Elizabeth Ryan, producer of Hudson Valley Farmhouse Cider, is a renowned fruit grower and cider maker. Elizabeth bought Breezy Hill Orchard in Dutchess County in 1984 and has since expanded to operate two more orchards. What started out as a roadside fruit stand selling fresh apples has evolved into the area’s most unique purveyor of local foods grown using sustainable farming practices.
Stone Ridge Orchard is a 114-acre ecologically managed orchard in the Hudson Valley, which produces Hudson Valley Farmhouse Cider. Ecologically grown means grown on family farms; by stewards of land, water and wildlife; using natural methods and minimal spray; and closing the distance from farm to table. The cidery is based at two beloved Hudson Valley farms, Breezy Hill Orchard and Stone Ridge Orchard, where over 100 varieties of apples are produced. They have just planted a dedicated hard cider orchard with a number of traditional cider apples.
Elizabeth has a degree in Pomology from Cornell University and she has also studied cider making in Somerset and Hereford in England. She is one of the founding GrowNYC Greenmarket farmers, received the Cornucopia award from Stone Barns Center for Food and Agriculture, and was a Smithsonian Fellow.
VISIT:
Stone Ridge Orchard is open 7 days a week 9am-6pm and in the fall is open for apple picking. Breezy Hill Orchard also hosts special events like their Fall Wassail Celebration.
PUBLIC TRANSIT:
Trailways Bus from NYC (2.5 hours) to New Paltz + Taxi (20 minutes).
