NewsCalifornia News

Actions

The roots of Martinelli's sparkling cider success

The roots of Martinelli's sparkling cider success
Posted
and last updated

WATSONVILLE, Calif. — Martinelli's Sparkling Cider dates back to 1868 when Stephen G. Martinelli started making hard apple cider in his brother's barn using apples from California's first commercial orchards. The Central Coast business continued to ride a high of popularity until prohibition when the fresh apple market dried up for most farmers in the area.

But today it's Stephen's great-grandson, John Martinelli, who keeps the juices flowing in Watsonville. The family continues to pay homage to their past with a display of historic bottles and labels.

"Grandfather developed the apple-shaped bottle, and that became our signature item because it shows the consumer this is what it is. It's 100 percent apple juice from U.S. grown apples and there are no additives of any kind."

The 151-year-old business continues to thrive thanks in part to growers in the nearby Pajaro Valley.

Bakersfield, CA

Weather

Daily Forecast

View Hourly Forecast

Day

Conditions

HI / LO

Precip

SaturdaySat

08/08/2026

Clear

-° / 79°

0%

SundaySun

08/09/2026

Mostly Clear

111° / 83°

0%

MondayMon

08/10/2026

Mostly Clear

109° / 81°

0%

TuesdayTue

08/11/2026

Partly Cloudy

104° / 79°

0%

WednesdayWed

08/12/2026

Partly Cloudy

101° / 76°

0%

ThursdayThu

08/13/2026

Partly Cloudy

97° / 70°

1%

FridayFri

08/14/2026

Mostly Clear

96° / 70°

1%

SaturdaySat

08/15/2026

Mostly Clear

96° / 70°

0%