Tsar Nicoulai: America’s Only ECOCERT™-Certified Sturgeon Farm
A California Legacy of Sustainable Caviar Since 1984
Set among the quiet stretches of California’s Sacramento Valley, Tsar Nicoulai isn’t the kind of place that seeks the spotlight. But since 1984, this pioneering farm has been quietly reshaping the meaning of luxury caviar—pairing old-world tradition with a reverence for the land and water that sustain it.
When the Bolourchi family took over in 2014, they didn’t just preserve the farm’s legacy—they refined it. Under their stewardship, Tsar Nicoulai became the only sturgeon farm in America to earn ECOCERT™ certification, a testament to their commitment to purity, transparency, and ecological innovation. Theirs is a hands-on approach: forward-thinking water systems, energy-conscious design, and a belief that true sustainability means thinking generations ahead—not just harvests.
Here, sturgeon live well. Clean water, species-specific feed, and chemical-free practices define their long, slow maturation. It’s a methodical process. One that takes years—not shortcuts.
Beyond the Tin
Exceptional Freshness, No Middlemen
Caviar is harvested and processed on-site, then shipped directly from our Northern California farm. What arrives at your door hasn’t sat on a shelf—it’s been handled with precision from water to tin.
Pure Product, No Compromises
Free from antibiotics, hormones, or preservatives. Just clean, cold water and a species-specific diet—resulting in a naturally clean-tasting caviar you can trust.
Environmental Integrity You Can Taste
Knowing that your purchase supports a farm recognized by the Monterey Bay Aquarium and ECOCERT™ doesn’t just feel good—it means something. It's a small luxury with a lighter footprint.
Full Traceability, True Transparency
Every tin can be traced back to the source. There’s no mystery behind the label—just responsible farming and a clearly defined origin.
Quality That Speaks for Itself
No flashy claims or excessive packaging. Just carefully raised sturgeon, traditionally processed roe, and the kind of quiet excellence that doesn’t need to shout.
What Sets Tsar Nicoulai Apart
ECOCERT™-Certified Organic Practices
Recognized for meeting some of the highest environmental standards in the world. No antibiotics, no synthetic chemicals, no shortcuts.
90% Water Recycling System
Modeled after the American River’s own filtration rhythm, our farm uses hyacinth ponds and above-ground tanks to recycle up to 90% of its water—a method endorsed as a Best Choice by Monterey Bay Aquarium.
The First Outdoor RAS for Sturgeon
Our new recirculating aquaculture system cuts water use by more than half. Solid waste is composted or repurposed for neighboring farms. Nothing is wasted. Everything has its place.
Caviar Processed Onsite, Without Preservatives
After 6–10 years of careful rearing, the roe is harvested and processed using the traditional malossal method—minimal salt, maximum purity.