From Homebrewing to Local Legend

Dave Carr spent more than 20 years homebrewing before turning his attention to cider and mead, partly so his wife Kerry, who is gluten intolerant, could enjoy what he made. In 2015 they founded Raging Cider & Mead Co., a family-owned cidery now based in San Marcos in North County San Diego. Today Dave is one of the most inventive cidermakers in Southern California. For anyone looking to buy San Diego craft cider and wine online, Raging is a must-try local producer.

Every Drop from San Diego County

Raging's guiding rule is simple: 100% San Diego County fruit and honey. Dave sources apples from local orchards, including heritage trees in the mountains around Julian, forages wild and seedling apples, and buys "ugly" fruit that would otherwise be thrown away. That approach supports local farmers, reduces waste and helps preserve orchards that might otherwise disappear. Dave's bigger dream is to build San Diego into a recognized cider region.

Wild Fermentation and Endless Curiosity

Raging uses natural, wild fermentation, letting native yeasts do the work. The range is remarkably wide: English-style scrumpy, Basque and Asturian-inspired still ciders, single-variety ciders, perry, mead, wine and coferments of apples and grapes fermented together. Some are bottled as pét-nat, finishing their fermentation in the bottle for natural bubbles.

The Apple-and-Grape Pét-Nat

This sparkling coferment blends local apples with San Diego County wine grapes, fermented together and bottled as a pét-nat. The result sits somewhere between dry cider and natural sparkling wine: crisp orchard fruit and green apple from the cider side, with the texture, aromatics and red-fruit or floral notes of grapes, and a lively, slightly cloudy fizz. It is dry, refreshing and wonderfully food-friendly.

Why Raging Cider & Mead Matters Today

Raging represents the best of San Diego's craft beverage scene: local, sustainable, curious and delicious. For customers of Harvest Wine Shop San Diego, this coferment is a chance to support a neighbor while exploring an exciting natural, small-batch style that is winning fans among both wine and cider lovers.

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. Who owns Raging Cider & Mead Co.?

The Carr family. Dave and Kerry Carr founded it in 2015.

2. Where is Raging Cider located?

In San Marcos, in North County San Diego.

3. Where does the fruit come from?

All fruit and honey come from San Diego County.

4. What is a coferment?

A drink made by fermenting two kinds of fruit together, here apples and grapes, in the same vessel.

5. What is pét-nat?

Pétillant naturel, a sparkling style bottled before fermentation is finished so bubbles form naturally in the bottle.

6. Is it cider or wine?

A bit of both. Coferments blur the line, combining cider's crisp orchard fruit with the texture and aromatics of wine.

7. Is it dry?

Raging's ciders and coferments are generally dry. Check the label for each release.

8. Is it gluten-free?

Cider and wine are naturally made without grains. If you have a medical concern, check with the producer.

9. What does it taste like?

Green apple and orchard fruit with grape aromatics, a touch of funk and lively bubbles.

10. What food pairs with it?

• Casual: Fish tacos, fried chicken, pizza
  
• Cheese: Cheddar, Camembert, washed-rind cheeses
  
• Pork: Carnitas, sausages, pork chops
  
• Brunch: Quiche, savory crêpes
  

11. Why does it look cloudy?

Pét-nats are often unfiltered, so a little natural sediment and haze are normal.

12. How should I open it?

Chill it well and open slowly over the sink. Natural sparkling drinks can be lively.

13. Does Raging help local orchards?

Yes. Dave buys imperfect fruit and works to rebuild San Diego County's orchard industry.

14. Where can I buy Raging Cider & Mead online?

You can buy it at Harvest Wine Shop San Diego, champions of local, natural and small-batch producers, with shipping to California and select states.