Since 1945, Castile Cider Mill has cold-pressed apple cider on site and baked its hand-made apple cider fry cakes fresh daily in Western New York. Dan and Pam Chasey have owned and operated the historic, family-run mill since 2008, preserving a local tradition that was nearly auctioned apart. Near Letchworth State Park, the seasonal business also draws on its orchard and vineyard for fresh produce and other regional goods.
Beak & Skiff Apple OrchardsFounded in 1911 by an onion farmer and a dairy farmer, family-owned Beak & Skiff Apple Orchards grows apples in Lafayette, New York and turns its harvest into fresh cider and other orchard-made beverages. Now in its fifth generation, the operation spans more than 350,000 apple trees and carries the crop from tree to cider mill, tasting room, or distillery on the farm. Its Apple Hill campus also brings the public into the orchard through pick-your-own apples, the Apple Barn, and seasonal family attractions.LA FAYETTE, NY
Mayer BrothersFounded in West Seneca in 1852, family-owned Mayer Brothers makes fresh-pressed apple cider and a broad range of beverages, including bottled water and private-label products for customers across the United States. Now in its fifth generation, the company remains rooted in apple processing while operating large-scale bottling, co-packing, storage and ingredient facilities. Its seasonal Cider Mill Store & Bakery draws more than 10,000 visitors a week in autumn, and its manufacturing site is certified by Underwriters Laboratories for Zero Waste to Landfill.WEST SENECA, NY
Embark Craft CiderworksBuilt from the orchards of fifth-generation Lagoner Farms, Embark Craft Ciderworks makes farm-driven craft cider from apples grown in Williamson, New York. The ciderworks focuses on heirloom and Old World varieties, using the fruit’s natural character without artificial ingredients while its taproom extends the farm experience with locally sourced food.WILLIAMSON, NY
Ritter's Cider MillThe Ritter family has run this Pennsylvania farm destination since Gary and Debra Ritter began making cider with Gary’s parents in 1978. Today, the family preserves an old-fashioned approach centered on cleanliness, freshness, and a friendly seasonal welcome, with visitors able to watch production and choose freshly picked apples for themselves.JEFFERSON TOWNSHIP, PA