It’s that special time of the year again! The kids are back in school, the weather is crispy but not cold, and local cider is being toasted across the Empire State. That’s right folks: it’s Cider Week New York!
The party kicks off on Friday, October 6, and the celebration continues through October 15, and covers the entire state from Brooklyn to Buffalo. New York is the second-largest apple producing state in the country, and cider is an increasingly powerful segment of the apple market. It has been gaining unprecedented interest in the past 10 years, with an increase in growth of 2,400% and $1.7 billion in economic impact, according to the New York Cider Association.
The Hudson Valley, of course, noted for its many farm-fresh specialties—from maple syrup to small-batch artisanal cheese—is considered by many to be one of the most exciting places in the world to try sophisticated, locally produced ciders in a range of styles and flavors.
We hope you enjoy your cider across New York in the coming days, but if you’re looking for a few incredible events in the Hudson Valley, take note of these:
Families and U-Pick Fans:
Head to Pennings Farm Cidery and Little Apple Cidery
Pennings: 4 Warwick Turnpike | Warwick
Little Apple Cidery: 178 Orchard Lane | Hillsdale
Pennings is celebrating Cider Week with U-Pick apples and self-guided cider flights all week, from 10 am to 4 pm. Weekend tickets include two one-peck bags of apples, parking, guaranteed entry to Pennings Cidery and/or the Market, Garden Center, Bar & Grill. Buy tickets ahead here. (Advance tickets are not necessary during the week.)
Little Apple Cidery is offering a ton of family fun on October 8, with tacos by Aloha, donuts by Great Cape, music by Roe Jane Bluegrass Band, and a lot of cider. Roll into the week with a barrel-rolling contest, apple pressing demo, and a raffle! Find out more here.
Dog Lovers:
Head to Indian Ladder Farms Harvest Marketplace
432 Altamont Road | Altamont
On Wednesday, October 11, head over to Indian Ladder Farms for a Bark & Sip celebration from 12 to 8 pm. You’ll find $5 off cider bottles, in addition to the usual Bark & Sip special: a 16-ounce beer, two hotdogs for humans, and one hot dog for your doggo. Entry is free, but get the full scoop here.
Academics:
Head to Angry Orchard Innovation Cider House
2241 Albany Post Road | Walden
If you want to take your passion for cider to the next level, check out Angry Orchard’s in-person Certified Cider Professional Level 1 certification workshop on Wednesday, October 11 from 1 to 4 pm. This workshop is where you will learn about the history of cider, the cider-making process, and different styles of cider. A formal tasting is included, and after the class, you have the option to take the test and walk away with a certification, or take the test at a later date. Lunch is also included. Buy tickets here.
All-Around Cider Obsessives:
Head to Naked Flock
82 Four Corners Road | Warwick
Naked Flock, nestled within the Applewood Winery family, is offering cider tasting flights all week long. To take full advantage, make a reservation at the Pavilion Bar, where you will get table service for flights and cider cocktails. You can also reserve a Cabana, which offers full access to the bar and café menu.
Game and Cycle Lovers:
Head to Nine Pin Ciderworks
929 Broadway | Albany
On Tuesday, October 10 at 6 pm, Nine Pin is hosting a Bingo game with a Nine Pin theme, making it the kind of PINGO night we can all get behind. Entry is free, so you can head in and just enjoy cider, dinner, and silly games (with prizes).
If you’d rather hit the road with the Nine Pin crew, join the Great Cider Cycle on Sunday, October 15 from 11 am to 3 pm. Meet at Nine Pin anytime between 11 am and 1:30 pm for your token, hit the Mohawk-Hudson Bike Trail, and head for cider maker Jacob Alejandro who will be waiting for you in Troy with a cider and a dessert. Then make your way back to Nine Pin for more cider. Get all the details and tickets here.
Hardcore Cider Afficionados:
Head to the Big Sip at Bethel Woods
220 Hurd Road | Bethel
Sip, sip, hooray! The biggest cider event of the year kicks off on October 7 from 1 to 5 pm at Bethel Woods. The party includes premium tastings, live music, and artisanal snacks at the iconic home of the 1969 Woodstock Festival. You’ll find selections of New York and New England craft beverages from more than 50 vendors. Find out more and get your tickets here.
Esoteric Cider Lovers:
Head to Boutique Wines, Spirits and Ciders
8 Westage Drive | Fishkill
Sure you’ve tried ciders in a myriad of styles. But have you tried pumpkin? Cherry? Pear? All of your hard apple and general fruit fantasies can come true at Boutique Wines, Spirits and Ciders, with 13 ciders on tap and more than 175 different types of cider in stock. The focus is on low-production, high-quality, great value ciders (and meads, wines, and spirits), so no matter what you and your friends dig, chances are, you’ll find it here.
For more inspiration, be sure to check out the Calendar of Events for Cider Week, which is frequently updated as new opportunities to sip pop up.
Header photo: Dorothee Brand