Tsar Nicoulai

Tsar Nicoulai Caviar has been raising sturgeon and producing American caviar in Northern California since the early 1980s. Long before domestic caviar was widely available, they helped prove that it could be done responsibly, with quality that stands alongside the best in the world.

Their fish are raised on their California farm in carefully managed, above ground tank and pond systems designed to support healthy growth while protecting the surrounding environment. Working closely with UC Davis, Tsar Nicoulai has continued to refine their farming practices over decades, including the use of aquaponic filtration that naturally cleans and reuses water. The result is a system that prioritizes both fish welfare and long term sustainability.

Tsar Nicoulai caviar is made simply, using just roe and sea salt, with no preservatives or additives. Everything is produced in small batches, allowing them to maintain consistency, texture, and flavor. Beyond caviar, they also smoke their sturgeon and produce specialty items entirely in house, from harvest through final packaging.

At its core, Tsar Nicoulai is about transparency and care. They oversee every step of the process, keep production close to home, and focus on doing things thoughtfully rather than quickly. It’s a true farm to table operation, rooted in craft, patience, and respect for the product.