FISHKILL – The American Cider Association announced their award recipients for 2023 at their annual convention in Chicago, highlighting individuals and businesses that are instrumental in helping the hard cider category grow. Paige Flori, owner of Boutique Wines, Spirits and Cider in Fishkill, NY was recognized by them as the East Coast Pommelier of the Year.
“I am honored to be recognized by the American Cider Association,” said Flori, co-owner of Boutique, a retail shop with over 300 sku’s of craft cider and 13 taps for growler fills. “Cider has been a passion of mine since before we opened our doors six years ago, and a category that I feel is underrepresented. I am thrilled to be a small part of helping the category expand by educating consumers and providing a wide variety of choices.”
In addition to being a Sommelier, Flori is one of only 45 Certified Pommiliers in the world, a certification issued only by the American Cider Association, that tests in-depth knowledge of hard cider and requires a blind sensory tasting. She is one of the main buyers of cider and wine at Boutique and enjoys educating customers about the category and food pairing ideas. She also conducts private tastings and pairings for individuals, fundraisers, and corporate functions, often featuring some of the many cider options available right here in the Hudson Valley.
“Some of the best ciders in the world are right here in our back yard,” said Flori. “We are so lucky to have a combination of phenomenal raw material and talent producing diverse styles that represent all aspects of the cider category right here in New York and the Hudson Valley.” Boutique carries over 75 examples of New York State cider, as well as ciders from across the US, England, France, Spain, Austria, Italy, Lithuania, Germany, and Sweden. This is the second national award for Boutique – they also won Best Cider Retailer East Coast from the American Cider Association in 2020.
Boutique Wine, Spirits and Cider is located at 18 Westage Drive in Fishkill; a quarter mile north of I-84, off Route 9, behind Boston Market in the Hudson Valley Towne Center shopping plaza. The store operating hours are Monday-Saturday 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday 12 to 7 p.m. For more information, visit their website.
