Rob Kuhar’s journey embodies the spirit of curiosity, dedication, and community that defines our industry. Located in Trumansburg, NY, Rob and his brother aren't just making exceptional cider; they are proving that passion and creativity can turn any challenge into an opportunity.

Rob’s path to cider began not in an orchard, but in the classroom, while studying to become a sommelier. Though the wine program only dedicated one brief chapter to cider, Rob felt there was "a lot more to understand". This spark of curiosity led him down a rabbit hole of self-teaching, focusing on learning by doing rather than following traditional instruction. The result of this hands-on, learn-as-you-go philosophy is a distinct style of cider, heavily influenced by the wine world (using methods like bâtonnage and champagne techniques) and the Finger Lakes region.

Rob and his brother intentionally lean into the tough terroir of New York, seeking out trees that are "struggling" in "cold and windy" hillside conditions, much like premium wine grapes. Their unique sourcing method focuses on what they call “feral trees”: previously commercial apple varieties that were abandoned 20 years ago. These trees are unpruned, unfertilized, and only the most resilient have survived, yielding small, gnarly fruit that reflects the unique soil and microclimate. As Rob explains, this method means the flavor profile is "100% reflection of the soil" and what grows well there.

Perhaps the most inspiring element of the Idiot Brothers' story is their incredible ingenuity and grit. Facing the initial challenge of scaling, Rob (an electrician by trade) and his brother built their cidery from the ground up, literally. Their first cider facility was a barn with no electricity or plumbing. All their equipment for the first several years was hand-built, including their walk-in cooler, made from reclaimed sheet metal and foam board. They turned a hand grinder into a commercial model for only $45 by sourcing and customizing parts like pulleys and belts, even naming their upgraded grinder “Grindzilla 2000”. They run on an affordable budget, avoiding debt. This resourcefulness is not only a fantastic business model but a testament to their dedication to their craft!

The famously "swaggy" name, Idiot Brothers Cider, came from a spontaneous (and slightly tipsy) suggestion from Rob's girlfriend during a wine tour, but it perfectly captures the brand's genuine ethos. The name and their silhouette logo are meant to replicate that person in your life "who you can just be silly around" and with whom you "don't have to put on a mask". The entire brand is built on a "contrast juxtaposition": a chill, laid-back name paired with a high-end, luxury-feeling product and tasting experience.

Rob's hope for the future is to see the cider industry elevate its status, moving away from being viewed as "leaning into the beer world too heavy". He believes the hard work and patience required of cider growers should place them closer to the wine world, encouraging consumers to be more "cerebral" with their tastings and pairings. Their story, from DIY equipment to crafting ageable world-class cider, serves as a powerful inspiration for every small producer striving to elevate the New York cider industry through ingenuity and relentless dedication.

It’s often said that New York cider is a labor of love, and for Ann Bliss, that love story began with a simple act of sibling bonding. Forget the typical orchard tour; for Ann Bliss, Certified Pommelier, Head Bartender at Mullers Cider House, and NYCA’s Special Projects Coordinator, falling for craft cider was a joint adventure with her sister; a journey that quickly became a tradition.

Today, Ann’s dedication is an enormous asset to our association, and her passion is infectious. She embodies the consumer, the educator, and the advocate, giving her a vital 360-degree view of our entire community.

Ann's daily interactions at Mullers Cider House offer a unique barometer for consumer tastes. She notes a significant, exciting shift: customers are trending drier. This change, she believes, goes hand-in-hand with education—the more consumers learn about production and taste the apple in the glass, the more their palates evolve. Ann highlights the magic of working in the Finger Lakes/Western NY region, a “safe haven” where relationship building with makers is key. It's here she learned the conversation starter: not just that a cider is dry, but that its acidity tastes like lemon, and its tannins provide body, leading people down the "rabbit hole" of flavor.

In her role as the Special Projects Coordinator, Ann is driven by two major goals that will benefit every member: she aims to flesh out the enthusiast space within NYCA to build a stronger community centered not just on cider, but on agriculture, history, and food sovereignty. Perhaps her most exciting vision is working towards establishing American Pomological Areas (APAs) with the TTB. This initiative would elevate the conversation around terroir and define why New York's regions are uniquely special.

Ann’s ultimate advice for any cidery is simple, genuine, and profound: "Go with your gut." She encourages makers to chase their passion, even if it leads them to a unique style. Ann argues that the storytelling and the love you pour into a craft product is what people truly respond to. They may not instantly love every single cider, but "they'll love your cidery and come back for that experience of the storytelling and the community."

