Enjoy a Tour of Hale’s Apple Farm and Hard Cider Tasting at Horse & Plow – Sebastopol, CA

Join us for a fun-filled day at Hales Apple Farm where you can learn about apple farming, then enjoy a tasting of delicious hard cider at Horse & Plow.

Dave Hale has had a family run apple farm for over 40 years in Sebastopol. Apple farmers like Hale have become an endangered species in Sonoma County. Rising land values, vineyards replacing orchards, and cheap apple imports have driven out most small apple farms. Many farmers have had to supplement their orchard operations by turning over at least part of their land to grape growing. The maintenance cost is less and the price per ton $6,000+ versus $275 or so for apples. In 1937, Sonoma County had an estimated 17,000 acres of apple orchards, the region’s growers boomed from supplying World War II troops with dried apples but has declined ever since. The Gravenstein Apple is what Sebastopol is known for, but Dave has many types of apples on his farm which he sells at his stand seven days a week.

Come hear about the history of apples in Sonoma County and learn about the various types of apples currently grown in the county. There will be plenty of apples for you to purchase as well!

Then on to Horse & Plow (This tasting is included in the full event as well as offered separately if you don’t wish to visit the apple farm.)

Horse & Plow
1272 Gravenstein Hwy N, Sebastopol, CA

Chris and Suzanne are the owners and winemakers at this lovely organic wine and cider venue They source their fruit from small orchards and vineyards primarily in Sonoma County. One of their producers is Dave Hale himself!

We will be tasting four ciders. Additional cider or wine will be available for purchase. We will have our gathering in their lovely outdoor seating area where we can enjoy each other’s company and make some new friends. Under a huge oak tree, we will learn about the farms they source from and the techniques they employ. Horse & Plow has wonderful cheese and charcuterie platters you can purchase to enjoy with your tastings!

This in-person event is the perfect opportunity to experience the autumn season in all its glory. Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the world of apple farming and cider making!