Page 66 - Wallingford Magazine Issue 53 Early Spring 2025

Blossoming
Blossoming

Together:
Together:

by Miguel Galarraga

The Rise of Connecticut’s Cider Community

The Connecticut Cider Associa- making. In 2019, an initial at- is right to bring the association
tion is being formed by a group tempt was made to form a cider to life and provide a lasting plat-
of dedicated cider makers from association, with a successful form for collaboration, advoca-
across the state, united by a festival bringing together cider cy, and education.
common goal: to pro-
mote, support, and One of the major steps
grow the craft cider in this effort is the Con-
industry in Connecti- necticut Cider Festival,
cut. While the state debuting this spring.
has a deep-rooted his- Dedicated exclusively
tory in apple growing to Connecticut-made
and cider production, cider, the festival will
the modern craft cider showcase the diverse
movement has faced styles and craftsman-
challenges in visibility, ship of local producers.
regulation, and public Visitors will have the
awareness. By creating opportunity to meet
this association, these the makers, sample a
cider makers aim to wide range of ciders,
give Connecticut cider and gain a deeper un-
a stronger voice and ensure makers and enthusiasts. Howev- derstanding of the state’s cider
its place alongside the state’s er, the momentum was disrupt- culture. Later in the year, a sec-
well-established craft beer and ed by the pandemic, and the ond festival in the fall will ex-
wine industries. initiative was put on hold. Now, pand the focus to include ciders
with Connecticut’s cider indus- from around the world, offering
This effort has been years in the try stronger than ever, the time Connecticut cider drinkers the

66 Wallingford Magazine - Early Spring 2025