The inaugural NY Cider Festival at Radio Social in Rochester, New York was nothing short of a fantastic success! With an initial goal of 300 attendees, we were thrilled to see the space filled beyond our expectations with enthusiastic cider lovers, foodies, and industry professionals alike. This event was truly a celebration of New York’s incredible cider community and the thriving local businesses of the Genesee Valley region. 

From the very beginning, the energy was palpable. Guests were greeted by the irresistible aromas wafting from the food truck Taste of Soul, which served up delicious soul food that perfectly complemented the crisp ciders being poured. There was a constant line of people eager to taste their offerings, and the buzz around the truck added to the vibrant atmosphere.

One of the highlights of the day was the Cider & Cheese Pairing sessions hosted by Rachel Freier, owner and cheesemonger of The Cheese Club. Rachel captivated audiences with her deep knowledge and passion, guiding them through two thoughtfully curated pairings. The first featured the unique flavors of Steam Punk Cider, while the second showcased the exceptional profiles of Embark Craft Ciderworks. The sessions were a hit, offering a perfect blend of education and indulgence, and providing festival-goers with new appreciation for how cider and cheese can elevate each other.

 

Live music by Cooper Scotti filled the space, creating a lively and welcoming ambiance that kept spirits high throughout the event. Cooper’s talent and engaging presence made him a crowd favorite, adding an extra layer of enjoyment for everyone in attendance.

The festival showcased an impressive lineup of participating cideries, each bringing their own distinctive flavors to the event. Local producers like Apple Barrel Orchards, Blue Barn Cidery, and Blue Toad Hard Cider, Blake’s Hard Cider, City Orchard, Donovan Orchards Estate Ciders, Embark Craft Ciderworks, Lake Drum Brewing, OSB Ciderworks, Three Falls Cidery, Tree Hugger Hard Cider, Star Cidery, and Steam Punk Cider delighted guests with their diverse selections. This range of offerings showcased the innovation and quality coming out of New York’s cider industry.

Adding to the local flavor, artisanal vendors such as Peters Pickled Peppers and Pickles, Oakfield Corners Dairy, Brighton Honey, and the NY Apple Association offered guests the opportunity to explore unique products that paired beautifully with the ciders. The presence of industry professionals, including bottle shop owners, pommeliers, restaurant owners, and members of craft beverage associations, highlighted the event’s influence in connecting key figures in the craft beverage world.

This event wouldn’t have been possible without the support of the Genesee Valley Regional Market Authority, whose mission is to bring awareness to the many small businesses in the Genesee Valley region. Their support ensured that the NY Cider Festival went beyond being just a tasting event; it became a platform for celebrating the region’s rich agricultural heritage and fostering connections among local producers and consumers.

After the main event wrapped up, the festivities continued at Muller’s Cider House, where attendees and participants gathered for a lively after-party. It was a perfect end to a magical day, leaving everyone excited for what the future holds for NY Cider Festival!

The excitement doesn’t end here. We’re thrilled to announce that we’ll be doing it all over again in New York City on November 16th at Location05 in Hudson Yards! This upcoming event will bring even more NY cideries and enthusiasts together for a day of exceptional tastings, live music, and more. We can’t wait to see everyone again for what promises to be another unforgettable celebration of New York’s cider community. Cheers to everyone who helped make this day a true success, and here’s to many more!

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