We are thrilled to have Ann's energy and wisdom guiding the New York Cider Association. Her commitment to building community and advocating for the true craft of cider makes her an irreplaceable part of our family. Thank you, Ann, for everything you do!

Deep in New York's renowned Finger Lakes region,amid its premier agricultural lands, a profound philosophy is shaping the future of craft beverage. It’s the driving force behind Giving Tree Cidery, where cidermaker Christopher Papalia is blending his extensive winemaking expertise with a generous spirit to create something truly exceptional. More than just a cidery, Giving Tree represents a commitment to raising the bar for the entire category.

The name Giving Tree is more than a nostalgic nod; it’s the core ethos of the operation. Papalia, who is also a seasoned winemaker, founded the cidery on his own property, which came with an unexpected abundance: an apple orchard. "You realize you have five tons of apples and you can't just give them away," Christopher explains, "but as soon as I ferment it, I could give it away like nobody's business." This experience, combined with his winemaking belief that grapes (or in this case, apples) belong to the product which belongs to the people, solidified his vision: to give people what they need out of the product. This philosophy drives him to prioritize the consumer experience, ensuring every pour is intentional, transparent, and high-quality.

Giving Tree is boldly pursuing a model built on exclusivity and education, aiming to position cider squarely in the realm of fine wine. The cornerstone of this plan is their upcoming tap room in Penn Yan, NY. Far from a typical free-for-all, Papalia plans an immersive experience: "It's going to be ticket-only to get into the tasting room. "So, we can spend a little more time catering to people and letting them ask questions, and really understand the process. That's what they're looking for, too." This speakeasy-style, ski-lodge vibe is designed to foster a personal connection between the drinker and the craft, making the journey from orchard to glass a sophisticated occasion. Christopher’s winemaking background informs his commitment to minimal intervention and purity. He treats his ciders like Chardonnays, focusing on clean, consistent fermentations with no added acid or flavoring. If you're tasting their work for the first time, he recommends their Traditional cider. "It’s a very favorable sugar content, and we keep the acid almost none," he says, making it instantly approachable for anyone who might say, "I don't like cider."

Papalia is not just perfecting the present; he's innovating for the future of the category. The most exciting trend on his horizon is a forthcoming line of non-carbonated "still" ciders bottled in hawk wine bottles. This approach is deliberate: "I don't love carbonation all the time. I could go for something in a wine glass that's great." Crucially, these still ciders will maintain a modest 6.5% ABV, preserving one of cider's core appeals—a lighter, more approachable experience than wine. This move is aimed at infiltrating culinary spaces, where the complexity of a still, non-bloating beverage offers unparalleled parability for chefs and diners alike.

When asked about his biggest goals, Christopher bypasses competitive ambition for a far grander vision: elevating the entire cider category. "I just want to see cider more in people's hands," he states. For him, every quality brand is an essential piece of a larger puzzle. Christopher views the current moment as a cider renaissance, echoing the transformative growth seen in the New York wine and craft beer industries decades ago. "All ships rise with the tide. I kind of want to see cider as a whole really doing well and making a market tap even more than it is now... We've got all these apples in New York State. Let's promote it. Let's really show what we have." Through quality, passion, and genuine collaboration, Giving Tree Cidery is dedicated to being a pioneer in this exciting new era, ensuring that cider finally gets the recognition and the premium space it deserves.

In a journey that began with an old apple press and a spontaneous experiment, the team behind B&E Ciderworks—co-owners Nick, his wife Sam, and Andy—are crafting ciders that are as rooted in community and tradition as they are in flavor. The project took root after Andy refurbished an antique barrel press and Nick showed up with a batch of apples from a produce auction. That initial experiment yielded just one carboy of cider, but it was enough to spark an idea and set the foundation for what would become B&E Ciderworks three years later.

B&E Ciderworks prides itself on a "traditional" approach to cidermaking. The focus is on using 100% juice and natural ingredients, staying away from sulfites and sorbates often found in mass-produced ciders. They describe their philosophy as making cider the way it would have been made a century ago, with a focus on simplicity and pure flavor. This dedication to tradition is evident in their single-varietal ciders, which have included Crispin, Granny Smith, and Macintosh apples.

