Sip the Season: Our Legendary Apple Juice Is Here!

At The Orchard at Meadow Lakes, the moment we’ve all been waiting for has arrived - our famous fresh-pressed apple juice is here, and it’s nothing short of spectacular! This year, as we do every season (barring any delightful orchard surprises), we’ve crafted our juice using a perfect blend of McIntosh, Golden Delicious, Empire, and Mutsu apples. In my humble opinion, this is the best apple juice you’ll ever taste, and once you take a sip, I think you’ll agree. Available starting Saturday, October 11, 2025, we have just 110 bottles, and they’ll disappear faster than a crisp fall breeze - so come by this week to grab yours!

Why This Apple Blend Shines

Our signature juice owes its unforgettable flavor to the unique talents each apple variety brings to the mix. Here’s why we choose this quartet year after year:

• McIntosh: The star of the show, McIntosh brings a bold, tart zing that wakes up your taste buds. Its juicy, slightly spicy profile lays the foundation for a vibrant, full-bodied juice that’s unmistakably fresh.

• Golden Delicious: This apple is the sweet, mellow crooner of the bunch, adding a honeyed smoothness that balances the tartness. Its soft, sunny flavor makes every sip feel like a warm hug from the orchard.

• Empire: The unsung hero, Empire contributes a crisp, clean bite with just the right touch of sweetness. Its firm texture ensures the juice has a robust, well-rounded character that ties the blend together.

• Mutsu: The grand finale, Mutsu delivers a subtle, refreshing sweetness with a hint of citrusy brightness. It’s the perfect closer, leaving a lingering, feel-good finish that makes you reach for another sip.

  
  

Together, these apples create a symphony of flavors - tart, sweet, crisp, and refreshing - that’s as complex as it is delicious. It’s the taste of The Orchard at Meadow Lakes in every bottle, capturing a century of tradition and the magic of Fresno County’s only U-Pick apple orchard.

A Heartfelt Thank You to Robin Calderwood

None of this would be possible without the incredible Robin Calderwood, our orchard’s rock and soul for the past 30 years. Robin’s tireless dedication ensured every apple was perfectly pressed this year, coordinating seamlessly with our trusted partners on the Central Coast. From keeping our operations running smoothly to preserving the heart of The Orchard at Meadow Lakes, Robin is the glue that holds us together. James and I, along with our entire community, are endlessly grateful for her passion, wisdom, and unwavering commitment. Robin, you’re our hero - thank you for making this season’s juice a reality!

Grab Your Bottle Before They’re Gone!

We have just 110 bottles of this liquid gold, priced between $15–$18 (I’ll nail down the exact cost once the pressing bill arrives - stay tuned!). To be safe, bring a couple of $20 bills, and you’ll be set. With only a limited batch, these bottles will sell out fast, so don’t wait - swing by The Orchard at Meadow Lakes this week! If there’s a line, cash will speed things up, so you can get back to enjoying the orchard’s fall magic.

Join Us This Weekend for More Fun

This weekend is packed with reasons to visit. Today Saturday, October 11, 2025, at 10 a.m., we’re hosting a car club featuring stunning Corvettes and Trans Ams - perfect for car enthusiasts and families alike. Plus, the talented Sandy of Sandy’s Whimsies will be weaving her magic this weekend, creating enchanting bookmarks, mittens, and shawls right before your eyes on both Saturday and Sunday. Her 60 years of fiber artistry are a sight to behold, so don’t miss it!

Visit The Orchard at Meadow Lakes This Weekend

The weather has been pure magic, with crisp fall days and breathtaking Sierra Nevada views. Whether you’re here for the apple juice, Sandy’s artistry, the car show, or just to soak in the season, we can’t wait to welcome you. Our farm store is open Tuesday through Sunday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., brimming with local Sierra Nevada goodies like coffee, pastries, jams, and goat milk products from our friends at Basilwood Farms. During apple season (through November 1), we’re open daily except Monday, so there’s plenty of time to visit.

Come experience the heart of eastern Fresno County’s only mountain apple orchard, where tradition, community, and a darn good jug of apple juice await. See you this weekend at The Orchard at Meadow Lakes!

Warmly,

The Orchard Team

The Orchard at Meadow Lakes

(559) 890-1022 | @meadowlakesorchard