Garden Path Fermentation: Wild Ferments, Deep Sense of Place
We’re excited to announce another incredible Snail of Approval awardee – Garden Path Fermentation in Burlington!
Ron Extract and Amber Watts have built a truly place-based cidery, brewery, winery — and sometimes meadery — deeply rooted in Skagit County’s rich agricultural community. Their charming on-site tasting room and bottle shop feature their own ferments alongside thoughtfully curated products from other small-batch artisans.
Working exclusively with 100% locally sourced ingredients and native yeast fermentation, they support local farmers while creating beverages that have a distinctive sense of seasonality and place. Inspired by the Belgium lambic tradition, they cultivate spontaneous winter cultures for their beer and, unlike most breweries that rely on a single lab-cultured strain, maintain a living mixed culture system, which is more akin to a sourdough starter.
Their sourcing is transparent and relationship-driven with strong ties to farmers and producers. This commitment to capturing the terroir of the Skagit Valley is clear in everything they make — from heirloom apples for cider and old-world grain varieties for beer to wine grapes grown in Western Washington, even in spite of our famously rainy weather.
They’ve built an excellent waste management program that goes above and beyond by routinely reusing ingredients through second macerations, composting, and other creative systems. To reduce their reliance on plastic, Ron and Amber have invested in a keg washer and reusable stainless steel kegs.
Every Sunday they host “Sunday School,” a delicious and educational gathering for their team and community to taste new products and learn about the fascinating world of sustainable fermentations. They also regularly support local charities and the food bank, and partner with neighboring businesses to promote a good, clean, and fair food system for everyone.
Congratulations to Ron, Amber, and the team at Garden Path Fermentation on your well-deserved recognition!
Contact Information:
• Garden Path Fermentation
• Ron Extract and Amber Watts
• 11653 Higgins Airport Way, Burlington, WA 98233
• Website: gardenpathwa.com