The cidery's location in Macedon, New York—nestled between Canandaigua Lake and Lake Ontario—provides access to some of the best apple-growing regions in the state. B&E Ciderworks partners with small, local farms, including an orchard where Nick once worked and planted trees. This personal connection ensures their ciders are as local as possible, often sourced from farms just a few towns away.

Their creative process is a true community effort. Nick and Andy often host gatherings where friends and neighbors taste small batches and provide feedback. They use score sheets to gather notes on flavor, sweetness, and overall quality, a method that led to the creation of their flagship cider, "Crasher." This community input is a constant source of inspiration, even leading to new products like their seasonal mulled cider, which was born from a request from people at their local market.

Like many up-and-coming cidermakers, B&E Ciderworks has faced its share of challenges. One of the most memorable was an equipment failure with their refurbished wooden press, which broke mid-press. They overcame the issue by enlisting a neighbor's help to weld a new steel support beam, allowing them to continue and fulfill their orders.

Looking forward, their main goal is to establish a tasting room. They've received significant community feedback from people eager to visit, taste their ciders, and have a place to gather. This vision aligns with a broader trend in the craft beverage industry, where tasting rooms are seen as crucial for building a brand, fostering a loyal customer base, and creating a unique community culture. In the meantime, they are focused on perfecting their fall line and continuing to grow their brand.

Nestled on the east side of Keuka Lake in the heart of the Finger Lakes, Sylvan Farm & Cider is more than just a cidery; it's the culmination of a lifelong journey for Josh and Charlie. Their story is a blend of rooted tradition, unexpected detours, and a shared passion for crafting cider that truly speaks of its unique origins.

Charlie's connection to the land runs deep. He grew up on the very farm where Sylvan Cider now operates, a place his grandparents first acquired in the 1970s. As a child, his "first apple association" involved shaking wild apple trees and "fighting the cows" for fruit to make sweet cider. His path, however, took him away from the farm for a time.

After studying communication in Pennsylvania, he earned a master's in theology, worked in international community development, and even served as a minister. He eventually found himself in the San Francisco tech world before realizing he belonged back on a farm. This journey led him to a biodynamic heirloom apple farm in Mendocino County, California, where he would meet his partner, Josh.

Josh's background is equally rich and diverse. An art teacher for a decade in Memphis and Arkansas, he also had a passion for farming. He worked at an educational farm a few miles from Charlie, and the two quickly realized they shared a common vision. Josh's expertise in photography and graphic design has become a cornerstone of Sylvan Cider, with his artistic vision defining the beautiful and distinctive labels that adorn each bottle.

Charlie notes, "It's pretty amazing to not have to hire a design company, but to have someone who's actually part of the project." This unique collaboration allows Charlie to focus on the cider-making process and cellar work, while Josh oversees the orchard management and all the creative marketing, a partnership they affectionately call a way to "split the stress and responsibility."

Sylvan Cider's philosophy is rooted in a deep respect for their "more than human neighbors." They see their farming as a collaborative process with the ecological web of life, making cider from fruits that naturally thrive on their land. While they are in the process of planting an orchard of traditional bittersweet cider apples and perry pears, they currently focus on using fruit from wild and feral trees found within a mile of their cidery. The joys of this approach are immense, including the creative process of tasting and blending fruit from dozens of different trees. "It's the joy of discovery," Charlie explains, noting that every year and every tree is different. He also finds a profound, almost spiritual connection in working with ancient trees, some of which are over 100 or 200 years old. This unique method also presents its share of challenges. Wild foraging is a physically demanding process, requiring them to prune ancient trees, gather fruit from thorny bushes, and race against deer to collect the apples at their peak ripeness. The unpredictability of the harvest means they must constantly be on the lookout for a single ripe tree in the middle of the woods. Yet, this dedication results in ciders that are "completely unique and also a true expression of the landscape."

Looking ahead, Josh and Charlie are focused on growing their business while staying true to their values. In the near term, they're excited about bottling their first Pommeau. They're also in the process of building their house by hand. Their long-term vision includes creating a space on the farm for cider tastings, offering guests the chance to pair their ciders with local cheeses and other Finger Lakes foods. They also hope to incorporate animals like sheep or pigs to graze under the trees.

They also hope to share their peaceful, rural setting with others, especially those who may not feel at home in the country. "It's kind of unusual as queer, you know, gay men to be farmers in general," Charlie acknowledges, "but for us, we love living where we do in this kind of peaceful setting." They envision Sylvan Farm & Cider as a safe and welcoming space for everyone, where people can come to experience nature, enjoy fantastic cider, and connect with the land.

