three Years of Ponderosa Cider
Spring Releases, New Markets & Growing the Craft Cider Community in California
May was a major milestone month for Ponderosa Cider Company; not only did we celebrate our 3rd anniversary in Auburn, California, but we also expanded into new markets, gave Cider Club members two of our most recognized craft ciders, welcomed new team members, and continued building momentum throughout Northern California’s growing cider scene.
From Sacramento farmers markets to Napa Valley hospitality partnerships, this month reminded us how far thoughtful craft cider can travel when it’s rooted in community, experimentation, and West Coast apples.
Celebrating 3 Years of Craft Cider in Auburn, California
On May 9th, Ponderosa Cider officially celebrated three years of crafting small-batch hard cider in Auburn, CA.
What started as a passion for balanced, expressive cider has grown into a thriving tasting room, distribution network, and community gathering place tucked into “The Alley” in historic Auburn. Over the past three years, we’ve focused on creating craft cider that highlights West Coast apples without relying on excessive sweetness — approachable enough for casual drinkers while still exciting for longtime cider enthusiasts.
As California’s craft cider movement continues to evolve, we’re proud to represent Northern California cider culture through small-batch production, experimental releases, and local partnerships.
Goldi Lite & Cherry Yuzu Return for Our Spring Release
This year’s May 9th anniversary celebration also marked the release of two ciders that have become foundational to the Ponderosa name: Goldi Lite and Cherry Yuzu 4-packs.
These are two of the ciders we’re most proud of, and over the years they’ve helped introduce Ponderosa Cider to a much larger audience throughout California’s craft beverage scene.
Our Cherry Yuzu cider has become especially recognized for its bright citrus character, tart cherry balance, and refreshing finish, while Goldi Lite continues to be a go-to easy-drinking craft cider for warm California weekends, concerts, patios, and outdoor adventures.
These ciders have been featured at:
BottleRock Napa Valley
The Venue at Thunder Valley Casino events
Sacramento-area farmers markets
Tap houses and restaurants throughout Northern California
Craft beverage festivals and cider events across the region
Seeing these releases continue to resonate with both longtime supporters and first-time drinkers has been incredibly rewarding for our team.
Midtown Farmers Market Continues to Shape Our Growth
Every Saturday at the Midtown Farmers Market in Sacramento continues to be one of the most important touchpoints for Ponderosa Cider.
Farmers markets have become a huge part of how we connect with people discovering craft cider for the first time. They give us the ability to test new small-batch releases, receive immediate feedback, and create genuine relationships with customers who later visit our Auburn tasting room or seek out our cider in stores and restaurants.
For us, California cider culture grows person by person, conversation by conversation, and market by market.
Expanding Into New Markets Across Napa & Fairfield
One of the biggest developments this month was officially beginning self-distribution into Napa Valley and Fairfield.
This move allows us to personally support our hospitality partners while ensuring our cider is represented with the same level of care and storytelling that goes into production.
You can now find Ponderosa Cider at:
Alila Napa Valley in St. Helena
Napa Palisades in Downtown Napa
Rustwater Kitchen & Taproom, Fairfield
These new placements are especially meaningful because they connect our Auburn-based cidery with a wider Northern California audience searching for locally crafted beverages, food pairings, and destination tasting experiences.
As craft cider continues gaining recognition alongside wine and beer throughout California, we’re excited to help showcase what modern West Coast cider can look like.
Eden Wine Garden & California Craft Beverage Events
Another standout event this month was pouring cider at Eden Wine Garden on May 24th. Between curated DJ sets, food pairings, dancing, and incredible community energy, the evening highlighted something we deeply believe: cider belongs in social spaces that celebrate creativity, hospitality, and connection.
We continue seeing hard cider become more visible within California’s broader craft beverage world — appearing not only in taprooms and tasting rooms, but also at music festivals, wine events, culinary gatherings, and outdoor experiences throughout the state.
Growing the Ponderosa Cider Team
As our markets, events, and production continue to grow, we’re excited to welcome several new team members to Ponderosa Cider:
Brendt Wallace — Cider Production & Delivery
Lizz Porter — Tasting Room, Events & Marketing
Riley Tucker — Tasting Room
Paisley Rose — Outside Events
Building a strong team allows us to continue scaling while maintaining the level of hospitality, creativity, and cider quality that defines Ponderosa.
Visit Ponderosa Cider in Auburn, CA
If you’re looking for craft cider in Auburn, California or exploring the Sierra Nevada foothills, we’d love to have you visit our tasting room.
Ponderosa Cider Co. is located at:102 Gum Lane Unit BAuburn, CA 95603
Our tasting room offers rotating small-batch hard ciders, seasonal releases, outdoor patio seating, community events, trivia nights, food trucks, and a welcoming environment for both cider newcomers and longtime enthusiasts.
Looking Ahead to Summer
This summer we’ll continue expanding throughout Northern California with:
Farmers markets
Small-batch cider releases
Food and cider pairings
Collaborative events
Live music
Festival appearances
New hospitality partnerships
Thank you to everyone who has supported Ponderosa Cider over these first three years. Every market visit, tasting room pour, shared 4-pack, and recommendation to a friend helps grow California’s craft cider community one glass at a time.
We can’t wait to share what’s next.