Little Apple Cidery Celebrates 10 Years with Vibrant CIDERFEST

Little Apple Cidery in Hillsdale, New York, marked its 10th anniversary with an energetic CIDERFEST on October 11-12, attracting hundreds of visitors and a festive atmosphere. Owner Ron Bixby reported an enthusiastic turnout, with 67 cars filling the parking lot, complemented by live music from local bands, a food truck, and, of course, a variety of ciders.

Reflecting on the success of the event, Bixby shared, “We had our best day ever last Saturday.” The celebration featured activities such as barrel-rolling contests, a scavenger hunt for kids, and delicious treats from Great Cape Baking Co.. Guests can look forward to similar festivities in the future, as CIDERFEST is an annual event, occurring every fall.

From City Life to Orchard Dreams

Before establishing the cidery, Bixby and his wife, Alanne Baerson, were professionals in New York City. Bixby worked as a transportation planner, while Baerson was an architect, later transitioning to clinical psychology. In the mid-1970s, they fell in love with the Taconic area while renting a farmhouse. By 1980, they purchased the abandoned apple orchard, which had been neglected for over a decade, and began restoring it.

Bixby explained, “The orchard we took over was abandoned for 10 to 15 years, so we spent the first years just clearing it out.” They focused on fruit cultivation until 2010, when Bixby earned his cidermaking certification from Cornell. Following a change in New York State liquor laws in 2013, he pivoted to cider production.

With the help of local builder Ned Hoffman, Bixby constructed the cidery’s production space. Initially, cider was produced by Bixby and a single assistant. The team expanded in 2019 when Hayley Shine joined, bringing her expertise to enhance cider production processes.

A Commitment to Community and Quality

Little Apple Cidery has cultivated a reputation for quality and community engagement. Bixby emphasizes that the cidery is more than just a business; it’s a gathering place for locals and visitors alike. “People from everywhere come—farmers and neighbors with ATVs, city folks and local homeowners,” he noted. This atmosphere is enhanced by the cidery’s outdoor tap room, which was transformed from a storeroom during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The cidery produces a range of hard ciders, non-alcoholic sparkling cider, and local beers, sourcing most apples from their own NOFA-NY certified organic orchards. Bixby explained, “Our ciders are all about the apples and the harvest. Each year is a new adventure starting with the quality, quantity, and variety of cider fruit available from our orchards.”

Challenges in apple growing are numerous, from unpredictable weather to soil nutrient depletion. Bixby shared that each year presents its own set of challenges, whether dealing with a bountiful harvest or a lean one. “Every year you’re contending with something else,” he said.

As part of their growth strategy, Bixby and his team aim to balance production with maintaining their cidery’s charm. “We’re very conservative in terms of how quickly we grow,” he stated, indicating a desire to preserve community ties and their unique appeal.

Looking ahead, Little Apple Cidery plans to host various events, including the NY Cider Fest at City Winery on November 15 and a holiday market in Hudson from November 28-30. Additionally, they will celebrate winter with an annual Wassail on January 17, a tradition aimed at protecting the orchard from pests and harsh weather.

In conclusion, the Little Apple Cidery’s combination of community spirit, quality cider production, and engaging events continues to attract a loyal customer base, making it a beloved destination in the Berkshires.