Finally, for those just starting their cider-making journey, Charlie's advice is simple yet profound: "Seek out real-world educational experience... ask all the dumb questions." He also stresses the importance of starting small and not taking on too much debt, ensuring that the passion and values that led you to cider in the first place don't get lost along the way.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT: Scott Ramsey

PHONE: (646) 772-5871

EMAIL: scott@newyorkcider.org

ASSEMBLYWOMAN DONNA LUPARDO HONORS 10 YEARS OF

THE NEW YORK CIDER ASSOCIATION AT STONE RIDGE ORCHARD

(Stone Ridge, NY_July 21, 2025) – This past Saturday, Assemblymember Donna Lupardo (123rd AD) joined New York Cider Association Executive Director Scott Ramsey and founding member Elizabeth Ryan of Hudson Valley Farmhouse Cider to commemorate a decade of progress for New York’s cider industry. The gathering took place at the historic Stone Ridge Orchard, owned by Elizabeth Ryan, one of the state’s pioneering cider producers, to celebrate a resolution introduced by Assemblywoman Lupardo in the New York State Assembly recognizing the 10th anniversary of the New York Cider Association.

“Here’s to the NY Cider Association on their 10th Anniversary!” said Assemblymember Lupardo. “As a co-sponsor of the original Farm Cidery Law of 2013, I am thrilled to see NY Cider’s amazing growth, now with over 100 active producers. The Association is to be commended for helping build NY’s successful cider industry, including their work with me and Senator Skoufis on legislation allowing Direct-to-Consumer shipment of their products. Thank you to Liz Ryan and everyone at Hudson Valley Farmhouse Cider at Stone Ridge Orchard for hosting us.”

“As a founding cidermaker of the New York Cider Association, I’m deeply proud of the massive progress we’ve made in just 10 short years as we work to return New York to its rightful drink. From a handful of small producers to a vibrant statewide community of over 100 cidermakers of all sizes, this industry is helping build prosperity for farms, families, and craft beverage businesses across New York. We are especially grateful to Assemblymember Lupardo for her continued leadership and recognition of our hardworking community,” says Elizabeth Ryan, owner of Hudson Valley Farmhouse Cider and a founding member of the Association.

Scott Ramsey, New York Cider Association Executive Director Cider added, “This milestone is not only a celebration of how far the NY Cider industry has come due in large part to the tremendous partnerships we have with such insightful leaders like Assemblywoman Lupardo, but it’s also a moment to recognize the incredible vision, labor, and collaboration behind all of it. From legislative wins like the Farm Cidery Law to recent Direct-to-Consumer shipping approval, New York continues to lead the nation in cider innovation, advocacy, and quality. The New York Cider Association is proud to carry that momentum into the next decade.”

About the New York Cider Association

Founded in 2015 and celebrating ten years, the New York Cider Association is dedicated to cultivating the NY Cider industry by elevating the awareness, quality, and accessibility of NY Cider. Representing a diverse network of cider makers, growers, and industry stakeholders, NYCA advocates for policies that support the industry, fosters education, and promotes NY Cider as a premier craft beverage. For more information, visit www.newyorkcider.org

When Karl duHoffmann left the world of theater behind, it wasn’t because he had run out of stages to perform on; it was because he’d found something else worth spotlighting: the transformative magic of apples. 

Karl’s journey into cider began as an experiment; a curiosity shared with his friend Andrew Emig. What started as a hobby in distilling turned into something much more enduring. They sourced juice from the legendary Soons Orchards and distilled small batches of brandy at Tuttletown Spirits. As barrels filled, they discovered something even more compelling than the brandy itself: Pommeau. 

“The Pommeau was just… beautiful,” Karl remembers. “We tasted it a few years in, and we were like, "Yeah. This is something.’” That something became the backbone of what would evolve into Orchard Hill Cider Mill. With the addition of Jeffrey Soons, Karl and Andrew officially moved from hobbyists to cidermakers. 

Orchard Hill was never about trends. It was about taste, time, and terroir. Having worked with well-known sommeliers in Michelin rated restaurants in the world of fine wine influenced the cidermaking approach at Orchard Hill. Orchard Hill doesn’t chase the market—it honors it. “We’re very purist, very old school,” Karl says. “We don’t use additives. No concentrates. No dilution. Just great fruit, traditional methods, and patience.” 

