Wager’s Cider Mill is expanding its fall offerings this year, adding u-pick apples and an apple-themed corn maze at its Hoyt Road orchard in Penn Yan for the first time.
The family-owned business will open the new farm experience Sept. 5, giving visitors a chance to pick apples directly from the orchard, including Honeycrisp varieties, while also offering fall snacks, refreshments, seasonal drinks, hard cider and selections from local breweries and distilleries.
“We are incredibly excited to welcome our customers into the orchard for the first time,” owner Kaylee Wager said. She said customers have asked for years about picking their own apples and that the farm’s newer orchards made it possible to open the Hoyt Road property to the public.
The orchard experience will debut from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sept. 5. After opening weekend, hours will be noon to 6 p.m. Fridays and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays.
Corn maze admission will be $8 for adults and $5 for children. Kids 2 and younger will be admitted free.
The expansion comes as Wager’s Cider Mill also prepares for its third annual Apple Festival on Sept. 19 at its retail location, 256 E. Main St.
The festival will run from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and feature family activities, vendors, food, tastings and other fall attractions. Admission is free.
Because parking is limited at the cider mill, visitors will be directed to Sherman Street with overflow parking available at the Yates County Fairgrounds.
About 20 vendors are expected, including Bluff Point Blooms, Kass’ Kettle Corn, Shiek’s Maple Products, October Farms Sourdough, Oh Fudge, Rise and Shine Food Truck, Carilynn Creations, Aurora Bath&Beauty, Pieces of You, Betelgeuse Pottery, Wild Rebels Hat Bar, Balloon Art by Walt Crum, After Hours Stitch Co. and Sunbeam Sister Slimes.
Free face painting, games and tastings are also planned. Mini apple pies, cider donuts, sweet cider, cider slushies and hard cider will be available for purchase, while apple and cheese tastings will be offered free.
Wager’s Cider Mill has been operated by three generations of the Wager family. Geoff and Kaylee Wager purchased the business in 2020 from Geoff’s father, Craig.
The cider mill also uses an antique in-house apple press to make cider. During the season, the store expects to carry about 26 apple varieties along with plums, peaches, grapes and cherries.
The retail store is open seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. through December.
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