Basilica Hudson is all about cider and cheese as the non-profit multidisciplinary arts center collaborates with Glynwood, an agricultural nonprofit organization based in Cold Spring, to present the inaugural Hudson Valley Cider & Cheese Tasting and Market on Saturday, June 4 from 1 to 4 p.m. Honoring the historical and agricultural spirit of the region, Basilica Hudson has expanded its programming to focus on the resurgence of agriculture and farming in the Hudson Valley.
Together with Talbott & Arding Cheese and Provisions on Warren Street in Hudson and Gaskins Restaurant of Germantown, event coordinators have invited the region’s hardworking farmers and producers of craft ciders and artisanal cheeses to present their best at this kickoff to Cider Week Hudson Valley, a multiday fest celebrating regional craft cider. New York cider producers and cheesemakers will offer samples and sell a variety of styles of hard cider and cheeses, proving once again that the region’s rich flavors and textures can be found in these simple, traditional foodstuffs.
“As part of Glynwood’s mission, we work to foster distinctive foods that create opportunities for farming, and ultimately build a vibrant food culture that is closely tied to agriculture,” writes Sara Grady, vice president of programs at Glynwood. “Cider and cheese are a natural pairing, and a delicious representation of our region’s culinary landscape.” To ensure that farming thrives in the Hudson Valley, Glynwood trains farmers, empowers farm communities, promotes regional food production and fosters collaboration.
“Food and drink create identity and a sense of place – from the seeds that flourish in a given location to the terroir that impacts flavor to the personality and creativity of the people cooking and sharing at their tables. We believe that bringing together our artisan cidermakers and cheesemakers is a special opportunity to celebrate the unique food identity of the Hudson Valley,” says Emily Oberto, program coordinator at Glynwood.
Basilica Hudson is a vast, solar-powered, reclaimed 1880s industrial factory on the waterfront of the historic City of Hudson. Its atmosphere is unique and conducive to merrymaking. Look for Talbot & Arding’s sandwiches and other light fare on sale to complement the cheese and hard cider samples. Gaskins will also be selling glasses of hard cider and soft drinks at the bar.
General admission costs $25 for ages 21 and up, $10 for youth aged 10 to 20; $35 and $15 tickets add access to the preview hour from 12 noon to 1 p.m. Kids under age 10 get in free.
Hudson Valley Cider & Cheese Tasting & Market, Saturday, June 4, 1-4 p.m., $35/$25/$15/$10, Basilica Hudson, 110 South Front Street, Hudson; (518) 822-1050, https://basilicahudson.org.
Join the family! 
