On June 13, Twin Star Orchards in New Paltz will celebrate that tradition with the fifth annual Hudson Valley Fermentation Festival, a daylong gathering devoted to the science, craft, and delicious unpredictability of fermented foods and beverages. The event runs from 11am to 6pm and transforms the orchard into a tasting market filled with local makers producing everything from cider and wine to kombucha, hot sauce, chocolate, pickles, cheese, and spirits.
What began as a niche gathering for fermentation enthusiasts has evolved into one of the region’s most distinctive food events. Rather than focusing on a single beverage category, Ferm Fest embraces the broad ecosystem of fermentation, bringing together producers whose products may look wildly different but are united by the invisible labor of yeast, bacteria, and time.
The centerpiece is the tasting market, where attendees can sample products, meet producers, and learn about the techniques that transform simple ingredients into complex flavors. Ticketed tasting sessions include access to dozens of vendors, while the farm itself remains open to the public throughout the day.
Education is a major part of the festival’s appeal. This year’s keynote speaker is fermentation educator and bestselling author Kirsten Shockey, founder of The Fermentation School and coauthor of several influential books on fermented foods. Shockey will lead workshops and demonstrations exploring vinegar making and other fermentation techniques, joined by a roster of producers and experts offering talks, tastings, and hands-on learning opportunities.
Of course, all that learning works up an appetite. Twin Star’s wood-fired pizzas, burgers, and barbecue will be available throughout the day, accompanied by live music from Tim + Matt and The Conversation.
The event’s enduring appeal lies in its ability to connect food, farming, and community through a process that is both ancient and remarkably contemporary. At a moment when more people are baking sourdough, brewing kombucha, making kimchi, and paying attention to gut health, Ferm Fest offers a chance to dive deeper into the culture behind the culture.
Or, if you prefer, it’s simply a great excuse to spend a June afternoon eating pickles, drinking cider, and talking about microbes with people who are unusually excited about both.
