Madrone Cellars and Cider

What Madrone Cellars and Cider does

Madrone Cellars and Cider is a privately held, bootstrapped winery and cidery founded in 2017 by Shaun Salamida and Amy Salamida on San Juan Island, Washington. The company produces natural, wild-fermented wines (single-varietal reds and whites, méthode traditionnelle sparkling, pétillant naturel, piquette, and dessert wines) and ciders/perry (traditional ciders, piquette, perry, and fruit blends) from island-grown organic fruit and sourced grapes from Columbia Valley, Wahluke Slope, White Bluffs, Naches Heights, and Rocky Reach AVAs. The core production technology is a zero-intervention platform: wild/native fermentation, zero filtration, lees aging for natural antioxidant protection, zero added sulfites, zero residual sugar, and regenerative organic farming at the Saltwater Farm estate vineyard and orchard.

The business operates entirely direct-to-consumer through three channels: a downtown Friday Harbor restaurant and wine bar (Madrone Bar + Kitchen, two blocks from the ferry); a by-reservation estate winery and tasting experience in the San Juan Valley; and a proprietary e-commerce storefront shipping to 37+ US states via Vinoshipper. Two subscription programs — the bi-annual Wine Club (3/6/12 bottle releases in April and September, 15–20% member discount) and the monthly Can Club ($20 4-pack of cider) — formalize recurring revenue, complemented by a heavy community-events programming layer (Vinyl Nights, Science Uncorked, comedy, live music, seasonal festivals) and a 100% gluten-free brunch and share-plates menu at the bar.

Revenue is generated from one-time wine and cider sales ($20–$50 bottles, $22–$25 cider 4-packs), recurring subscriptions, on-site food and beverage service at Madrone Bar + Kitchen, paid events ($15–$10 comedy nights, $50 winery tastings), and tasting room experience revenue. The customer base consists of natural-wine enthusiasts, San Juan Island visitors and diners, committed Wine/Can Club subscribers, and a sustainable local food and beverage partnership ecosystem including Saltwater Farm, Kwiaht Heritage Orchard, Mitchell Bay Farm, Redwing Farm, Barn Owl Bakery, Island Haven Animal Sanctuary, Westcott Bay Shellfish Company, and Island Verse Literary Collective. The firm has 1–10 employees, no disclosed funding or outside investors, and was awarded a 2026 Silver medal at the Northwest Cider Cup for The Isles cider.

Name

Madrone Cellars and Cider

Legal name

Madrone Cellars

Website

https://madronecellars.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2017

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Madrone Cellars and Cider is a San Juan Island, Washington winery and cidery founded in 2017 producing natural, wild-fermented wines and ciders via direct-to-consumer channels — a Friday Harbor restaurant and wine bar, an estate tasting experience, a Wine/Can Club, and an e-commerce storefront shipping nationwide.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Craft Winery and Cidery

NAICS

Wineries (312130), Wineries (31213), Beer, Wine, and Liquor Retailers (44532)

SIC

Beverages (2080), Wholesale-Beer, Wine & Distilled Alcoholic Beverages (5180)

akta.pro primary industry

Wine & Sparkling Wine Wineries & Brands (CRADAIAB)

akta.pro secondary industries

Cider & Perry Producers & Brands (CRADAIAE), Cider & Perry Production (AFAFAAAD), Wineries & Vineyards (Tasting Rooms) (THAFALAE), Alcohol Subscription & Wine Clubs (Retail) (CRANABAF), Wine Shops (Off-Premise) (CRANAAAB)

Keywords

• Natural wine production
• Wild fermented cider
• Winery hospitality services
• Wine club subscriptions
• Regenerative vineyard farming

