Autumn is here and as the air turns crisp, there’s no better way to embrace the season than with a glass of hard cider. Santa Cruz County, known for its coastal charm, also has a rich history of apple cultivation. The Santa Cruz and Pajaro Valley area has been home to world-renowned cider for over a century. Back in 1868, Stephen G. Martinelli founded S. Martinelli & Company, producing bottle-fermented Champagne Cider from apples grown in California’s first commercial orchards. Martinelli’s quickly gained a reputation for being the finest cider available and that legacy persists today. While strawberries, raspberries, and blackberries have replaced many of the old orchards, the Pajaro Valley still produces Pippin, Granny Smith, and Jonagold apples. Farms like the Five Mile Orchard and Luz de Valle carry on an epic legacy of apples and supply much of the cider fruit produced in the area. One of the best ways to taste this deep-rooted history is by enjoying the craft hard ciders made from local apples, bringing the flavors of the Corralitos area and Pajaro Valley straight to your glass. Get ready to explore the tastes of autumn in Santa Cruz County with this list of the best spots in the county to grab a glass of hard cider!
1) Santa Cruz Cider Company
Santa Cruz Cider Company is a must-visit for cider lovers in Santa Cruz County. This family-run business started from an abandoned orchard in Watsonville and has since blossomed into a local favorite. Husband and wife team Felix and Nicole Todd, with Nicole’s passion for fermentation, turned those apples into something special: handcrafted cider. Nicole, who is gluten intolerant and experienced in the beverage industry, teamed up with her sister Natalie in 2013 to create Santa Cruz Cider Company. Their ciders feature local ingredients like strawberries and are made with care, from orchard to glass. This cider company is a true family affair, and you can taste the love, care, and dedication they put into the entire process of cider making whenever you stop in for a glass. Experience the large collection of ciders with a tasting flight or grab a glass of your favorite. Visitors can also enjoy inventive creations like rotating cider slushies, cider pops, and warm mulled ciders in the colder months. If you’re a cider lover, Santa Cruz Cider Company should be at the top of your list!
2) Santa Cruz Scrumpy – Hallcrest Vineyards
Hallcrest Vineyard, a historic family-run winery tucked above Downtown Felton, is also home to some of the best hard ciders in the area under their Santa Cruz Scrumpy Ciders label. With a beautiful patio and scenic meadow views, it’s the perfect spot to relax and enjoy a cider flight or a glass of your favorite. Their rotating cider slushies are a hit during the warmer months, and their ciders capture the essence of the Santa Cruz Mountains with fresh, local ingredients. Don’t miss out on fun flavors like the “Smurf City” blueberry cider, their famous pomegranate cider, or their unique wine-cider blend, “French Kiss,” which combines their expertise in both wine and cider. Hallcrest offers a laid-back, flavorful experience that makes it a top spot for cider lovers.
3) Beer Mule
Beer Mule in Watsonville is a top spot for cider enthusiasts in Santa Cruz County looking to try something different. With over 30 rotating tap items, Beer Mule always features 2-3 cider drinks on tap to choose from! Because their beer and cider selections are always changing, it’s the perfect place to discover new and exciting flavors. Their lineup features a mix of local and regional craft ciders, offering something for every palate like Far West Cider’s You Guava Be Kidding Me. Beyond the drinks, Beer Mule’s laid-back vibe, spacious outdoor patio, lawn games, and excellent food selection make it a great place to kick back and enjoy a cold glass. Whether you’re a cider connoisseur or just looking to try something different, Beer Mule consistently delivers a fun, flavorful experience.
4) Lúpulo Craft Beer House
Lúpulo Craft Beer House in Downtown Santa Cruz is a top spot for cider lovers, offering not only a rotating cider on tap but also an impressive bottle and can selection that expands the variety even further. Their thoughtful approach to curating fresh, high-quality options extends to their cider lineup, including hard-to-find gems and local favorites like Anzani Ciders, an up-and-coming hit in the area. With deep connections in the brewing community, Lúpulo consistently brings in unique, craft selections, ensuring there’s always something exciting to try. Whether you’re sampling their rotating cider on tap or picking up a can of something new, Lúpulo’s knowledgeable staff is there to help guide you through their ever-evolving offerings.
5) Vinocruz Wine Bar and Restaurant
Vinocruz Wine Bar and Restaurant may be best known for its impressive selection of over 50 Santa Cruz Mountains wines by the glass, but they also offer something for everyone with local beer and cider on tap. Alongside their celebrated wine list, they feature 1-2 local ciders like Tanuki and Anzani, giving guests a chance to explore the region’s craft cider scene as well. Vinocruz is one of the best spots to try out Tanuki Ciders, which are a locally crafted dry farmhouse style of cider that every cider lover in the county has to add to their bucket list! Their commitment to showcasing the best of local flavors extends to their food menu, with everything made fresh and in-house. Whether you’re sipping a perfectly paired glass of wine or enjoying a refreshing local cider, Vinocruz provides a true taste of the Santa Cruz Mountains.