S. Martinelli & Company was founded by Stephen G. Martinelli, a young Swiss, who in 1859 settled in Central California's fertile Pajaro Valley near Monterey Bay, where the apples were of exceptional quality for cider making. In 1868 he started his cider business in his brother's barn, using apples from California's first commercial orchards. The original products were bottle-fermented champagne cider, hard cider, and carbonated soft drinks.. Deliveries were made by horsedrawn wagon. The expanding business moved to its current location in the center of Watsonville in 1885. A steam-powered cider mill was constructed, new tanks and bottling equipment were installed, and a 40-acre apple orchard was planted to assure a supply of the best varieties. Martinelli's cider soon became well known as the finest available anywhere, and in 1890 it was awarded the first prize gold medal at the California State Fair. This highest honor led to the adoption of the brand trademark, "Martinelli's Gold Medal."®

Martinelli Apple Cider Sparkler Price: $3.60