Headquarters

HQ city

Seattle

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Supply Chain, Operations, Personnel, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Direct Wine & Cider Sales: Wines and ciders sold directly to consumers through the company's e-commerce storefront (shop.madronecellars.com) and at both physical locations. Wine prices range from $20 to $50 per bottle; ciders from $22 for a 4-pack. Shipping available to select US states.
2. Wine Club Subscription: Wine Club members receive bi-annual releases (April and September) of 3, 6, or 12 bottles with 15–20% discounts. Club perks include complimentary flights twice yearly, 50% off winery tours, access to limited-edition wines, priority event access, and discounted glass pours at the bar. Free to join with no annual fee.
3. Can Club Subscription: Monthly delivery of a 4-pack of cider for $20. Each month's selection is a different hard cider, all 100% San Juan Island grown and produced. Pickup at downtown Friday Harbor wine bar. Free to join, cancel anytime.
4. Food & Beverage Service (Madrone Bar + Kitchen): On-site food and beverage revenue at the downtown Friday Harbor restaurant and wine bar. Serves brunch (Saturday and Sunday, 10am–2pm, 100% gluten-free) and a full menu of sharing plates, with wine, cider, beer, and non-alcoholic options. Happy hour 3–5pm.
5. Events and Private Experiences: Revenue generated from paid events including comedy nights ($15–$10 tickets), harvest festivals, private winery tours and tastings (by reservation, $50/person for 50% off for club members), and event space bookings. Live music events may include donations to performers.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Madrone Cellars and Cider produces and sells natural, wild fermented wines and pétillant naturel ciders crafted from island-grown organic fruit on San Juan Island, Washington. The company sells approximately 18 wine SKUs and 4 cider/perry SKUs through its e-commerce shop, downtown tasting room (Madrone Bar + Kitchen), estate winery, and Wine Club and Can Club subscription programs. It also operates a gluten-free restaurant and hosts community events as part of its direct-to-consumer retail and hospitality experience.

