Trade and Media
Boonville, CA – During the Mendocino County Fair and Apple Show Grand Tastings, September 14-16, 2018, visitors will be able to taste flights of award-winning cider from the California Cider Competition and MASICC on both Saturday and Sunday, and cast their vote for their top choice. Cider producers will also be on hand to consult about cider crafting and production.
If you would like to receive a copy of the official press release when awards are announced, click the button below to submit your contact information.
About the California Cider Competition
The California Cider Competition is designed to help consumers find ciders they love and get to know the California cidermakers who craft them. This annual event, the state’s only cider competition, is hosted by California’s one and only Apple Show at the Mendocino County Fair. Now in its 92nd year, it is the only fair anywhere with Apple Jack as a mascot!
In colonial times, cider was America’s drink of choice for everyone from the Founding Fathers to pioneer families. Hard cider was commonly enjoyed with meals and also used as currency for trading. Now there is a cider renaissance spreading across the country.
The California Cider Competition features ciders made from California-grown apples. Much like premium winegrapes, apples develop different flavor profiles depending on the climate and other conditions in which they are grown. Apples grown in California are packed with flavor and are perfect for fermenting the very best fruit-forward ciders.
Commercial cidermakers in California also produce ciders using apples, juice or concentrate from elsewhere. In conjunction with the California Cider Competition, the Mendocino Apple Show International Cider Competition (MASICC) welcomes these exceptional ciders made in California. Home cidermakers can also enter in the Local or Open Enthusiast division.
With the state already renowned for world class food, wine and beer, cidermakers here are producing exciting ciders, drawing inspiration from our own American heritage and from cider styles from around the world.
Questions?
Learn more about this sampling of award-winning hard ciders, more about the producers, and other information! Contact Director Debra Del Fiorentino, (415)640-6337 or Chief Judge Bob Peak, (707)484-2969.
Trade and Media Only!
You're Invited
to a VIP Grand Tasting of award-winning ciders at the Mendocino County Fair & Apple Show on Friday, September 14th — an exclusive series of sips one daybefore the public tastings!
Please join us for a tasting of ciders from the California Cider Competition and Mendocino Apple Show International Cider Competition on Friday, September 14th, 2018. Cidermakers will be on hand to talk about the 2018 harvest, apple terroir, cider crafting and production, and more. You will also be among the first to sample ciders made from apples grown in California, throughout the United States, and internationally.
Where: Mendocino County Fairground, 14400 Hwy 128, Boonville, CA 95415
When: Friday, September 14th, time TBA
Space is limited. Please RSVP below by requesting a Press Pass.
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Quick Facts: A Community of California Cidermakers Supported
Where?
The California Cider Competition is hosted by the state's one and only Apple Show at the Mendocino County Fairgrounds in Boonville, CA.
When?
Judging takes place on June 5, 2018.
The Apple Show is on September 14-17, 2018.
Why?
A cider renaissance is currently spreading across the country. The California Cider Competition is designed to support the state's community of hardworking cidermakers by helping consumers find ciders they love and get to know the craftspeople behind them. Home cidermakers can also enter in the Local or Open Enthusiast division.
The benefits to both individual cidermakers and to their brands are many. For one thing, each entry receives invaluable feedback from the judges that cidermakers can take into consideration while continuing to hone their craft. Cidermakers are also encouraged to apply to judge (though not in any classes they have entered).
Also, by competing cidermakers gain exposure to trade buyers (distributors, chefs, beverage managers, etc.) and media on local, regional, and national levels. Winning an award provides buyers and consumers alike with an assurance of quality from trained judges and experts in the industry. Each winning California cider receives a year of online spotlight here on this website, as well as being supported by opportunities for promotion at events like the San Francisco Cider Summit and Taste of Mendocino. In short, when cidermakers put their ciders out there generates more buzz and more sales.
How?
California-grown apples are packed with flavor and are perfect for fermenting the very best fruit-forward ciders. Commercial cidermakers in California also produce ciders using apples, juice or concentrate from elsewhere. With the state already renowned for world class food, wine, beer, cidermakers here are producing exciting ciders, inspired from our own American heritage, and cider styles from around the world.
