Named for his or her long and narrow shape, the picturesque Finger Lakes in New York are a sight to behold. Known for numerous waterfalls assuring parks, the region continues to be attracting tourists using its charming towns, gorgeous scenery, and rich Native American history for years.
While there are plenty of wine tours to savor, connoisseurs of another variety will discover an abundance of liquid gold. Home to several cideries, the Finger Lakes are filled with fresh and flavorful options to quench the thirst of even the pickiest palates. Lift a pinky and sip on this list of notable cideries in the Finger Lakes.
8 WortHog Cidery
Seneca Lake, the biggest of the Finger Lakes, is best noted for its trout fishing, but it should also be known as the home of WortHog Cidery. New York apples are pressed to perfection and handle with light carbonation for a truly delectable final product. Visitors can also enjoy a glass or two on location, as well as purchase bottles to take home. There are 9 unique ciders to choose from, with flavors which range from “Big Bertha's Blueberry” to “Grumpy Jerry's Ginger.” WortHog doesn't stop at cider, though, boasting a range of meads and award-winning wines, too.
- Address: 2770 State Route 14, Penn Yan, NY 14527
7 Star Cidery
The family-owned Star Cidery located on the Canandaigua Lake is proof the best ciders are born from the heart. Since 2022, Star has sold its cider to nearby restaurants. 5 years of success prompted the dedicated team to spread out its very own taproom in 2022. Sit back and enjoy a glass of “5 Point Cider,” a blend of 5 varieties of locally grown apples. Craving something just a little out of the ordinary? Toast with a swig of “Frisky Whisky,” a delightful mix of wild apples and vanilla aged for any year in oak whisky barrels.
- Address: 3365 NY-364, Canandaigua, NY 14424
6 New York Cider Company
Built on sustainability, the New York Cider Clients are well-loved by Ithaca locals. Homegrown apples are foraged within the wild to create the initial flavor profile of their artisanal ciders. There are 10 dry ciders to fall for, available for purchase online or at many locations throughout New York. Every cider has a story at Ny Cider Company. Savor their “Smokehouse” varieties, named not for his or her smoky taste as well as the rare apples they're made with. Try their naturally fermented “Barn Swallow” assortment for an exceptionally rare flavor that can't be found anywhere else.
- Address: 245 Hayts Rd, Ithaca, NY 14850
5 Black Diamond Farm and Cider
The those who own Black Diamond Cider company have been in the growing business for twenty years, only recently branching to produce ciders from their orchard. Located on Cayuga lake, lucky cider lovers staying in the region have plenty of options to choose from. From their dry, earthy “Solstice Still” for their bubbly, tropical “RabbleRouser,” there's a flavor profile for everybody. Guests are encouraged to call ahead to reserve tours and tastings. Their ciders can be found online or at local farmer's markets.
- Address: 4675 E. Seneca Rd, Trumansburg, NY 14886
4 South Hill Cider
Located on the Finger Lakes Trail, South Hill Cider encourages its visitors to have a gander in the nearby waterfall after seated to sample their delicious ciders. Apple-lovin' long-time musician Steve Selin has transformed his orchard into a perfect place to host events of all kinds. Enjoy jazz stylings and wood-fired pizza that pairs perfectly with the six varieties of chemical-free, organic cider on tap. Or, take home a bottle or six of the twenty varieties available to buy.
- Address: 550 Sandbank Rd, Ithaca, NY 14850
3 Original Stump Blower (OSB) Ciderworks
Arguably the hippest cidery within the Finger Lakes, OSB continues to be serving up in both Buffalo and Lakeville. The coolest brother-sister duo around takes their cider-making seriously. Their need to craft unique ciders means guests can never be sure what's going to be on tap, which makes a visit to the tasting room as exciting as Christmas. They are all about loving locally, so rather than competing with nearby bars, they instead lift them up. Relax, chug down, and party on at this unique Finger Lakes cidery.
- Address: 5901 Big Tree Road, Lakeville, NY 14480 | 517 Main St, Buffalo, NY 14203
2 Grisamore Cider Works
Carrying around the legacy, the Grisamore grandchildren are utilizing the household's apple orchard to craft small batches of reasonably-priced ciders for the public. Expect to taste the romance in each and every glass at Grisamore Cider Works in Locke, New York. Readers are welcomed to go to the household farm just around the corner, which grows a number of fruits used to complement their ciders. The farm includes a growing population of farm animals, a well-stocked store, and a greenhouse filled with plants for purchase.
- Address: 4069 Goose St, Locke, NY 13092
1 Finger Lakes Cider House
Take a select from the twenty ciders available at the Finger Lakes Cider House in Interlaken. More than just a tasting room, the kitchen squad prepares picture-worthy charcuterie boards, delicious sandwiches, and pizzas to go with every glass. Sweet tooths can choose to savor the “Honeycrisp Ice Cider” along with a gooey, chocolate chip cookie. The award-winning “Pioneer Pippin'” is sure to please a drinker around the search for something slightly dry. All foods and beverages served in the Finger Lakes Cider House are local, adding to the homestyle feel of the unique destination.
- Address: 4017 Hickok Rd, Interlaken, NY 14847
