It’s practically impossible to be a foodie in the Hudson Valley without coming across Angry Orchard and City Winery Hudson Valley during your food and drink journey. After all, the two are more than a little iconic on both the local and national level. In our region, they’re just as beloved for their artful beverages as they are for their dedication to unforgettable dining and drinking experiences.
So, when we heard that the Walden and Montgomery hotspots partnered up for a limited-edition collab, we were more than a little excited – not to mention highly intrigued. After all, Angry Orchard is all about cider, while City Winery is a leader in the wine scene. What could a collaboration between the two brands look like?
The result of the partnership is Cidewineder and, as the name suggests, it’s a mashup of cider and wine all in one artfully presented bottle. Officially, it’s an apple wine with a 7.05 percent ABV that’s fermented on Riesling skins. In other words, it’s everything you love about Angry Orchard and City Winery all in one bottle.
“The production teams at Angry Orchard and City Winery have been friendly for years, and this is something that we all wanted to do,” explains Travis Van Caster, the winemaker at City Winery Hudson Valley. “We did a few tastings together and agreed that this product would be most interesting with bubbles, so the team at Angry Orchard’s Cider House and Orchard in Walden, NY bottled it up as a Pét-Nat.”
The Making of Cidewineder
To craft the unique cider-wine, the two brands tapped into the bounty of the Hudson Valley. Using three types of apples grown on Angry Orchard’s 60-acre orchard in Walden and grape skins from City Winery, the team got to work. First, they pressed fresh juices from traditional cider-making apples like the New York native Newtown Pippin and McIntosh varieties.
Following a fermentation process, the juice was pressed onto Riesling skins in order to further enhance the flavor. The resulting beverage is one that boasts clear apple aromatics but still allows the flavor of the Riesling skins to shine. Anyone who tastes it can expect to pick up on floral notes, with hints of dried grape and wet stone, while threads of fresh apples, raisins, and a light spice dominate the experience.
If the pairing seems unconventional, it’s likely more harmonious that you might expect.
“The worlds of cider and wine have always been a compliment to each other,” observes Joe Gaynor, head cidermaker at Angry Orchard. “Being able to create a unique apple wine with the creative City Winery team was a special opportunity, and we think it is a great representation of coming together.”
As for how the name came about, it was all thanks to a suggestion during development.
“During our early tastings, one of our cellar hands suggested calling it ‘Cidewineder,’ which stuck,” Van Caster notes.
Where to Find It
Beginning on November 16, Cidewineder will be available for purchase at both Angry Orchard in Walden and City Winery Hudson Valley in Montgomery. The bottles are 375ml and run $14 apiece. Since these are limited edition, don’t expect them to stay in stock for long.
“Dropping just in time for the festive season when food, family, and friends are gathering at the table, Cidewineder offers a perfect, crowd-pleasing complement to any celebration,” Gaynor adds.
To celebrate the holiday season – and Cidewineder’s debut – Angry Orchard and City Winery are teaming up yet again for a special, four-course wine and cider pairing dinner led by City Winery’s Chef Tony Moustakas on November 17 at 6 p.m. Tickets run $125 per person and are available here.