Their estate-grown apples, 99% of which are cultivated at Soons, serve as the foundation for Karl’s favorite offerings: the iconic Red Label (a bottle-conditioned, non-disgorged cider), the bittersweet-forward Bitters & Sharps, and of course, the trailblazing Ten66 Pommeau. “We were the first to really bring it to market in a meaningful way,” Karl says proudly. “It’s the Pommeau that launched a thousand others.” 

Orchard Hill’s approach is marked by intention. Ciders are aged oxidatively with pump-overs, developing complexity and body in a world that often prizes speed and sweetness. Even bottling is deliberate. “Cans just don’t do cider justice,” Karl says, unflinchingly. “There’s beauty in a bottle. There's age-ability. There’s ceremony.” 

But Karl is not immune to the pressures facing small producers. “The market is contracting. Distribution is tough. The industry is in survival mode,” he says candidly. Yet his solution isn’t retreat, it’s reach. “I’d love to see Orchard Hill grow its footprint, get more bottles out, build up our club. Get Ten66 into the world.” 

In a cider industry wrestling with change, Karl duHoffmann is a voice of experience and resilience. He champions substance over flash, quality over quantity. “You don’t need everything figured out to start. “We didn’t have cider apples, or equipment, or capital,” he says. “But if you want to do it, do it. You’ll figure it out.” 

In that spirit, Orchard Hill Cider Mill is not just cidery; it’s a story of transformation, from stage lights to cellar barrels, driven by curiosity and sustained by craft. For Karl, the show is just getting started. 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT: Scott Ramsey

PHONE: (646) 772-5871

EMAIL: scott@newyorkcider.org

NY CIDER CELEBRATES 10 YEARS OF INDUSTRY LEADERSHIP

AT NY SENATE CIDER DAY

Senator May and Assemblywoman Lupardo Honor the Association with Resolutions

(Albany, NY_May 27, 2025) Last week, the New York Cider Association was honored at the State Capitol during NY Senate Cider Day, a milestone moment celebrating a decade of progress for NY Cider’s industry. The occasion marked not only ten years of statewide industry advocacy and growth, but also the recent and hard-fought success of Direct-to-Consumer (DTC) shipping for spirits and cider, a game-changing win for NY’s farm-based producers. In recognition of this pivotal anniversary, Senator Rachel May and Assemblywoman Donna Lupardo introduced resolutions that were adopted by both chambers of the New York State Legislature, honoring the Association and its members’ contributions to New York agriculture, small business, and craft beverage innovation.

“NY Senate Cider Day at the Capitol was more than a celebration – it was a well-deserved moment of pride and reflection for our members. For ten years, this Association has worked tirelessly side-by-side with cider makers, growers, industry partners, and legislators to deliver on our mission of cultivating this industry. The resolutions from Senator May and Assemblywoman Lupardo reaffirm that cider has a powerful story to tell, and New York is the best place to tell it,” said Scott Ramsey, Executive Director of the New York Cider Association.

“Upstate New York is a prime location for apple growing, and we are fortunate to have many orchards and apple products in our region, including hard cider. We celebrate the 10th anniversary of the New York State Cider Association, which has worked hard to advocate for the cider industry. Cider is now thriving, thanks to their relentless efforts and recent legislation allowing direct shipment to consumers. I was thrilled to welcome cideries from all over New York to my annual ‘New York State of Cider’ celebration. This event is a wonderful reminder of how lucky we are to have such exceptional cideries producing some of the best hard cider in the country,” said Senator Rachel May.

“Here’s to the NY Cider Association on their 10th Anniversary! As a co-sponsor of the original Farm Cidery Law of 2013, I am thrilled to see NY Cider’s amazing growth, with nearly 100 active producers. The Association is to be commended for helping build NY’s successful cider industry, including their work with me on legislation allowing Direct-to-Consumer shipment of their products,” said Assemblymember Donna Lupardo.

"New York's cideries sit at the intersection of tourism, agriculture, and small business, and direct-to-consumer shipping was a correction after years of the state ignoring what our hardworking small business owners needed. I'm glad to celebrate the ten-year anniversary of the New York Cider Association in the legislature as well as the continued success of this important piece of legislation,” said Senator James Skoufis.

