Little Apple Cidery Celebrates 10 Years with Vibrant CIDERFEST

Little Apple Cidery in Hillsdale, New York, celebrated its 10th anniversary with a lively CIDERFEST event on October 11-12, 2023. The two-day celebration attracted hundreds of visitors, featuring live music, a food truck, and a variety of cider offerings. Owner Ron Bixby described the event as their “best day ever,” highlighting the attendance of 67 cars and community participation.

The CIDERFEST included engaging activities such as barrel-rolling contests, a kids’ animal scavenger hunt, and delicious treats from Great Cape Baking Co. Looking back on a decade of growth, Bixby noted the most significant milestones included establishing the tap room and building a dedicated team.

From Urban Professionals to Cidery Owners

Before the inception of Little Apple Cidery, Ron Bixby and his wife, Alanne Baerson, were established professionals in New York City. Bixby worked as a transportation planner, while Baerson was an architect, later transitioning to a clinical psychologist. Their love for the Hudson Valley grew during weekend visits to a rented farmhouse in Taconic, which ultimately led them to purchase an abandoned orchard in 1980.

The couple dedicated years to restoring the heirloom apple orchard, which had been neglected for over a decade. It wasn’t until 2010 that Bixby pursued formal cidermaking education at Cornell University. The 2013 passage of a new law in New York, simplifying the licensing process for farm-based beverage production, marked a pivotal moment for the couple, prompting them to enter the cider market.

Ned Hoffman of Hoffman Farms oversaw the construction of the production space and tap room. Initially, cider production involved just Bixby and one assistant. In 2019, Hayley Shine joined the team after a chance meeting at a cidermaking conference, sparking her interest in the orchard’s processes.

Crafting Unique Ciders and Building Community

The cidery’s growth has involved adapting to challenges in apple cultivation. Bixby explained that environmental factors, such as rainfall and temperature during pollination, significantly affect the quality of apples. Despite a bumper crop in one year, the subsequent season can often lead to nutrient depletion in the soil.

Little Apple Cidery prides itself on being a grower-producer, managing every step from growing the apples to crafting the cider. The team currently tends to over 800 trees and plans to plant new varieties each spring. The ciders are made from hand-picked apples, many sourced from their own orchards, which are certified organic by the Northeast Organic Farming Association of NY (NOFA-NY).

With a focus on community, the cidery has become a gathering place for locals and visitors alike. Bixby emphasized that their goal is to create a welcoming environment for all, from farmers to urban dwellers. The cidery’s offerings include hard cider, non-alcoholic sparkling cider, and a selection of local provisions.

Looking ahead, Bixby acknowledged the delicate balance between expanding production and preserving the cidery’s charm. While cider remains their primary focus, they are exploring the development of a more comprehensive food program.

Upcoming events include the NY Cider Fest at City Winery on November 15 and a holiday market in Hudson from November 28-30. These gatherings not only highlight the cidery’s offerings but also strengthen its ties to the local community.

“Sharing this farm and inviting people to enjoy the orchard is a beautiful thing,” Bixby reflected. Little Apple Cidery continues to thrive as a cherished destination, celebrating its past while looking forward to future growth.