Allison and Michael’s story is one of resiliency. They are the husband and wife power couple that own and operate Apple Barrel Orchards, located in Penn Yan, New York. Allison is a fourth generation farmer, who purchased the farm from her parents in 2020. Allison is the first woman in her family to run the farm since its inception back in the 1900’s! She purchased her farm in mid March of 2020 while the COVID pandemic was unfolding. As one may guess, the pandemic threw a wrench in her and Michael’s plans. However, they did not allow an obstacle to deter them from their goals and ambitions.

Fortunately, their u-pick operation and farm store kept them afloat during the pandemic. Michael, had already been enrolled in the Viticulture and Wine Technology program at Finger Lakes Community College with plans to expand the current business by adding a cidery to the farm. With that goal in mind, Michael and Allison planted a new orchard in 2021 with specific heirloom apples for fermenting and began making cider commercially in 2023. This venture has turned out to be a rewarding one for the couple, as they have many frequent flyers in their taproom.

One of their hopes is to be a part of the cider revolution in the Finger Lakes. They believe that with all the rich heritage apples in their region, cider should be just as popular as wine is in the Finger Lakes. Allison and Michael both plan on keeping their cidery small scale, as there are parts of their craftsmanship that they are never willing to give up. Allison wants her patrons to feel at home when they visit and experience the farm and now cidery through shared stories of her family’s history here. Michael likes being able to point to a tree and tell someone that is where his cider came from and has enjoyed seeing how the different dessert and heirloom apples take shape and evolve through the fermentation process, each having their own unique flavor while highlighting the characteristics of apples grown in the Finger Lakes region.

Amidst the trials of navigating a global pandemic, the expansion of their business, and venturing into uncharted territory; Apple Barrel Orchards has not only endured but flourished. Raise a glass in celebration of their unwavering dedication and unwritten chapters yet to unfold.