Beer & Cider Archives - On The Wine Road

The Cider King Speaks – Jeffrey House on Returning to ACE

This podcast was spawned by the new book by Ace Cider founder and former owner, Jeffrey House, The Cider King, How I Ace’d it! The book was Jeffrey’s project after selling his beloved brand in 2021. All kinds of unexpected developments occurred following the book’s release. Of The Cider King book, Jeffrey says, “It’s a story of immigration, a story of business, entrepreneurship, plus some encouragement for anyone who suffers from depression” (which he’s dealt with for decades).

We go into quite a bit of detail about the sale of his company and how he almost bought it back. You’ll also hear how he ended up working for Ace Cider again, thanks to the insightful decision by its new owner in 2024.

Jeffrey is always a kick to interview, aside from the fact that we drink cider while doing it. Maybe pop one open yourself while you listen.

To download the audio, right-click here. To listen, hit the Play button below.

Angela & Jeffrey House in the former Ace in the Hole Pub (Photo courtesy of Christopher A. Kerosky / Sonoma Co. Gazette)

On Sale Now!

Angela House as Brea Tonnika (right) and her movie sister Senni in the first Star Wars film “A New Hope”

The original Ace in the Hole Pub. Good times, music, and cider were experienced there. It is sadly missed.

Beer & Cider

Ace in the Can

The new production facility in Sonoma County will be producing as much as 5000 to 6000 cases a day!

Click below to hear Jeffrey’s full interview from that day.

Beer & Cider, Napa Valley, Wineries

Ace Premium Cider & Harvest on Spring Mountain Vineyard

I’m mixing it up on this podcast with Ace Premium Cider and Harvest on Spring Mountain Vineyard.

For you hard cider fans, you’ll get a kick out of hearing from founder Jeffrey House. The former Brit brought his cider knowledge to the U.S. in the 1970s and opened Ace Premium Craft Cider in 1993. With his sons firmly in place Ace is still a family run business, now in it’s second generation.

Then you can join me on Spring Mountain Vineyard during harvest with their longtime vineyard manager, Ron Rosenbrand. You’ll hear about the unique character of this 845 acre property and how this year’s growing season was for their Bordeaux varieties. Buckle up, it’s time to venture out On The Wine Road.

The Ace In The Hole pub

Apparently Ace In The Hole was the first!

The “harvest” moon early on one of many picking mornings.

Bins to fill with harvested grapes

Harvesting the grapes

Full bins waiting to be trucked to the winery

The sun begins to rise on the vineyard following harvest

Beer & Cider

Craft Beer Pioneer Don Barkley of Napa Smith Brewery

It’s time to veer off the Wine Road a bit and chat with a brewer. After all, the modern era of the craft beer industry began here in the heart of Northern California Wine Country. Don is an icon among brewers beginning with New Albion Brewery, kick-starting Mendocino Brewing Company, and now calling Napa Smith home. He’s been working on his craft as long as some of the winemakers I’ve interviewed. Hear about his past, present and likely future.

Beer & Cider

Tilted Shed Ciderworks

Husband and wife team Scott Heath and Ellen Cavalli have made it their mission is to elevate the apple to greatness through cider. Their “hobby gone wild” is their inspiration and they manage to do it with consideration of the environment and old fashioned techniques. Their long list of retail customers is an indication of their success.

Who’d of thought apples come in so many different sizes???

Beer & Cider

Fogbelt Brewing Company

Remy, (on left in other photo) and Paul have wine making fathers, have worked the business themselves (Paul still helps his father at Hawley Winery) but they followed their passion to brew quality, hand-crafted beer. Hear their story and get more details at FogbeltBrewing.com