Hollenbeck Cider Mill

I remember standing in awe of the cider press when I was just a girl. The little cups of fresh cider straight from the press being handed out. The sweet taste as it hits your lips. I got to watch my two year old experience that for the first time and it was truly magical.
When you walk in it’s a bit like a garage. The space is big and open and cold. There are giant bins of apples and a huge line of people waiting for fresh donuts. You will need a few donuts so you should join the line. When you get close to the front you can see them being made, it’s fun to watch the little machine pump them out. It’s even more fun to eat them fresh and hot off the press. If you turn around you will see the cider press, built in 1870. You can watch them press the cider, Mr. Hollenbeck at the helm, filling each layer with apple chunks and eventually pressing them down, releasing a waterfall of fresh cider. They hand out samples from the line, it must be fun watching the delight as everyone sips some fresh cider. It seriously made my two year old’s day when Mr. Hollenbeck handed her the first cup.
You would be well served to grab a chunk of fudge and a pie for the rode. Their pies are absolutely delicious, especially the ones with the dutch crumbled topping. They have a variety of cheeses, honey, jams, sauces, and mixes. Everything is local and homemade so shop until your heart is content or your wallet is empty (they are cash only, so be prepared for that).
This place is an institution and people in the surrounding areas are truly lucky to have it so close by. It’s worth the trip in the fall and should be a tradition for every family in the area.

I love the cider, I love the donuts and the pies. Did I say I love the cider? Its pressed right in front of your eyes with an old wooden press. Pretty cool. And, its not pasteurized… they use UV light, so it still tatses good. They only take cash though which I find to be very annoying.

Let me start out by saying Mr. Hollenbeck is a dedicated man. He slices the apples, and weighs everything. And he makes the most delicious pies. They take you to a different place. True bliss. I highly recommend this to anyone who loves dessert, especially pies. Try the crumble top apple or blueberry pie. My family and I have been going for ages, and will never stop.

I’ve been going to Hollenbeck’s as long as I can remember … thats over 50 years. Used to be in the barn behind their house but now it a full operation. Best cider there is pressed in the original press right before your eyes. Bruce Hollenbeck runs the place and is there still overseeing or doing all that gets done. Any kind of apple you’re looking for with a chart to tell what each is best served as. Now he makes pies onsite but the donuts made there are to die for. Take a drive, see the mill then pop down to the Adventure Center at Greek Peak and try the mountain coaster!

I was visiting Cortland for the weekend. My friends and I came here on late Sunday morning. We got to watch them make apple cider! They also gave out samples of the cider. Fresh apple cider donuts — plain, sugar, cinnamon, apples and squash and pumpkins for buying, apple pies — dutch and regular. There’s also a store with little things to buy. Honestly, I thought the donuts and pie could’ve been better, but I’m still giving 5 stars because of the experience. The staff was also so friendly, lots of cute kids running around, and good prices.

A Stevens tradition renewed; an opening day visit to Hollenbeck’s. This time including 4 of my grandchildren – with eyes attentively watching the cider making process with Bruce Hollenbeck at the controls.
Fresh warm donuts, cider, Dutch Apple pie and the chill of a late September day all enjoyed with family – what a way to make memories. We will be back many times again this year always greeted with the welcoming smiles of Bruce and his staff, but opening weekend is special.
Bradley Stevens

The apples are crushed into cider before your eyes. There are dozens of kinds of apples and a handwritten chart to tell you which ones are best for what. There are homemade pies. And then there are the homemade donuts — warm and perfect. Unfettered by filings, dusted in cinnamon or powdered sugar, sour cream or chocolate battered. Made only for a short unpredictable time in the fall, my family and I stalk them. Then we eat so many we feel sick.

This is a great place for a fall or winter day! They make the cider right in front of you in an old-​fashioned press, and it’s delicious! If you’re lucky enough to be there during the first couple of weekends in October, you can get some of the best concord grape juice around. On fall weekends they make old-​fashioned donuts that are to die for. They also make many varieties of scrumptious pies right on site. Also available are jams, NY maple syrup, candy, fudge, cheeses, and (of course) apples, to name just a few. Definitely a fun, delicious outing. I’ve been going there for 25+ years, and I never tire of it!