Page 12 - Valley Table- Winter 2025

Bottle Service
have you ever wished that your favorite craft beverages could be
delivered straight to your door? Well, here’s a reason to raise a glass:
A new state law has just gone into effect allowing small cider, mead,
and spirits manufacturers to ship products right to customers, a privilege that has
been afforded to wineries since 2005.
New York is home to the largest number of cideries in the U.S. and is second in
the nation for distilleries, with many based in the Hudson Valley, yet producers often
struggle to reach traditional wholesale channels. Having the ability to ship directly
gives makers access to new markets and allows them to build brand loyalty by
connecting with customers.
The legislation is being lauded as a major pathway for the growth of local
businesses in our area’s burgeoning craft beverage scene. Senator Michelle
Hinchey (D-41) says “[This] is a lifeline for New York’s cideries and distilleries […]
Sharing the incredible craft beverages of the Hudson Valley and New York with more
areas through direct-to-consumer shipping is a huge win.” Cheers! —Megan Wilson
10 Valley Table | December 2024 – February 2025
PHOTOS (CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT) COURTESY OF ANGRY ORCHARD; HARDSCRABBLE CIDER; ROCK VALLEY SPIRITS; HUDSON HOUSE DISTILLERY; STONE RIDGE ORCHARD; BAD SEED HARD CIDER; BY DANIEL SCHWARTZ; COURTESY OF NINE PIN; TWIN STAR ORCHARDS