Address: 6320 CA-128, Philo, CA 95466
Parking: Free parking right off the road, at the address above
Cost: $20 per person for 7-cider tasting
Hours: Mon-Fri: 11 A.M. to 5 P.M., Sat-Sun: 10AM-5PM
Type: Hard cider tasting
Dog Rules: Dogs allowed on leash. 
Best time to visit: Anytime, as there is ample shade and heat lamps to keep you comfortable on a cold or hot day. I'd recommend visiting on a day when it's not raining so you can enjoy exploring the orchard. 
 
Description: I'm not a fan of wine, but the allure of wine tasting always captivated me. On our way to Fort Bragg, we often spot signs for cider tasting, so this time, we couldn't resist. Our stop at Gowan's Cider Orchard off CA-128 was a delightful surprise!
There are a couple signs posted in advance of this place, so keep an eye out during your drive because you may not get reception. At the orchard, there’s plenty of parking right off the road. The cider tasting is right next to the parking lot, but you can also explore the orchard.
 
This nearly 150-year-old orchard boasts majestic apple trees. Some are over a century old, still bearing fruit, and you can walk right up to them. We were lucky when we arrived because we had the place practically to ourselves. We enjoyed sitting in the sun in the orchard and for $20 got to enjoy seven different hard ciders (along with a bonus slushy version and a bonus warm cider). Every flavor was delicious. Sierra Beauty, 1876 and Gravenstein were our favorites, along with spiced apple and rosé  (which was an interesting rosé-wine/cider mix, but didn't have the wine aftertaste I don't like). We sat at the bar for our first couple drinks and then wandered around the beautiful grassy orchard for a while, spacing out the rest of or tasting. Roxy enjoyed exploring the grassy orchard and basking in the sun. Staff was friendly and knowledgeable, and even brought additional tastings out to us in the orchard. We left with a case of cider and a bag of delicious fresh apples.
 
I'm a lightweight, so this flight was a lot of alcohol for me. I'd definitely recommend splitting a flight if you're driving, and taking a few bottles home to enjoy later. If you buy a case, your tasting flight is free. 

There are plenty of tables and chairs set up right in the orchard. It was a sunny day, so we enjoyed sitting in the sun in the orchard, but there's also a paver patio with heat lamps for colder days. 
 
To the left of the parking area, there are two porta potties (with actual toilets in them), and a sink with running water to wash your hands.

Click here to visit Gowan's website if you'd like to reserve a specific table or area of the orchard