Nestled in the heart of Mendocino County, where rolling hills kiss the horizon and the air smells faintly of redwoods and ripe apples, Gowan’s Heirloom Cider has been quietly crafting magic for over 150 years. This isn’t just any cider—this is a cider with soul, a drink that whispers stories of historic apple orchards, family traditions, and sustainable farming practices. From the shade of hundred-year-old apple trees to the bubbly bottles of Gowan’s award-winning ciders, there’s a lot to unpack. So, grab a glass, lean back, and let’s take a bite out of the story behind the best cider you’ll ever taste.

The Roots: Gowan Family Apple Orchard

What makes Gowan’s Heirloom Cider so special? Well, for starters, it’s an estate cider—a rarity in the cider world. Every apple that makes its way into a Gowan’s bottle is grown, picked, pressed, and fermented right there on the family farm. As Sharon Gowan herself puts it, “You are standing in the middle of a 150-year-old family farm.”

Don Gowan, who grew up on the farm, adds, “In 1876, the Studebaker part of my family moved here and purchased the property, and it had some apple trees on it when they moved here.”

Situated in the idyllic Anderson Valley, the Gowan family orchard is home to heirloom apple varieties that you won’t find in your local supermarket. With over a century’s worth of apple-growing expertise, this family has curated a unique collection of apples, including the rare Sierra Beauty apple and fresh Gravenstein apples.

A Slice of History: Heritage Orchards and Hard Cider

Let’s rewind the clock to a time when horse and wagon delivered apples along Highway 128. The Gowan family has been in the apple business since the days of Great Great Grandpa Gowan, who planted the first Sierra Beauty tree back in 1906. According to Sharon, “Come to find out, in the nineties, we had some researchers stop by and say they’d been searching for this apple for a decade and thought it was extinct.”

Don elaborates, “We grow 80 to 100 different varieties of apples. We’ve gone from growing dried fruits for the Vacu Dry Market, then with World War II and the coming of refrigeration, we moved to the fresh market in the 50’s, and we sold through the San Francisco produce market.”

Fast forward to today, and these same orchards are the birthplace of Gowan’s heirloom ciders. These historic orchards, with their rich heritage and shade of hundred-year-old apple trees, produce some of the best apples for cider-making. The result? A cider that tastes like biting into a perfectly ripe apple—no exaggeration.

Real California Cider® Certification

Not all cider is created equal, and Gowan’s Heirloom Cider proudly carries the Real California Cider® certification. What does this mean? Simply put, every drop of cider in these bottles comes from 100% California-grown apples. As Sharon explains, “Terroir matters! Just like wine, the flavor of the apples is influenced by where they’re grown, and California is a leader in sustainable farming and top-quality fruit.”

Don agrees, emphasizing the farm’s hands-on approach: “We have the unique ability to decide when the apples are picked. We do everything from blossom to bottle here on the farm, which gives us the ability to get a really unique product.”

Why Choose Estate Grown Cider?

The estate cider distinction is rare—rarer than even in the wine industry. At Gowan’s, every step of the cider-making process happens on-site. Sharon elaborates, “We handpick heirloom apples from all these varietals, then we fresh press them, and we bottle on-site. That’s extremely rare in cideries.” This meticulous process ensures that every bottle of Gowan’s cider bursts with their historic orchards’ unique flavors.

From Orchard to Bottle: The Cider-Making Process

Gowan’s Heirloom Cider isn’t just made—it’s crafted. It all starts with fresh apples, handpicked at the peak of ripeness. These apples are then crushed to extract their juice, which is fermented and aged to perfection. Sharon describes the process with pride: “We grow the apples, we crush them fresh to make the juice when the apples are ripe on the tree. And then we age them for a certain amount of time and bottle them right here too.”

Don adds, “The apples we grow here that have been curated by my family over the last 150 years really love the soil, and with those, we’re able to make some really special hard ciders from the heirloom apples.”

All of those heirloom apple varieties, are what give Gowan’s cider its distinctive taste. As Sharon puts it, “You get these old-fashioned, ripe flavors that really make all the difference.”

Sipping the Good Stuff: Gowan’s Cider Tasting

If you’re wondering what a day of cider tasting at Gowan’s looks like, imagine this: You’re sitting under the canopy of hundred-year-old apple trees, the sunlight filtering through the leaves, a glass of Gowan’s  Rosé Applewine Cider in hand. It’s not just a tasting room—it’s an orchard experience.

Don reflects on the experience: “During COVID, not being able to have an indoor facility, we realized that having a spot for people to try our apple cider in the orchard really worked great. We get a lot of positives from people being able to sit outside and enjoy the ciders.”

Award-Winning Ciders

Gowan’s Heirloom Ciders have racked up more awards than you can shake a cider press at. From Best Double Gold at cider competitions to 1st place accolades, these bubbly bottles of Gowan’s are the real deal. Their bright acidity and full-bodied flavors make them perfect for sipping.

Cider Pairings

Did you know that cider pairs beautifully with food? Sharon swears by it: “A lot of people don’t realize that you can pair cider so well with food, but oh my goodness, you really can.” From cheese boards to roasted pork, the possibilities are endless. And if you’re feeling adventurous, try a cider cocktail or a hot spiced cider for those chilly evenings.

Sustainability at the Core

Sustainability isn’t just a buzzword at Gowan’s—it’s a way of life. The farm’s organic certification and use of cover crops are just the tip of the iceberg. They’ve even invested in a fully electric, autonomous tractor that Sharon likens to a Roomba for orchards: “This tractor can drive itself out to the orchard, mow the cover crop, and then drive back at night.”

These practices protect the soil and water and ensure that the farm remains viable for future generations. It’s a true commitment to the land and the people who rely on it.

Why Mendocino County?

Anderson Valley, with its rolling hills and cool coastal breezes, provides the perfect terroir for growing apples. Sharon describes the area affectionately: “It’s a gorgeous area…a fantastic drive from Cloverdale up to Anderson Valley. You get these beautiful rolling hills, gorgeous Anderson Valley, and then you go through the redwood trees and hit the coast of California.” Don adds, “The nice thing about Anderson Valley that makes it unique is it’s cool. During the summer, we get warm days and nice, cool offshore breezes. It’s a beautiful area with a temperate climate.”

Visit Gowan’s Heirloom Cider

Whether you’re a cider connoisseur or just looking for a weekend escape, Gowan’s Heirloom Cider outdoor tasting room is worth the trip. Located about three hours from the Bay Area, it’s a destination that offers more than just cider. From hiking and state parks to cheese-tasting and skunk train rides, there’s something for everyone in this laid-back corner of California.

Gowan’s Heirloom Cider isn’t just a drink—it’s a story in every sip. This cider embodies the best of California’s rich agricultural heritage, from its roots in historic orchards to its modern sustainability practices. So the next time you’re in the mood for a glass of something special, reach for Gowan’s Heirloom Cider. Trust me, you won’t regret it.

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