Central Coast Cider Festival returns to Atascadero Aug. 23
Festival offers tastings from over 20 producers
– More than 20 cider producers from across California will gather Saturday, Aug. 23 at the Sunken Gardens in Atascadero for the seventh annual Central Coast Cider Festival, scheduled from 4 to 8 p.m.
Cider makers will travel from as far north as Sebastapol (Onirique Cider), Lafayette (Mount Diablo Cide), Chico (Lassen Traditional Cider) and Santa Cruz (Santa Cruz Cider Co.), and as far south as Crestline (Sycamore Ranc Winery & Cidery), Gardena (Honest Abe Cidery), Los Angeles (Benny Boy Brewing) and San Marcos (Raging Cider & Mead Co.) to pour for guests.
“You’re more likely to find a four-leaf clover in the orchard than this many cider options in one place,” said Jeremy Fleming, co-founder of SLO Cider and Central Coast Cider Association president. “We’re talking dozens of makers, hundreds of pours, and flavors you didn’t even know cider could pull off.”
The Central Coast Cider Association hosts the event, which moved to the Sunken Gardens last year. The outdoor setting allows attendees to sample cider as the sun goes down and into the evening.
Organizers say the festival welcomes cider enthusiasts and those interested in learning about styles including traditional dry, sweet, hopped and fruit-infused ciders, as well as meads fermented with honey.
“Cider is where fruit gets to shine without hops stealing the spotlight. It’s naturally gluten-free, endlessly creative, and rooted in orchards … not barley fields. Plus, you’ll never mistake a sip of cider for anything else,” added Fleming.
Cider is a fermented alcoholic beverage made from apple juice. It is similar to wine in that it is made through fermentation, but distinct from craft beer, which is brewed from grains and involves boiling. The term “hard cider” is often used to distinguish the alcoholic version from non-alcoholic apple cider.
In addition to cider, more than 20 food and merchant vendors will be on site, and attendees can play mega-sized beer pong. Live music will be performed by the Murder Hornets, with DJ sets by Traffic Records. Organizers encourage attendees to visit downtown afterward.
Tickets are $100 for the new connoisseur ticket, which includes a VIP festival ticket and a VIP experience Friday night at Lone Madrone featuring an educational session with an apple grower and pommelier, cider tasting and time with cider makers. Only 10 of these tickets remain. VIP tickets are $75 and include one-hour early entry at 4 p.m. General admission tickets are $55 with entry at 5 p.m. Designated driver tickets are $20.
For more information, visit www.CentralCoastCiderFestival.com.
