For that classic fall taste, check out these local farms and orchards that serve fresh apple cider.
Hard cider seems to be all the rage recently. But we’d be remiss not to mention the classic, fresh-pressed apple cider—sometimes denoted as “sweet cider” to indicate no alcohol—that screams fall. There are numerous orchards and farms throughout the Hudson Valley that craft jaw-dropping cider sure to delight your taste buds all season long. So, what are you waiting for? Head to one of these locations to pick up a can, pint, half-gallon, or gallon of the good stuff.
Dressel Farms
271 NY-208, New Paltz
At Dressel Farms, the apple cider is crafted directly on the farm using an antique rack-and-cloth cider press. Made from 100% hand-selected apples grown on the property, the cider does not contain any preservatives, colors, or flavors. Ultra-violet treatment is used to make the apple cider safe for drinking, as opposed to heated pasteurization. The cider is pressed weekly in the fall, ensuring that every purchase is guaranteed to be fresh. Sparkling apple cider is also available. In addition to savoring cider, visitors can pick their own apples, check out the farm stand for delicious produce, or stop by the ice cream stand for flavors made right on the farm.
Indian Ladder Farms
342 Altamont Rd, Altamont
At Indian Ladder Farms, sweet cider is pressed directly from apples grown on the property. The apple cider is made using a variety of sweet apples and is preservative-free. Check out the farm store to purchase cider, local dairy and maple products, cider donuts, and more. The farm also offers a variety of apples for picking and dining options that include barbecue, pizza, and alcoholic beverages.
Meadowbrook Farm Market
29 Old Myers Corners Rd, Wappingers Falls
In Wappingers Falls, Meadowbrook Farm Market delights with all the seasonal goodies, including fresh-pressed apple cider with no added preservatives. The cider is UV-treated to kill bacteria and preserve the fresh-picked taste. Meadowbrook Farm Market also offers a variety of baked desserts, produce, and other goodies that celebrate fall flavors.
Minard Farms
250 Hurds Rd, Clintondale
A favorite in the Hudson Valley for delicious apple cider, Minard Farms offers fresh cider pressed from a blend of tree-ripened, hand-picked apples. The cider is never made from apples that have fallen from the ground, and it is kosher-certified. Providing wholesale to so many locations in the Hudson Valley, the cider is often available at grocery stores and farmers’ markets in pint, half-gallon, and gallon sizes. Also be sure to check out Minard’s Family Farm, an agritourism destination with family activities, pick-your-own apples, and a barn market that offers fresh cider from Minard’s Beverages.
Rose Hill Farm
19 Rose Hill Farm, Red Hook
Step up your apple cider game with the addition of bubbles. Nonalcoholic cider at Rose Hill Farm is a refreshing sip that comes in a can and features 100-percent apple juice from a blend of Northern Spy, Golden Russet, Empire, Shizuka, Golden Delicious, and Jonagold apple varieties that is carbonated. Rose Hill Farms also offers a variety of events throughout the season, making it the perfect spot to visit, relax, and enjoy apple cider this fall.
Samascott Orchards
5 Sunset Ave, Kinderhook
At Samascott Orchards, apple cider is made fresh every week. The Kinderhook destination has been pressing cider for the past 30-plus years, so you can be confident that each sip will be jam-packed with a scrumptious apple taste. A special blend of apples is used, and the drink contains no added sugar or water. It is also never heated and not pasteurized; instead, ultra-violet light is used to kill harmful bacteria. When in season and supply allows, apple-strawberry and pear ciders are also available. For another option, the nonalcoholic sparkling cider is deliciously sweet. In addition to being available at the orchard, the classic and sparkling ciders are stocked at a variety of locations including Cider Belly Doughnuts and Nine Pin Cider.
Related: 6 Cidery Events That Celebrate Fall in the Hudson Valley
