COEUR d'ALENE - When Davon Sjostrom went gluten-free five years ago, he booted beer and headed for his garage to make cider.

"All the ciders were full of sugar and low quality," he said.

Now, three months after Sjostrom and Summit Cider Company partner Jason Fletcher began selling their cider to local bars, restaurants and microbreweries, the duo will hold a grand opening of their tasting room at 3884 N. Schreiber Way, Unit 201, today and Saturday from 4 to 10 p.m. each day.

"We've pulled back on distribution a bit while we open up the tasting room," Sjostrom said. "It's been an eight-month project."

After the grand opening, the tasting room will be open on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 4 to 10 p.m.

"We may expand to more days later and for events," Sjostrom said.

Summit has been selling its "Fall Line," a dry cider, and "Corduroy," an off-dry cider, to area businesses.

This weekend, "Greenhorn," a medium cider, and an unfiltered version of "Corduroy" will be released. All the ciders are 100 percent natural and gluten-free, Sjostrom said.

Sjostrom said Summit's ciders are made with a blend of five dessert apples from the Yakima Valley. The alcohol content ranges from 5.5 to 6.5 percent.

All pints of cider and beer at Summit's tasting room are $5. New growlers (half gallon) with a fill are $25. Growler refills are $18.

"We're not bottling or canning yet, so a growler is the only way you can take our cider home now," Sjostrom said.

Sjostrom and Fletcher both work in the technology industry. Sjostrom owns Sentry Dynamics, a Post Falls firm that specializes in web-based services that incorporate geographic information systems. Fletcher works for an energy company in Pennsylvania.

The two visited a cidery in Green Bluff, Wash., and later decided to start one on their own.

"We thought, 'We can do this,' and went for it," Sjostrom said.

Sjostrom said a few years ago there were no cideries in the Inland Northwest, but several have sprouted up since.

"I think it's partially been because of food allergies," Sjostrom said of the movement. "There's also a perception that cider is healthier (than beer), but that's up for debate. A lot of the ciders in the store are full of sugar, so we're trying to fill the niche of a craft cider option like microbreweries have done."

Summit will offer its cider at Saturday's Wine, Stein and Dine fundraiser at the Greyhound Park and Event Center for Post Falls classroom projects.

Summit's tasting room will not offer food, but snacks will be available. It is open to those 21 and older.