'Pour the Core' in Cutchogue This Weekend

The 2nd annual event Pour the Core: A Hard Cider Festival on Saturday, October 5 at Peconic Bay Winery in Cutchogue will showcase over 100 local and international ciders. How do you like them apples? With the renewed interest in eating and drinking local, it’s no wonder that ciders are following in the wildly popular footprints of craft beer, and are now often compared to wine.

This event will feature local favorites (including Peconic Bay Winery’s True Believer, a sparkling apple cider and one of the first from Long Island), bestselling U.S. produced ciders (including Angry Orchard, McKenzie’s and Woodchuck), and a variety of imported ciders and “perries” (ciders made from pears) from England, Ireland, and Sweden.

“We are expecting an excellent turnout,” says event producer Andy Calimano. “We just did our first event in Pennsylvania last weekend and it was great. For the second annual event in Long Island this weekend it should be even bigger and better than last year. The hard cider production is a natural progression from wine and craft beer. Last summer, Governor Cuomo passed a measure that allows for the production of cider under the same roof as wine and beer, so it made sense for the crafters to expand into cider. Plus, they can grow the apples right here or get them regionally.”

This event will take place outdoors, under tents, nestled among the beautiful fall foliage on the grounds of the winery, rain or shine. Food (not included in ticket price) will be available for purchase.

“We will have barbecue, which goes really good with hard cider, as the tanginess of the food pairs well with the slight sweetness of the cider,” Calimano says.

Governor Cuomo’s measure also includes tax breaks and other incentives to help boost the growing craft brewing industry in the state. The bill recognizes farm breweries, permits sales of New York cider, as well as waives certain fees. The new law will help strengthen a growing industry, increase demand for locally grown farm products, and provide a boost to the state’s economy.

A key highlight to the festival will be the special seminars about cider, the making of cider and the enjoyment of cider. “These are really great informative seminars from some of the top people in the industry,” says Calimano. “There will be seminars on cooking with cider, drink recipes and a how-to on making cider from Peconic Bay Winery. The great thing is the variety of ciders, depending on the apples and the process used. It’s all natural and gluten free. People will be surprised as they don’t even sell many varieties of apples in the stores as many are good for cider, but not eating or cooking. The seminars are included with the price of admission.”

A sell-out is expected, so buy your tickets early. Once the event sells out, no additional tickets will be available. Tickets include admission to the festival, a souvenir tasting glass and the freedom to enjoy samples from any participating exhibitor. Designated Driver tickets are available for $10. A DD ticket holder will get a bottle of water upon entering the festival. Designated drivers do not receive a tasting glass and are not permitted to sample any of the beverages at the event. No one under 21 will be admitted.

This event runs from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., gates open at 12:30 p.m. Tickets are $40 when purchased online in advance. If tickets are still available, they will be $65 at the door. The ticket price includes a souvenir tasting glass marked with a 2 oz. pour line and beverage tasting. For the safety of everyone at the festival, no infants, children, strollers, or pets will be allowed. Parking is free.

Peconic Bay Winery, 31320 Main Rd, Cutchogue, 631-734-7361, pourthecore.com