Natalie Hanson, PRESS DEMOCRAT
A Sebastopol apple farmer plans to open a new apple press in Santa Rosa in time to serve his own and other organic farms this fall, offering a potential boost to small North Bay producers who have few options for processing their fruit.
Gold Ridge Organic Farms announced June 16 that owner Brooke Hazen signed a lease to open a 20,000-square-foot apple processing facility at 3320 Industrial Drive in Santa Rosa. Hazen said the goal is to open Heritage Apple Press during the 2026 season and process up to 80 tons per day.
The press will serve growers throughout Northern California, including Sonoma County, Mendocino County and the Pajaro Valley, he said. The facility is built to serve family and small-scale farmers, handling fruit for fresh-pack, juice, cider, vinegar and custom pressing.