Discover New York Cider with Airbnb

Shaped by the tidal Hudson River—known as Muhheakantuck, “the river that flows both ways”—the Hudson Valley benefits from a moderate climate. Warm days, cool nights, and a long growing season support apple cultivation, while varied terrain creates a patchwork of microclimates.

Visitors will find everything from small, family-run orchards to larger farm operations, many of which welcome guests for tastings, tours, and seasonal experiences. Long known for supplying apples to New York City, the region has also been an early contributor to NY Cider’s resurgence.

While not historically known as one of the state’s largest apple-growing areas, the Finger Lakes region has developed a strong identity around cider.

The deep lakes of the region play a critical role in moderating temperature, helping to extend the growing season while protecting orchards from early frosts. The result is a climate well-suited to a range of fruit, including apples grown with a focus on cider production. Many cideries here work with estate fruit, where orchard management and cidermaking are deeply intertwined.

Agriculture in the Catskills has long been rooted in small-scale, independent farming, and that spirit continues to define the region’s cider community. Many producers work closely with their own orchards or nearby growers, focusing on fruit that reflects the nuances of the land and the conditions of each season.

For visitors, the Catskills offers a quieter, more immersive agritourism experience. Scenic drives, mountain views, and farm visits create opportunities to connect directly with growers and makers, making the region a natural destination for those looking to explore New York cider in a more intimate setting.

Western New York is one of New York’s most significant apple-growing regions, where scale, history, and geography come together along the banks of the Great Lakes. 

The Lake plays a central role in shaping the region’s climate. Its depth and breadth help moderate temperature throughout the year, while the Niagara Escarpment creates steady air movement that protects orchards from early frost and supports consistent growing conditions. 

This area has long been a cornerstone of New York’s apple industry, with generations of farms supplying fruit for both fresh markets and processing. That legacy continues today, providing a strong foundation for a growing community of cider producers who are building on existing orchards and reintroducing heritage and cider-specific varieties.

Shaped by the Hudson River and its surrounding tributaries, the Capital Region benefits from a balanced climate and a range of soil types that support both orchard cultivation and mixed agriculture. This diversity has long made the Capital Region an important link between upstate farms and the markets they serve.

For visitors, the region offers easy access to orchards, farm markets, and cideries both rural and urban. Its central location makes it a natural starting point for exploring New York’s broader cider landscape, while still offering a distinct experience rooted in its own agricultural heritage.

Discover New York cider your way with the NY Cider Trail App. Explore cideries, orchards, tasting rooms, events, and destinations across the state, then build your own cider adventure wherever your travels take you. Open the Trail App and start exploring.

Founded by pioneering New York Cidermakers with leadership from agricultural non-profit Glynwood, the New York Cider Association was created in 2015 to foster community amongst and act as the collective voice and organizing body for apple growers and cider makers throughout the state.