CRL Apple Cider Donut Tour: Goold Hill Estate

CRL Apple Cider Donut Tour: Goold Hill Estate By Benny Nezaj WNYT Goold Hill Donut tour CASTLETON-ON-HUDSON, N.Y. — The Capital Region Lifestyle Apple Cider Donut Tour has reached its seventh and final stop, bringing us to a historic estate in Rensselaer County. Related: CRL Apple Cider Donut Tour: Smith’s Orchard Bake Shop Benny Nezaj visited Goold Hill Estate in Castleton-on-Hudson to check out its apple cider donuts and learn more about the property’s history, new ownership and what visitors can experience throughout the year. Goold Hill Estate has been a family-run destination for more than a century. Sue Goold says her grandparents first came to the property in 1910, and her family continued owning and operating it for generations before she sold the business in 2019. While the property has a long history as an apple orchard and cider mill, new ownership is bringing additional attractions and experiences to the estate. One of the biggest additions is a winery, with approximately 7,500 grape vines planted on the property. Plans are underway to establish a full winery and tasting room, giving visitors another reason to stop by. General Manager Ashley Watson says the goal is to make Goold Hill Estate a year-round destination, with several events and activities planned for the community. Those include free line dancing every Wednesday at 6 p.m., along with trivia nights and karaoke. The estate is also preparing for the holiday season, with Christmas trees available for purchase and Thanksgiving pies available for preorder. Of course, no visit would be complete without stopping by the bakery. Bakery Manager Leo Grout says he takes particular pride in making the estate’s apple cider donuts, focusing on consistency, quality and the right balance of spices. Grout carefully measures ingredients to ensure each batch delivers the same results. He also believes cinnamon and nutmeg play an important role in creating the traditional fall flavor people look for in an apple cider donut. The result is a warm, flavorful treat with a noticeable blend of spices that doesn’t feel overly heavy. With more than a century of family history, new additions under its current ownership and plenty of activities planned for the future, Goold Hill Estate made for a fitting final stop on the CRL Apple Cider Donut Tour. Related: CRL Apple Cider Donut Tour: Sand Flats Orchard To watch Benny’s and Alexa Dringus’ experience at Goold Hill Estate and revisit all seven stops along the tour, visit the Capital Region Lifestyle section at WNYT.com .