Feature | California Bountiful
nonalcoholic apple juice. “Our main focus is farming quality apples
commercially,” Alex said. “But we inevitably always had a supply of second- or third-grade fruit that we were looking to see how we could get more value from.” Andrea said the typical Far West customer is between 25 and 45 years old and looking for something genuine and refreshing. She noted how seltzers became a big trend several years ago, even though a lot of people don’t know what seltzer’s core ingredient is. “With cider, you understand that this came from apples,” she said. “It feels more authentic and hits a flavor profile that people are seeking.” Lucky You Orchards and its products are staples at many farmers markets in the greater Bay Area. Locations include Ferry Plaza, Alemany Market and Fort Mason in San Francisco and markets in Livermore, San Rafael and Mountain View. The family hopes to soon add hard cider to its lineup at the Modesto farmers market. Meanwhile, the Chinchiolo family believes the future is ripe for expansion of the hard cider brand. “I think Far West has a really great opportunity to stand out,” Andrea said.
Far West Cider makes multiple varieties of hard ciders, above, using apples and sometimes other fruit from the Chinchiolo family’s own orchards, left, in San Joaquin County.
CIDER continued from Page 2
Caring is a dry table cider. The business gives the farm an outlet for “cosmetically challenged” fruit, Steve said, adding that blemished or undersized apples may not appeal to consumers but are perfectly fine for making hard cider. The family also produces
Cyndee Fontana-Ott is a freelance writer in Fresno. She can be reached at agalert@cfbf.com.
Little joys can make any moment feel special. These everyday indulgences highlight simple comforts made by California farmers and ranchers and meant for savoring the season. Find them here: agalert.com/bountifulfinds .
A curated collection of goods made by Farm Bureau members
Bradley & Son Grass Fed Beef
Arnett Farms Pumpkin Spice Almond Butter, $17 Made with protein-packed almonds grown at Arnett Farms, this seasonal almond butter combines dry-roasted almonds, unrefined cane sugar and a pumpkin spice blend. The Fresno family farm, established in 1903, has been run by three generations of the Arnett family and grows a wide range of tree fruits and nuts. The almond butter is made in small batches in the family’s home kitchen using a granite stone grinder. It’s a seasonal treat available only through Thanksgiving. Farm Bureau members can find savings using code PUMPKIN10 .
Boa Vista Orchards Hard Apple Cider, $10.99 Made with apples grown on the Visman family farm in El Dorado County, this hard cider reflects more than a century of farming tradition. Boa Vista Orchards began as a potato farm in the early 1900s and is a fourth-generation, year-round destination offering
McFadden Farm Three Herb Wreath, $65-$110 Grown and assembled on the McFadden family farm in Potter Valley, this culinary wreath combines rosemary, thyme and laurel bay—all grown on the ranch. The wreath is made fresh by hand in small batches and is designed to be used for cooking rather than simply displayed. As it dries, the herbs retain their flavor, allowing cooks to pull leaves from the wreath throughout the winter and beyond. McFadden Farm began in 1969 and added herbs and garlic to keep farm crews working year-round. Farm Bureau members receive 20% off through Jan. 28 using code Bountiful .
Ground Beef, $12 per pound A family tradition that began in the 1930s continues today with Bradley & Son Grass Fed Beef. Francis Bradley started raising beef cattle in Lincoln and Sierra Valley, and later generations expanded the family operation to pastures around Chico and Yuba County. Today, Jerry Bradley and his son, Nick, raise cattle and offer 100% grass-fed, grass-finished beef. Their 80/20 ground beef is from cattle born and raised on open pasture and never given hormones or antibiotics. Farm Bureau members receive 20% off the ground beef with code GROUND20 .
fresh produce, baked goods, preserves, wines, ciders and
more. The 650-milliliter cider has 4.2% alcohol content and can be sampled at the farm alongside Boa Vista’s pomegranate, blackberry and peach ciders. Farm Bureau members receive 15% off through Jan. 28 with code HARDCIDER26 .
Farm Bureau members: Selling California-made goods online? Contact us to be featured: agalert@cfbf.com.
Fall 2026 | California Bountiful 3
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