NY Senate Cider Day featured tastings from NY Cider makers across the state, showcasing the diversity, craft, and regional flavor of ciders made from New York grown apples. Legislators and staff were invited to meet producers, taste their offerings, and learn more about the industry’s economic and agricultural impact from rural job creation and land stewardship to culinary tourism and beyond.

About the New York Cider Association

The New York Cider Association is celebrating ten years as the statewide trade organization representing cider makers, growers, and their industry stakeholders across the NY Cider ecosystem. Through market development programming, education, and legislative advocacy, the Association works to support a vibrant cider industry rooted in agriculture and built for growth. Learn more by downloading the NY Cider Trail app or visit www.newyorkcider.org

What begins as a dream among friends, often over a few good drinks, can sometimes turn into something unexpectedly extraordinary. For Nate Carson, co-founder and cidermaker at Uncommon Kin Cidery, that’s exactly how the journey began.

Nate and his close friends, childhood companions from Pennsylvania, were looking for a way out of the corporate grind. They craved something more meaningful, more grounded. As fate would have it, one of them had access to a family property dotted with old apple trees in upstate New York. A casual visit to the Confer property became a turning point, and before long, cider started flowing and so did ideas.

Having come from the craft beer world, Nate brought a brewer’s instinct and a love for fermentation. His longtime friend Caleb Confer, with a background in home winemaking and landscaping, added a keen sense of terroir and heritage. The two, along with Caleb’s brother CJ, father Corey Sr., and at the time a few other friends began nurturing those old apple trees. They realized they had stumbled upon something far bigger than a weekend hobby.

The most rewarding part for Nate? “It’s watching a shared dream with your closest friends evolve into a real, tangible passion,” he says. “We’re doing something we love and we’re doing it together.”

Today, Uncommon Kin is known for its hands-on, small-batch cider. Each bottle is hand-pressed and tells a story of community, collaboration, and place. Their tasting room in New Berlin, NY is open Saturdays and Sundays from 2–8 PM, welcoming guests into the heart of the orchard experience.

While they’ve just started making their way into restaurants, Nate and the crew remain deeply connected to their roots, literally and figuratively. They plan to expand online sales in the near future, but for now, much of their cider remains a local treasure.

Looking ahead, Nate hopes to see Uncommon Kin become a sustainable, thriving business for all involved—something that grows in both reach and recognition while staying true to its community-driven beginnings.

With every pour, Uncommon Kin raises a glass to friendship, hard work, and the joy of building something meaningful together.

For siblings Steve (SJ) and Tori Pennings, cider isn’t just a business—it’s a family legacy. Nestled in the heart of the Hudson Valley, Pennings Farm Cidery is the result of generations of hard work, perseverance, and an unwavering commitment to crafting exceptional ciders.

Their journey began long before they were born, when their grandfather, a tulip salesman from Holland, planted roots in Warwick, NY as a dairy farmer. As the dairy industry shifted, he transitioned to apple orchards, setting the stage for what would later become a thriving cider business.

In 2015, SJ still in college and needing an internship to graduate, proposed a bold idea: why not turn his family's orchard into a cider destination? With his university’s approval, he and Tori set off on a cross-country cidery tour, learning from some of the best in the industry. From Oregon to New York, their journey shaped the vision for what would become Pennings Farm Cidery.

By 2016, they opened their taproom, and almost overnight, the response was electric. The cidery became a hub for locals and visitors alike, drawn not just by the incredible variety of ciders crafted from apples grown on their farm; but also by the atmosphere, featuring live music, brick oven pizza, and breathtaking orchard views.

For SJ, one of the most rewarding aspects of the business has been witnessing its evolution firsthand. From childhood memories of watching his parents and grandparents work the land to now leading a thriving cider operation, he has seen the family's hard work pay off.

Today, Pennings Farm Cidery is more than just a cidery, it’s a community, a place where cider lovers can experience farm-to-glass innovation while feeling like part of the Pennings family. Looking ahead, SJ and Tori are focused on keeping their business sustainable and adaptable, ensuring that their family’s legacy continues to grow.

When asked for advice for aspiring cidermakers, SJ keeps it simple:

"Make sure you love this. If you love this and work your ass off, you’ll succeed. Especially in New York—there’s so much room for us to thrive together. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Whether it’s other producers, Cornell, or the New York Cider Association, we all learn from each other.”

With a deep respect for tradition and a bold vision for the future, Pennings Farm Cidery is proof that passion and persistence can turn an orchard into an empire one cider at a time.