There’s nothing that says fall quite like a glass of fresh-pressed apple cider. Imagine an apple, freshly picked from the orchard, its skin still warm from the sun. Within hours, it’s washed, crushed, and pressed, the sweet juice flowing into a jug or steaming cup. That simple journey—from tree to press to glass—captures the heart of the harvest season. Two longtime favorites—Barsotti Family Juice Company and Rainbow Orchard—have perfected this craft, turning fresh-picked apples into liquid gold.
Barsotti Family Juice Company#
Tucked in the heart of our community, Barsotti Family Juice Company has been pressing apples for decades. Their cider is famous for its purity—just apples, no added sugar or preservatives. Barsotti’s also offers other seasonal favorites, like lemonade, mango and carrot juices, making it a must-stop for families looking for refreshing farm-to-glass goodness. And the best part? You don’t have to wait until your next visit to our farms to enjoy it—you can grab a jug of Barsotti’s Juice at most local supermarkets across Northern California.
Barsotti’s is also the proud parent company of North Canyon Hard Cider, bringing their apple expertise to a refreshing hard cider line. Their tasting space is now open Saturday, and Sunday, through November 16th, 2025, giving guests the chance to sip, relax, and enjoy a different spin on their famous apples.
Rainbow Orchard#
The Rainbow Orchards barn has been a cider mill since the 1940s. Fresh from the historic on-site mill, Rainbow Orchards cider is unpasteurized, unfiltered, and made from “Nothin’ but Apples.” Rainbow Orchards is one of the only places in California licensed to sell this fresh, raw cider directly to consumers. On pressing days, visitors can watch the traditional process through glass windows as apples are transformed into golden cider before their eyes. Be sure to pick up a jug at the Rainbow barn and pair it with a hot apple cider donut made with fresh-pressed Rainbow cider. You’ll also find Rainbow’s cider at Bay Area farmers markets as well as regional markets in Davis and Tahoe.
Rainbow also ferments this same fresh “soft” cider into hard cider. Made in the European style with no added sugar, artificial flavors, or carbonation, Rainbow Orchards’ hard cider is available daily at the barn and offered for tastings on weekends in October. Varietals include Hard Apple Cider, Hard Apple Blueberry Cider, Hard Blueberry Cider, and Hard Pear Cider—all crafted from fresh-pressed Rainbow fruit.
A True Taste of Fall#
Whether you’re sipping it cold straight from the jug at our ranches, savoring it piping hot with an apple cider donut, or enjoying a glass of hard cider at Rainbow Orchards or North Canyon Cider Company, the cider made by our Apple Hill Grower farms is more than just a drink—it’s a tradition. Pressed with care and made from locally grown apples, each glass captures the freshness of harvest season in the Sierra foothills.
So, when you visit us this season, make sure cider is at the top of your must-try list. Bring a jug (or two) home—you’ll be glad you did!