Popular craft cidery reopens as bar with relaxed backyard vibe. Take a peek

A craft cidery in Wayne County that closed its doors last summer is reopening with new owners and a dramatic transformation to its space and its approach.

Rootstock Cider and Spirits in Williamson was established by the DeFisher family in 2012; the family still owns DeFisher Fruit Farms, now in its fifth generation. Under their ownership, Rootstock focused on making its own products as well as contract manufacturing for other brands. It had a small, attractive tasting room for sampling its products.

Brian Shadduck and Bill Hollebrandt, together with investors, have purchased the cidery, including more than 25 acres of land. Their vision is to focus on hospitality instead of contract production, offering a relaxed place to drink, eat and host events in a rural setting.

The tasting room has been opened up to the production area in an 8,000-square-foot building. The floors are cement, the walls a combination of metal and rustic wood, the ceilings lofty. Stacked barrels filled with aging spirits give the space the heady aroma of fermentation.

The bar has a full liquor license with 20 taps; 6 to 10 are Rootstock products and the rest are devoted to local craft beers and major brands. The bar seats 90 in all; it has six large televisions that most likely will be tuned to sporting events. A cozy loft that seats 12 overlooks the action.

Two rooms adjoining the bar may be used for private parties; the larger is set up for corn hole games when it's not hosting a gathering. A large patio looks out over the apple orchards; it seats roughly 50 at picnic tables and patio furniture. Shadduck hopes to hold cornhole tournaments or leagues there in the near future.

A casual but well prepared menu is served from a 35-foot food trailer. Options include a burger, fried chicken sandwich, short rib mac & cheese, nachos, flatbreads, wings and salads. Some items are vegetarian, vegan and gluten free.

New owners have big plans

Shadduck worked in sales at Rootstock for seven years. “I helped grow the footprint of where Rootstock was offered in bars and restaurants, and helped grow the grocery chain distribution," he said. "It’s a big help knowing a lot of that world.”

Hollebrandt owns a construction company, and has been the force behind transforming the buildings.

"Bill and I were always interested in opening a place of our own," Shadduck said. They envisioned a bar that offered craft products and had a "backyard game type feel,” he said. When the DeFisher family put the Rootstock property up for sale, it was a larger operation than they originally envisioned, but they found a path forward.

Alongside the primary hospitality space is an 11,000-square-foot building that will be renovated to host even larger events; an outdoor bar and courtyard is part of the long term plans. A farmhouse on the property will be renovated and is being eyed for a bridal suite or short-term rental. There may be some agritourism attractions added as well.

What about Rootstock ciders?

Fans of Rootstock ciders will be able to continue to enjoy their favorite quaff. “We can start right up where they left off," Shadduck said. The original recipes will continue to be produced using fruit from the property as well as from DeFisher Fruit Farms.

The ciders are back in local grocery store chains, and the focus is on keeping distribution within New York State. Eventually they'd like to add specialty ciders and new flavors.

The ciders could vary a bit over time, he said. "It's not like beer," Shadduck said. "It’s more similar to wine in that you’re working with fruit. Every year the crop is different and you have to work with what nature gives you. It’s definitely an art.”

If you go

Rootstock Cider & Spirits is at 3274 Eddy Road in Williamson, roughly 30 minutes east of downtown Rochester.

Hours are 3 to 9 p.m. Monday, Tuesday and Thursday (kitchen open 4 to 8:30); noon to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday (kitchen closes at 9); and noon to 6 p.m. Sunday (kitchen closes at 5:30). It is closed Wednesdays. It will be open on Memorial Day.

The space is wheelchair accessible, except for the small loft, and has both high-top and standard seating.

Find more information at rootstockciderworks.com or call (585) 469-4070.

Tracy Schuhmacher covers Rochester's food and drink scene. Notice something new in your neighborhood? Send tips to tracys@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: Rootstock cidery reopens in Williamson NY