Our Roots are in Williamson, NY
Rootstock Cider & Spirits is a farmstead cidery & craft spirits distillery located in Williamson, NY. Founded in 2012 by David DeFisher, Rootstock Cider & Spirits — the first post-prohibition farmstead cidery in the Rochester region — is dedicated to using only locally sourced ingredients in crafting premium ciders, perry, and spirits. With a commitment to sustainability, we utilize a solar energy system to offset our power requirements. By pairing with other local farmers, we ensure all of our natural by-products are put to good use, and returned to the land.
After acquiring Rootstock in 2024, current partners, Brian Shadduck & Bill Hollebrandt (both proudly from Williamson), are excited to build upon the incredible Rootstock legacy the DeFisher family created, while evolving the business into its next chapter. Today’s Rootstock is proud to offer an expanded Tap Room with functional loft, multiple events spaces, new bathrooms, incredible food menu, a full bar, and entertainment for everyone. We hope to see you soon!
Our Team Williamson Proud
Brian Shadduck
Partner & General Manager
A Williamson native, Brian has been a part of Rootstock since 2016. Working for the founders, the DeFisher Family, he held multiple roles, including leading up sales and distribution and managing the tasting room. As General Manager, Brian will continue to wear multiple hats, with his focus on managing the Rootstock team, running daily operations, and growing the business. He’s excited to lead the next chapter of Rootstock, and continue the incredible brand the DeFisher family created. Brian lives in Williamson with his family.
Bill Hollebrandt
Partner & Facilities Manager
Bill is the main man behind the magic of Rootstock’s transformation - wait until you see all the renovations and improvements! Bill has been in the construction industry for over 15 years, running his own construction business in his “spare time.” He grew up in Williamson and is proud to be a part of creating the perfect hang out spot for the community. Passionate about all things cornhole, Bill will spearhead our cornhole leagues and other sporting entertainment. After major construction is complete on our Taproom building, Bill will additionally manage our facilities, ensuring everything is always running smoothly, and will continue renovations on the property, making Rootstock the premier destination in Apple Country. Bill lives in Henrietta with his wife and their son.
Laura Dennie
Events Manager and Design
Laura has been in the event industry for 10 years, planning all types of events including parties, showers, weddings and corporate events. Running her own wedding planning business since 2018, she’s your girl if you want to book an event at Rootstock! Additionally, Laura is focused on design and decorative touch that will come with Rootstock’s reopening, ensuring that Rootstock is the perfect environment for your casual night out or the ideal backdrop for life’s most meaningful events, and everything in between. Married into a Williamson family, Laura lives in Webster with her husband and their two boys.
Kristen Dennie
Merchandise and Design
Kristen loves to find new ways to be creative, and is driven by bringing new ideas to life. She is a first grade teacher in Wayne County and has had her own small art business for the past several years. She looks forward to designing new merchandise, and will make sure the shelves are always stocked with everyone’s favorite apparel and glassware. She will work with the team to create a space where people can have a great time with family and friends, making Rootstock a place where the community can gather and share memorable experiences. Another “Williamsonian-by marriage,” Kristen lives in Fairport with her husband and two children.