Fall Starts in New York’s Cider Country: Governor Hochul and the...
As the first week of Fall officially begins, Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the launch of the NY State of Cider campaign, a first-of-its-kind statewide initiative designed to celebrate and boost New York's orchards, cider makers, restaurants, retail, hospitality businesses, and rural communities while positioning New York as the country’s premier cider destination. This launch includes the New York Cider Association's new partnership with Airbnb and delivers on the Governor’s 2026 State of the State commitment to support the state’s local cider industry and tap into the robust agri-tourism opportunity that cider presents. New York is the country’s leading hard cider producer, boasting more cideries than any other state.
“Let’s raise a glass and toast New York’s cider producers.” Governor Hochul said. "Our world-class apple growers, innovative cider makers, and vibrant rural communities have made New York a leader in hard cider production. The NY State of Cider campaign will showcase these assets to residents and visitors from around the country while creating new opportunities for farms, small businesses, restaurants, and tourism destinations. Through the New York Cider Association’s partnership with Airbnb and the State’s investment in the future of agricultural tourism, we're inviting more people to experience the very best of New York."
As part of the initiative, the New York Cider Association is partnering with Airbnb to inspire travelers to explore distinct New York cider regions through a dedicated online destination guide featuring local accommodations, cideries, orchards, restaurants, bottle shops, and nearby attractions. The campaign will encourage visitors to discover authentic agricultural experiences while driving tourism and economic activity in communities across the state.
First announced in the Governor’s 2026 State of the State, the initiative builds on Governor Hochul's efforts to strengthen New York agriculture, expand tourism, and support small businesses by connecting visitors directly with the people and places that make NY Cider unique.
New York is home to more active cideries than any other state in the nation and is the country's second largest apple producer. With an industry-wide total annual economic impact of more than $1.8 billion, New York's orchards and cideries preserve working farmland, support thousands of jobs, strengthen local economies, and create authentic travel experiences rooted in agriculture, craftsmanship, and hospitality.
The partnership between the New York Cider Association and Airbnb reflects growing consumer demand for meaningful travel experiences in rural destinations. According to Airbnb, 86 percent of travelers are interested in visiting rural communities, while nearly two thirds of Airbnb guests travel within 300 miles of home. The New York landing page on Airbnb’s site will feature five distinct cider regions across the state, helping visitors pair local lodging with nearby cideries, orchards, restaurants, scenic attractions, and outdoor recreation, making it easier than ever to explore New York through cider.
New York State Agriculture Commissioner Richard A. Ball said, "New York hard cider begins in our orchards and reflects generations of agricultural excellence. Every visit to a cidery supports our growers, strengthens local food systems, and helps preserve the working landscapes that define our state. This campaign shines a spotlight on the incredible people behind New York agriculture while encouraging more consumers to experience firsthand where their food and beverages come from."
New York State Liquor Authority Chair Lily Fan said, “New York State is home to some of the world’s best orchards and most skilled cidermakers in the country. This NY State of Cider campaign will illustrate what it’s like to visit New York and find one-of-a-kind agricultural experiences, world-class hospitality and orchard-fresh beverages unlike anywhere else. The SLA is proud to support Governor Kathy Hochul’s initiative to promote our state’s incredible cider producers, help grow local businesses and strengthen New York’s economy.”
Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight said, “Thanks to Governor Hochul’s focused efforts, New York State’s strong agribusiness industry continues to thrive, and this new campaign will further encourage visitors and residents to explore all that Empire State has to offer. Cheers to New York’s growers and makers, and all who enjoy the fruits of the state’s cider industry!”
State Senator Michelle Hinchey said, “New York is the country’s leading hard cider producer, thanks to the business owners who pour their hearts into making their craft cideries must-visit agritourism destinations. This new partnership between the New York Cider Association and Airbnb is a smart way to welcome visitors to our region and help them discover the fantastic family-run orchards, cideries, and restaurants on their next trip. Thank you to Governor Hochul, the New York Cider Association, and Airbnb for establishing a new way for folks to support local. It will help bring more customers and sales into the businesses that make New York's cider industry thrive.”
Assemblymember Donna Lupardo said, “New York’s hard cider is widely considered the gold standard! This is why I was so supportive of including the NY State of Cider initiative in this year’s state budget. I have no doubt that by showcasing our apple growers, cider producers, and cideries that they will become an even more important part of the state’s agricultural tourism sector. As a co-sponsor of the original Farm Cidery law, I’m especially excited to see how much this industry has grown and look forward to seeing even more visitors discover New York’s amazing cider regions.”
New York Cider Association Executive Director Scott Ramsey said, "Hard cider is one of the most authentic ways to experience New York. Every glass reflects the orchards, farmers, makers, restaurants, and communities that bring it to life. This campaign is about far more than promoting a craft beverage. It's about strengthening agriculture, supporting local businesses, growing agri-tourism opportunities, and helping more people discover the extraordinary experiences waiting for them across New York State."
Airbnb Northeast Atlantic Policy Lead Michael Blaustein said, “Like a good cider, Airbnb brings people together over something they love – which is why we’re thrilled to partner with the New York Cider Association and the State to spotlight New York's apple growers and cidermakers. Our new guide will help visitors find their way to New York’s cider country and keep more of what they spend with the hosts and small businesses that make these communities premier destinations. Agritourism is one of the most direct ways to strengthen rural economies and put dollars directly into the pockets of family farms and local businesses.”
The NY State of Cider campaign will feature integrated marketing, digital storytelling, culinary partnerships, tourism promotion, and statewide consumer engagement designed to celebrate NY Cider as an essential part of the state's agricultural heritage and visitor experience. Together, these efforts reinforce New York's position as one of the nation's leading hard cider producing states while advancing Governor Hochul's vision of growing tourism, supporting agriculture, and creating new economic opportunities for communities across the Empire State.
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