Product overview

Madrone Cellars and Cider is an award-winning winery and cidery offering natural, wild fermented wines and pétillant naturel ciders crafted from island-grown organic fruit on San Juan Island, Washington. The portfolio centers on two core product lines: wines (including single-varietal reds, white wines, méthode traditionnelle sparkling wines, piquette, and dessert wines) and ciders/perry (including traditional ciders, perry, piquette, and specialty fruit ciders). The company also operates the Madrone Bar + Kitchen downtown tasting room and offers two subscription programs — the Wine Club (wine releases in April and September) and the Can Club (monthly cider deliveries). A private winery experience at the production facility is available by reservation.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Barrel Select Cabernet Sauvignon (2022) Premium 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon aged 36 months in a single new French oak barrel from the Element Series by Seguin Moreau; only 24 cases produced.
• Calypso Cuvée Méthode Traditionnelle sparkling wine crafted with Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier, aged 3 years en triage; dry, gluten-free, vegan with citrus, toasted hazelnut, and brioche notes.
• 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Cabernet Sauvignon barrel aged 36 months in French oak; balanced, bold, and smooth; unfiltered, vegan, gluten-free.
• Ruby Dessert Wine First Late Bottied Vintage release, aged 4 years in barrel; notes of caramel, cocoa, figs, and dried currants; single barrel vintage, only 30 cases produced.
• Pinot Meunier Sparkling Rosé Méthode Traditionnelle sparkling Pinot Meunier rosé with bright wild strawberry notes.
• Barrel Aged Aronia Black Currant Fruit wine barrel aged 12 months in neutral French oak with native fermentation; earthy with spice and dried currant notes.
• 2022 June (Piquette) Natural wine seltzer produced by rehydrating and refermenting leftover grape pomace from red wine pressing; low alcohol with bright cherry, raspberry, and currant notes.
• 2022 Riesling Unfiltered white wine with jasmine, tangerine, and starfruit notes; native fermentation in stainless steel; sourced from Bacchus & Gamache Vineyards, White Bluffs AVA.
• 2022 Pet Nat Cinsaut Unfiltered sparkling pétillant naturel wine from Cinsaut grapes with orange blossom, grapefruit, and pear notes; native fermentation in stainless steel; sourced from Strand Vineyard, Naches Heights AVA.
• 2022 Pinot Gris Unfiltered white wine with passionfruit, lychee, and lemon notes; sourced from Strand Vineyard, Naches Heights AVA.
• 2022 Viognier Unfiltered dry white wine with white peach and guava notes; sourced from Sagemoor Vineyards, White Bluffs AVA.
• 2022 Equinox Medium-bodied Syrah with bright cherry notes; aged 8 months in stainless steel and 3 years in bottle; unfiltered, wild fermented, vegan, gluten-free; sourced from Weinbau Vineyards, Wahluke Slope AVA.
• 2023 Camas Chillable carbonic red blend of Syrah and Cinsaut; aged 8 months in stainless steel and 1 year in bottle; unfiltered, wild fermented, vegan, gluten-free.
• 2020 Croissance Flagship red blend of 67% Malbec and 33% Cabernet Sauvignon, aged 36 months in neutral French oak; smooth with lingering tannic finish and red currant and blackberry notes; unfiltered, vegan, gluten-free; sourced from Double D and Sagemoor Vineyards, Columbia Valley AVA.
• 2020 Malbec 100% Malbec aged 24 months in neutral French oak with spice and smoke notes; sourced from Double D Vineyards, Rocky Reach AVA.
• 2020 Merlot 100% Merlot barrel aged 24 months in neutral French oak; boldest red with dark cherry and cocoa notes; sourced from Bacchus Vineyards, White Bluffs AVA.
• Rose & Thorn Fortified fruit wine co-fermented with local heritage apples, pears, nootka rose, hawthorn berries, lavender, local hops, and Aronia berries; fortified with cider brandy; fermented in stainless steel, unfiltered, native fermentation, 0% residual sugar.
• Belle Âme Blueberry dessert wine made with blueberries from Redwing Farm on San Juan Island, co-fermented with pear, apple, and grape brandy; native fermentation in stainless steel; unfiltered with 6% residual sugar.
• The Isles (Piquette 4-Pack) Silver medal winner in the 2026 Northwest Cider Cup. Piquette made from rehydrated apple pomace refermented with Asian pears, heritage apples, and quince; sparkling, wild fermented, unfiltered, bottle conditioned, 0% residual sugar, 3.6% ABV; sold as a 4-pack of 355 mL cans.
• Local Blend Dry heritage apple blend from San Juan, Shaw, and Lopez Islands; native fermentation, barrel aged 8 months, bottle conditioned.
• Salish Trio Dry sparkling cider crafted with organically farmed Asian pears, apples, and quince; native fermentation with 0% residual sugar; blend of 45% Shinko Asian pears, 25% King apples, 23% Blue Pearmain, 4% quince, 3% crab apples.
• Island Perry Dry, floral, sparkling perry crafted with organically farmed Asian pears from Mitchell Bay Farm; blend of 53% Chojuro, 20% Nijiseiki, 20% Shinko, 3% Don Bae, 4% Quince.
• Wine Club Wine-only subscription membership with bi-annual releases in April and September; options for 3, 6, or 12 bottle releases at 15–20% discount; complimentary flight twice yearly, 50% off tours, access to limited-edition wines, and first access to winery events; free to join.
• Can Club Monthly cider subscription delivering one 4-pack of cider for $20, all 100% San Juan Island grown and produced; free to join with pickup at the downtown Friday Harbor wine bar.
• Private Winery Experience Private tour and tasting at the Madrone Cellars production facility in the San Juan Valley, hosted by winemaker and owner Shaun Salamida; includes production space tour and in-depth tasting of current vintages; reservations via email; $50/person with 50% discount for wine club members.
• Madrone Bar + Kitchen Downtown Friday Harbor restaurant and wine bar two blocks from the ferry terminal; family- and pet-friendly with an outdoor wine garden; serves sharing plates with gluten-free and vegan options; hosts 100% gluten-free weekend brunch, happy hour, live music, and special events.

Quantifiable outcome

• Since 2022, approximately 600 cases of glass bottles have been reused through the Bottle Reuse Program
• +1 more outcomes

