Resident Feature

Tsar Nicoulai Caviar

Nestled in a corner of Wilton, California is the Tsar Nicoulai Caviar Sturgeon Farm. Since its beginning in 1984, Tsar Nicoulai has been at the forefront of sustainable and environmental stewardship. An East Bay family became the owners of Tsar Nicoulai Caviar in 2014. The Bolourchis have remained committed to maintaining Tsar Nicoulai’s dedication to sustainable farming – constantly finding new ways to reduce waste, better the earth, keep their sturgeon happy, and provide the cleanest and healthiest American farmed caviar on the market. 

Tsar Nicoulai Caviar’s sturgeon farm is the 2nd largest sustainable sturgeon farm in the nation and the only one that is Eco-certified. They have a hatchery on property allowing them to oversee the entire process of caviar production – from spawning to harvesting. At their on-site smokehouse, sturgeon meat is smoked with spice combinations created by their farm staff. They also package and ship their products themselves. 

Because of their involvement in the making of their caviar, they can be completely transparent with their customers. In fact, they love sharing their passion so much, they often invite restaurant and retail clients to the farm to take a look around. They also offer exclusive caviar dinner and tours where guests get a sneak peak at the production process, enjoy a caviar themed dinner and take home goodie bags. 

Recently, the Bolourchi family brought Tsar Nicoulai Caviar Café back to the San Francisco Ferry Building. At the café, guests can enjoy inspired farm-to-table dishes featuring the many caviars and roes that Tsar Nicoulai offers. The Café is open Monday and Tuesday 11a-5p, Wednesday – Friday 11a-6p, Saturday 10a – 6p, and Sunday 11a – 5p. 

Tsar Nicoulai Caviar can be found in some local Bay Area grocery stores, as well as purchased online with properly insulated shipping. Visit the website to order, find recipes and learn more about Tsar Nicoulai Caviar, www.tsarnicoulai.com. 


By Marai Bolourchi, Vice President of Tsar Nicoulai Caviar