The gold rush that’s lasted 150 years.
While the rest of the country was searching for gold in the mines of California, two brothers from Switzerland found it in the trees.
BRAND STORY
Striking Liquid Gold
In the mid-1850s, as many flocked to California seeking gold, Louis and Stephen Martinelli found a different kind of treasure. With its mild climate and fertile soil, the Pajaro Valley was ideal for apple farming, and soon the Martinelli brothers turned their attention to crafting a unique fermented apple cider. Stephen, using his expertise from Champagne-making in France, created a cider that quickly gained popularity along California’s Central Coast.
The Return of the
Pre-Prohibition
Hard Cider
Around 1917, as local municipalities began curbing the sale of alcohol—a prelude to Prohibition—Martinelli’s halted all hard cider production and swiftly adapted, swapping their hard cider for the sparkling and still apple juice the world has come to love today. And though the award- winning hard cider has reappeared a few times post-Prohibition, it’s celebrated comeback is finally here for good.
