As of this past March, Cider enthusiasts have a new home base to sip in San Diego, California, as Bivouac Ciderworks has opened its 5,700-square-foot Adventure Lodge.
“The Bivouac Adventure Lodge is a multi-faceted concept that was originally born out of the necessity for increased production capacity,” says Lara Worm, owner of Bivouac Ciderworks. “As with everything we do at Bivouac, we are design and detail obsessed, so when we decided to dive into the project, we focused on form, function and intentionality.”
Worm, who says she loves to travel and discover cultures and traditions far and wide, wanted to bring that same focus on community cultivation to Bivouac. Bivouac means “temporary camp,” inspiring the brand to embrace the great outdoors. This focus, interest and company value also resonates with like-minded outdoor enthusiasts.
“Our brand is inspired by, and appeals to campers, climbers, hikers and outdoor adventurers,” says Worm. “Our drink is made to quench a thirst produced by wanderlust and physical activity.”
While Bivouac Ciderworks was established in 2017, the new Adventure Lodge was the next step in expanding the company. The main space was designed with inspiration from a glamping yurt, and features abundant natural light and a neutral color palette with plenty of texture.
Cider lovers can stop in for a glass, or take part in an expert-led cider tasting of Bivouac ciders. There are other local and regional ciders featured, as well. “The primary feature of the space is a massive natural stone tasting bar with 20 taps and many more ciders in bottles, from Bivouac and around the world, designed for pommelier-led education and tastings where consumers can learn more about cider,” says Worm.
“Cider, quite possibly, has the broadest range of any alcoholic drink in existence,” says Worm. “You can drink it at a sporting event, a backyard BBQ, around a campfire, with a fine meal at a Michelin star restaurant. It can be produced with native fermentation, be single-varietal, funky, esoteric, or it can be sweet, smooth and palatable.
“Simply put,” she adds, “I believe there is a cider for everyone.”
Visitors will also find a “General Store” at Bivouac’s Adventure Camp, stocked with curated pantry goods including bottled ciders, along with an outdoor gear selection and chef-driven food options to grab a snack to pair with a drink. There’s also a coffee shop, a co-working space, and a 12-seat speakeasy space with a focus on sipping brandy. Of course, the cidery’s production facility is located in The Adventure Lodge as well, with the opportunity for guests to take a peek.
“Everything in the space was inspired by a desire to bring cider education to a wider audience, and to invest in our neighborhood, our community, and our brand,” says Worm. “The Adventure Lodge is an ode to cider, a welcoming place to create community, and is sure to change the cider game in Southern California. Our motto is ‘embrace your adventure,’ and that’s exactly what we’re doing!”
