Discovering the Apple Wine and Hard Cider Scene in Virginia
Exploring Apple Wine & Hard Cider in Virginia
September in Virginia is a time of celebration for both wine and cider enthusiasts. As the leaves begin to turn and the air grows crisp, the orchards in this picturesque state come alive with the bustle of harvest season. While Virginia is known for its lush vineyards and award-winning wines, it's also home to some of the finest apple wines and hard ciders in the country. This article takes you on a journey to four exceptional wineries and cideries where apple wine and hard cider take center stage. These destinations blend tradition with innovation, offering a delightful experience for anyone eager to taste the best of what Virginia has to offer.
Bold Rock Hard Cider – Nellysford, Virginia
Located in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Bold Rock Cider stands as a beacon for cider enthusiasts. The cidery, founded in 2012, quickly gained recognition for its commitment to quality and the use of locally sourced apples. Visiting Bold Rock is not just about sipping cider—it's about embracing the Virginia countryside at its most breathtaking.
Orchard and Cider’s of Bold Rock
Bold Rock's Nellysford Cidery is surrounded by rolling hills and dense forests, making it an ideal spot for apple growing. The orchards are a mix of heritage and modern apple varieties, ensuring a robust and complex flavor profile in their ciders. The property covers expansive acreage, allowing visitors to wander through the orchards and enjoy the serene environment.
Bold Rock Signature Ciders:
- Virginia Draft – A smooth and mellow cider, made from a blend of Virginia apples, perfect for any occasion.
- Premium Dry – Crisp and clean with a slightly tart finish, highlighting the purity of the apples.
- Honeycrisp – Bursting with the sweet and tangy flavor of Honeycrisp apples, this cider is a fan favorite.
- Vintage Dry – A drier, more refined cider, perfect for those who prefer a less sweet beverage.
Trail and Region:
Bold Rock is a proud member of the Nelson 151 Trail, a road map for those interested in exploring the best craft beverages in the region. Nestled within the Monticello AVA (American Viticultural Area), this cidery not only offers fantastic drinks but also a rich cultural experience steeped in the history of Virginia's apple-growing tradition.
Visit Bold Rock Hard Cider https://www.boldrock.com/
Albemarle CiderWorks – North Garden, Virginia
Just a short drive from Charlottesville, Albemarle CiderWorks offers an experience that is both quaint and enriching. This family-owned cidery specializes in creating small-batch ciders that celebrate the diversity of Virginia's apple varieties.
Albemarle CiderWorks -Orchard and Cider Overview:
The orchard at Albemarle CiderWorks is a sight to behold. Spanning over 30 acres, it’s home to more than 200 apple varieties, including rare and heirloom types that are hard to find elsewhere. These apples, grown with care and attention to detail, form the backbone of the cidery’s unique offerings.
Albemarle Signature Ciders:
- Jupiter’s Legacy – A tart and aromatic cider made from a blend of traditional American apple varieties.
- Royal Pippin – Crisp and refreshing, this cider highlights the flavors of the Albemarle Pippin apple, a Virginia favorite.
- Old Virginia Winesap – Deep and robust with a hint of spice, this cider is perfect for those looking for something with character.
- Ragged Mountain – A semi-sweet cider with a smooth finish, capturing the essence of the fall harvest.
Cider Trail and Wine Region:
Albemarle CiderWorks is part of the Monticello Wine Trail, which connects some of the finest wineries and cideries in Central Virginia. The trail winds through the Monticello AVA, a region known for its historical significance and fertile growing conditions.
Visit Albemarle CiderWorks https://www.albemarleciderworks.com
Foggy Ridge Cider – Dugspur, Virginia
Hidden in the lush hills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Foggy Ridge Cider offers a rustic and authentic cider-tasting experience. As one of the first modern cideries in Virginia, Foggy Ridge Cider has been at the forefront of the cider revival in the state, crafting beverages that are both innovative and rooted in tradition.
Orchard and Cider Overview:
Foggy Ridge Cider’s orchards are perched on a high ridge, providing stunning panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. The orchard is home to classic American and English apple varieties, which are carefully selected for their ability to produce complex and balanced ciders. The property’s 20-acre orchard is a testament to the art of apple growing, with each tree nurtured to produce the best possible fruit.
Favorite Foggy Signature Ciders:
- First Fruit – A bright and citrusy cider, made from early-season apples with a fresh and lively taste.
- Serious Cider – True to its name, this cider is dry and bold, made from a mix of heritage apples that deliver a deep and lasting flavor.
- Handmade Cider – A blend of traditional and modern apples, resulting in a cider that’s well-rounded and pleasing to the palate.
- Sweet Stayman – A semi-sweet cider with a rich, full-bodied flavor, perfect for pairing with a wide range of foods.
Wine Trail and Region:
Foggy Ridge Cider is part of the Blue Ridge Parkway Wine & Craft Beer Trail, a scenic route that highlights some of the region’s finest artisanal beverages. The cidery is located in the Southwestern Virginia region, known for its natural beauty and rich agricultural heritage.
Visit Foggy Ridge Cider https://www.foggyridgecider.com/
Potter's Craft Cider – Charlottesville, Virginia
Potter's Craft Cider, located just outside of Charlottesville, is a modern cidery that takes a craft approach to cider making. Known for their innovative flavors and commitment to quality, Potter's Craft Cider has quickly become a favorite among cider lovers in Virginia.
Potter’s Craft Orchard and Cider Overview:
Potter's Craft sources its apples from a network of local orchards, including several small family-owned farms. The emphasis here is on using high-quality, sustainably grown apples to create ciders that are both flavorful and reflective of the Virginia terroir. The cidery itself is located in a historic church, offering a unique setting for tastings and events.
Best Signature Ciders:
- Farmhouse Dry – A crisp, dry cider with notes of green apple and citrus, perfect for those who prefer a more traditional cider.
- Grapefruit Hibiscus – A modern twist on cider, with a tart and floral flavor that’s refreshing and unique.
- Hopped Apple – Infused with hops, this cider offers a blend of fruity apple notes and the bitterness of hops, creating a complex and satisfying drink.
- Harvest Apple – A seasonal offering that captures the essence of freshly picked apples, with a balanced sweetness and acidity.
Wine and Cider Trail and Region:
Potter's Craft Cider is a member of the Virginia Cider Trail, a route that showcases the state’s top cideries. Situated in the Monticello AVA, Potter's Craft benefits from the rich history and vibrant agricultural scene of Central Virginia.
Visit Potter's Craft Cider https://www.potterscraftcider.com/
Conclusion
Virginia’s apple wine and hard cider scene is as rich and diverse as the state’s history itself. From the rolling hills of the Blue Ridge Mountains to the fertile lands of the Monticello AVA, these four wineries and cideries offer a taste of Virginia’s best. Whether you’re a seasoned cider enthusiast or a curious newcomer, a visit to any of these establishments will provide an unforgettable experience. So, as the apples are harvested this September, make sure to explore the flavors of Virginia's orchards and enjoy the fruits of their labor.
Bob Barkwood
Cheers! my friends. Let me start with a toast. Follow me as I taste my way through wine country. Reds are my favorites, but whites always refresh me. I've meet very few bottles I didn't like, so expect lots of recommendations.
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