Our Story

It was once said the most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched – they must be felt – that explains the feeling of Terrace Mountain Orchard, and that is what our grandparents fell in love with over 25 years ago!  Terrace Mountain Orchard sits on a beautiful 600-acre parcel of land with tall pines, open fields, hardwoods, and over 50 acres of apple trees.  But it isn’t just the scenic landscape, it’s an experience – the feeling you get when you drive through the wooded entrance.  As the hardwoods open up to fields, apple trees, rolling hills, and ponds, you feel the stress of everyday life melt away.  That beauty and feeling is what our grandparents fell in love with and this is our story…

In 1997, our grandparents, Rene and Winnifred (Win) Perrone decided they wanted to trade life on the shores of Lake George for the peace and quiet of country life.  After raising three girls and running several successful businesses, they were looking for a new “hobby.”  Win found an apple orchard in the mountains of Schoharie called Terrace Mountain Orchard that had been operational in the past but had sat dormant for several years.  Seeing the potential for this orchard, they purchased the property and spent that summer bringing it back to life with the help of their teenage grandsons.  That summer, we planted most of the trees you are able to pick from today, rehabbed the barns, and explored the land we now know like the back of our hand.  And so, a family-run orchard was created.

Over the years, Rene and Win ran the business while also living on the property – their house sitting just up the hill from the apple store and overlooking the orchards.  They relied on help from family and friends to maintain the orchards and run the apple store, which has always retained that peaceful family-run appeal with all of us visiting often to help pitch in and to enjoy the 600-acre property.  Over the years, they added wagon rides, refined the apple tree trimming and growing techniques, and perfected many of the baking recipes enjoyed today, including the now famous cider donuts. 

We, Rene and Ben (brothers), have always felt a special connection to the orchard and have been increasingly involved in the business over the past several years.  With the recent passing of our grandparents, we could not see the orchard sold, especially knowing they very much wished the property remained in the family.  So, in November 2021, we, along with our families and parents, decided to purchase the orchard and continue the legacy.  Our plan is to continue running a family-friendly orchard while doing what we can to modernize and keep growing.  We are proud to bring wholesome, fun-filled experiences to families both near and far.  We feel very honored to continue sharing this beautiful piece of land with all of you and hope you enjoy it as much as we do.