FAQs

is cider the same as beer?

Cider is not the same as beer. Cider is essentially wine made from apples or pears. It is made from whole fruit that is crushed and pressed and fermented with yeast. There is no heat involved in making cider and our ciders are fermented for over a year before they become the finished product. Beer is 90% water where grains are boiled to extract the sugars that will be fermented into alcohol. The beer making process takes about a month from start to finish. The ciders from Mount Diablo Cider Company can be likened to a fine bottle of wine or champagne.

What is so special about your ciders?

The ciders from Mount Diablo Cider Company are special and unique for a few reasons. First, they are made in the same way that traditional champagne is made which takes over a year to complete, is extremely labor intensive, is expensive and requires great skill to produce. Second, the apples that are used are unique varietals that are sourced from local farmers. These varietals produce the best flavor profile and it is only because of our close relationships with these farmers that we can procure them. Third, every batch of cider we produce is a one-of-a-kind limited edition in limited quantity. Ciders made in this manner are extremely rare.

For these reasons, our ciders make excellent gifts and can be used for special occasions and celebrations (i.e.: weddings, graduations, New Year’s Eve, etc.) as well as anytime you crave some bubbly. If you want to make your next celebration special and unique or give someone a distinctive and rare gift, consider one of our Methode Champenoise ciders.

What are the ingredients in your ciders?

All of our ciders are made only from apples and yeast. Therefore, they are GLUTEN FREE, GRAIN FREE, and VEGAN FRIENDLY. All of our ciders are also 100% dry.

WHat is the best way to serve the cider?

Our ciders should be served in the same manner as white wine or champagne. It is best served chilled in a champagne flute or a white wine glass. Our ciders are dry, crisp and delicate and are excellent at cutting through rich and/or spicy foods such as fatty lamb, pork belly, soft cheeses, cream sauces, curries and Cajun dishes. Another good pairing option is to accentuate delicate foods with similar flavors such as fresh oysters, sushi, whitefish and light chicken dishes.

how long can the cider be stored?

We release our ciders when deemed mature enough to be enjoyed, but under the right conditions, our ciders are built so that they can be cellared and improved for years. Our sparkling ciders have been fitted with a double disk five year cork a few months prior to their release date, making them hypothetically at their best 4-5 years after they’re “finished.” We’ve yet to encounter anyone disciplined enough to test this, ourselves included.

i live locally. how can i avoid shipping charges?

We ship to the following states: AK, AZ, CA, CO, DC, FL, GA, HI, IA, ID, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, ME, MN, MO, NC, ND, NE, NH, NM, NV, NY, OH, OK, OR, PA, SC, TN, TX, VA, VT, WA, WI, WV, WY. However, If you live within a 5 mile radius of Lafayette, CA (94549) we can deliver the cider to you free of charge. Just click on “Local Delivery” upon check out. You may also pick up the cider, but only if pre-arranged via email.

How can i buy your ciders?

You can purchase our bottled ciders online through this website or by calling or messaging us. We also accept Venmo and PayPal for your convenience, but only for orders prepared via contacting us. You can also buy our ciders at various cider bars and bottle shops around the Bay Area, please see our Partners page for a list of places where you can enjoy a glass from tap or purchase bottles from a retailer.