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.