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Virginia Cider Houses

Blue Toad Hard Cider

Old-school values, new-world sensibilities

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Born in a barn, Blue Toad Cider honors the tradition and legacy of America’s first preferred beverage by brewing an all-natural and eminently drinkable hard cider using locally grown apples in Western New York and apples grown in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia. Rather than solely using European-style tart and bitter apples, Blue Toad Hard Cider uses a cider blend of three to four different apple varieties (replete with natural seasonal variation) grown in areas near Rochester, New York and Tyro, Virginia. Our production takes place at our cideries located in the Genesee Regional Market in Rochester, New York and at the base of Wintergreen Resort in Roseland, Virginia. We believe our cider is different – more authentic, more drinkable, more responsibly produced, more of an experience – than the more mass-produced ciders that may use imported concentrates. We hope you’ll treat yourself to a bottle, can or glass of our hard cider soon to savor that difference. We think you’ll be back for another.  

Traditional Rustic Cider-Making at Courthouse Creek Cider in Virginia

"Explore the natural, rustic cider-making at Virginia's Courthouse Creek Cider, a blend of tradition and community."

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Discover Courthouse Creek Cider's unique, rustic charm, nestled in the heart of Virginia. Known for its dedication to natural, rustic-style cider-making, this cidery offers an authentic "earth to glass" experience, emphasizing minimal intervention with no filtering or pasteurization. With a variety of ciders, from dry to sweet and still to sparkling, Courthouse Creek caters to all palates. Their use of barrel aging introduces complex flavors, making each cider distinctively robust. Visitors can enjoy these exquisite ciders in a scenic, family-friendly tasting room surrounded by the very orchards that produce their apples. The cidery focuses on producing top-quality ciders, prioritizes community involvement and sustainability, and hosts educational tours and workshops. Whether you're a cider enthusiast or a curious newcomer, Courthouse Creek Cider promises a delightful and enlightening experience, blending traditional cider-making with innovative flavors and community spirit. Explore the essence of modern craft cider at Courthouse Creek, a must-visit destination for anyone passionate about sustainable agriculture and flavorful beverages.

Bold Rock Cider

Discover Bold Rock Cider: A Blend of Innovation, Local Tradition, and Sustainability in Virginia

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Discover the delightful flavors of Bold Rock Cider, nestled in Virginia's Blue Ridge Mountains since 2012. Founded by John Washburn and Brian Shanks, Bold Rock has quickly risen as a leading craft cidery in the U.S., renowned for its commitment to quality and innovation. Utilizing locally sourced Shenandoah Valley apples, the cidery offers a diverse range of products, from the classic Virginia Apple to unique blends like the IPA (India Pressed Apple). Bold Rock not only supports local agriculture but also emphasizes sustainable practices, ensuring each bottle is crafted with care for the environment. Experience the essence of the mountains with a visit to their Nellysford cidery, where you can enjoy guided tours, tastings, and local culture. Dive into the world of Bold Rock Cider, where tradition meets innovation in every sip.

Popular Virginia Cideries

Albemarle CiderWorks

Albemarle CiderWorks

A Premier Virginia Cidery Experience

Nestled in the heart of Virginia’s lush countryside, Albemarle CiderWorks invites you to explore a one-of-a-kind cider-tasting experience where tradition, craftsmanship, and the vibrant flavors of Virginia apples come together. Our cidery, set against the stunning Blue Ridge Mountains, is more than just a destination; it's an invitation to discover the charm and flavor of Virginia cider in an idyllic, relaxed environment that showcases both the history and future of American cider-making.

Explore Our Historic Orchard

Our orchard is the soul of Albemarle CiderWorks, a place where heritage and heirloom apple varieties grow in perfect harmony with the land. With over 200 apple varieties carefully cultivated, including rare types like Arkansas Black and Albemarle Pippin, our orchard is a testament to our commitment to preserving the rich history of apple-growing in Virginia. Each apple in our orchard is nurtured for its distinct flavor, complexity, and character, creating a foundation for our ciders that is as varied as it is delicious. Visitors are invited to wander through the orchard, take in the fragrant air, and learn about the heritage apple varieties that make Albemarle CiderWorks’ ciders so unique.

The Cidery: Where Tradition Meets Innovation

At Albemarle CiderWorks, we believe that great cider begins with respect for traditional techniques combined with a passion for innovation. Our cider-making process highlights the natural character of each apple variety, producing small-batch, artisanal ciders that express the terroir of Virginia. From dry to semi-dry offerings, our ciders range in flavor from crisp and refreshing to bold and complex. Our expert cider-makers carefully blend each batch to produce a cider that honors tradition while appealing to modern palates, ensuring every sip is a journey into the heart of Virginia’s cider heritage.

Indulge in Tasting Events and Seasonal Cider Experiences

Our tasting room is open year-round, welcoming cider enthusiasts and newcomers alike to sample the full range of Albemarle CiderWorks creations. Each cider flight offers a thoughtfully curated selection, allowing visitors to explore our distinctive flavor profiles and discover personal favorites. Our knowledgeable team will guide you through each tasting, sharing insights about the apple varieties, the production process, and what makes each cider unique.

In addition to regular tastings, Albemarle CiderWorks also hosts seasonal events and specialty tastings that celebrate Virginia’s apple-growing heritage. From harvest festivals to live music events and food pairings, our seasonal events provide an opportunity to experience our cider in new, exciting ways, often in collaboration with local chefs, musicians, and artisans. These events create a vibrant, community-oriented atmosphere that captures the essence of Virginia’s hospitality and Albemarle CiderWorks' commitment to supporting local culture.

An Invitation to Relax, Savor, and Connect

Located just a short drive from Charlottesville, Albemarle CiderWorks is a perfect destination for a relaxing day trip or a memorable stop along your Virginia wine and cider trail. Our inviting outdoor seating areas and picnic spots make it easy to savor a glass of cider while taking in the panoramic views of our orchard and the surrounding mountains. Families, couples, and groups are all welcome to bring a picnic, enjoy live music on select weekends, and immerse themselves in the peaceful ambiance that Albemarle CiderWorks is known for.

Plan Your Visit Today

Whether you’re a seasoned cider aficionado or simply curious to try something new, Albemarle CiderWorks offers a truly unforgettable experience. Discover the best of Virginia cider, learn about heirloom apple varieties, and experience the beauty of our orchard and cidery. We look forward to welcoming you to Albemarle CiderWorks and sharing the unique flavors of Virginia cider with you.

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