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature5 records

Partnerships

Eight partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Saltwater FarmcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2021Partnership with Saltwater Farm (Andrew Fleming and Merriss Waters) began in 2021 when the estate vineyard was planted. The vision is to produce island sparkling wines and ciders reflecting San Juan Island terroir and Saltwater Farm's specific microclimate — southern-facing, rocky soil, natural wind protection. Grape varieties include Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier, Siegerrebe, and Albariño. The estate orchard was planted in 2023 with heritage apple and pear varieties sourced from Kwiaht Heritage Orchard. The vineyard and orchard are farmed using regenerative, organic practices.
• Island Haven Animal SanctuaryminorOthersMadrone shares property with the Island Haven Animal Sanctuary. Manure from the sanctuary is mixed with apple and grape pomace after pressing and spread as compost throughout the estate orchard and vineyard, closing the circular economy loop on the farm.
• Kwiaht Heritage OrchardcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerHeritage fruit tree varieties for the Saltwater Farm estate orchard were sourced from Kwiaht Heritage Orchard on Lopez Island. Kwiaht works to preserve unique island fruit tree varieties rarely found outside the San Juan Islands, supporting Madrone's goal of crafting distinctly island-derived ciders.
• Redwing Farm (San Juan Island)minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorBlueberries sourced from Redwing Farm on San Juan Island for the Belle Âme blueberry dessert wine, which also includes pear, apple, and grape brandy. Represents Madrone's farm-to-bottle sourcing philosophy.
• Mitchell Bay FarmminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorOrganically farmed Asian pears sourced from Mitchell Bay Farm for the Island Perry cider. The Perry is crafted with 53% Chojuro, 20% Nijiseiki, 20% Shinko, 3% Don Bae, and 4% Quince Asian pears.
• Barn Owl Bakery (Lopez Island)minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorGluten-free sourdough bread for the Smoked Salmon Tartine at Madrone Bar + Kitchen is sourced from Barn Owl Bakery on Lopez Island, supporting the restaurant's commitment to local, gluten-free food sourcing.
• Westcott Bay Shellfish CompanyminorGTM or Marketing PartnerWestcott Bay Shellfish Company joins Madrone events with fresh oysters (limited supplies) before science talks. Example: Science Uncorked events feature Westcott Bay oysters available prior to the talk.
• Island Verse Literary CollectiveminorGTM or Marketing PartnerFundraising beneficiary of the Harvest Festival at Madrone. The event raised funds for the Island Verse Literary Collective through a $15 cover charge, with live music donated by local musicians.

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Others

• Vinoshipper: Direct-shipping compliance and logistics platform used by Madrone to reach 30+ US states. Enabler/ecosystem partner rather than a competitor, but representative of the broader DTC alcohol shipping infrastructure.

Broad incumbents

• Argyle Winery: Established Oregon sparkling wine producer (méthode traditionnelle). Comparable product category (sparkling) but at much larger scale and broader distribution than Madrone's small-batch natural sparkling.
• Tieton Cider Works: One of the largest craft cider producers in Washington State. Comparable hard cider category but operates at significantly greater production scale with broader distribution.
• Banshee Wines: Sonoma-based winery with a strong natural/wild ferment portfolio and DTC subscription model. Overlapping methodology (minimal intervention, wild yeast) at meaningfully larger production scale.

Emerging players

• Island Orchard Cider: Small-batch hard cider producer with a similar craft, single-orchard sourcing ethos. Comparable in scale and category overlap to Madrone's cider line.
• Domaine de la Côte: Small-lot Pinot Noir producer with minimal-intervention philosophy. Comparable natural, terroir-driven, low-volume winemaking approach but in California's Sta. Rita Hills.

Direct peers

• Hard Row to Hoe Vineyards: Lake Chelan winery where Salamida worked as Assistant Winemaker. Small-lot, boutique Washington winery with a focus on estate-grown, hand-crafted wines—comparable scale and craft positioning.
• Eve's Cidery: Finger Lakes, NY craft cidery making dry, naturally fermented ciders from heritage apple varieties. Closest natural-cider methodology peer with similar orchard-sourcing philosophy.
• San Juan Island Vineyards: San Juan Island-based winery where founder Shaun Salamida began his career. Operates as a vineyard and tasting room on the same island, serving overlapping natural-wine and tourist customers in Friday Harbor.
• Mellisoni Vineyards: Lake Chelan winery where Salamida served as Head Winemaker. Small-production Washington winery with comparable artisan positioning and DTC focus.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Instagraminstagram.com/madronecellars_cider
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/madrone-cellars

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles2 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Madrone Cellars and Cider