Cider Week Virginia returns Nov. 15–24 for a week-long celebration of the Commonwealth’s cider with 16 cideries participating this year. Cider lovers can expect to enjoy events at participating cideries ranging from educational workshops to tastings with cider makers. Here are some Cider Week Virginia events to check out:
Bonfire in the Orchard
Saturday, Nov. 9, 6–10 p.m.
Winchester Ciderworks
2504 N. Frederick Pike, Winchester
Wichester Ciderworks kicks off Cider Week early with a bonfire in their orchard with live music and food trucks during this special evening.
Cider Week Kickoff Event
Friday, Nov. 15, 5–10 p.m.
Firefly
1304 E Market St., Charlottesville
Kickoff Virginia Cider Week at Firefly with more than a dozen Virginia ciders on tap or available by bottle/can/glass all week long! At the kickoff event you’ll be able to meet local cidermakers and get a chance to win prizes from your favorite area cideries. They’ll have cider-centric food pairings throughout Cider Week and non-alcoholic cider and mocktails available.
Comedy and Cider
Friday, Nov. 15, 8–9:30 p.m.
Coyote Hole Ciderworks
225 Oak Grove Drive, Mineral
The North American Comedy Brewery Tour presents a unique night out in Mineral featuring the finest that comedy has to offer paired with Coyote Hole’s delicious fresh signature ciders.
Cider Making Workshop
Saturday, Nov. 16, 10 a.m.–noon
Winchester Ciderworks
2504 N. Frederick Pike, Winchester
Craft your own hard cider under the tutelage of Winchester Ciderworks’ cidermeister Stephen Schuurman! During the workshop you will go through small batch processing. Participants will learn about pressing, commercial yeasts, natural fermentations and additions to cider for added flavors. Participants will take home 2 gallons of their own creations to ferment at home. One gallon with a commercial yeast added, and a second gallon to ferment naturally. $60.
Potter’s Craft Cider Grand Opening
Saturday, Nov. 16, noon
Potter’s Craft Cider
Potter’s Craft Cider is opening their new tasting room during Cider Week Virginia. The Charlottesville address for their new tasting room will be revealed prior to the event, check here. Free.
Orchard Tour and Private Tasting with the Cidermaker
Saturday, Nov. 16, 2 and 4 p.m.
Courthouse Creek Cider
1581 Maidens Road, Maidens
Experience a guided tour with Eric Cioffi, cidermaker, orchardist and owner of Courthouse Creek Cider. Participants will walk the orchard, spend time in the production room and enjoy a curated cider tasting. This is a ticketed event, and space is limited. $30.
Cheese and Cider Pairing Class
Tuesday, Nov. 19, 6–9 p.m.
Blue Bee Cider
1320 Summit Ave., Richmond
From stinky to mild, Truckle Cheesemongers and Essex St. partner on this special event bringing together two favorites. Class includes a cider and cheese flight.
Guided Flights with the Cidermaker
Friday, Nov. 22, 7–9 p.m.
Bryant’s Cider
308 N. Adams St., Richmond
Come meet the cidermaker for a guided flight! The man behind the ciders will be going over four of their bestselling ciders. Don’t want to stop at four? Stay after to do all eight! Learn all of the ins and outs of these fan favorites.
Cider Week Virginia Open House
Saturday, Nov. 23, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
Old Hill Cider
17768 Honeyville Road, Timberville
Join Old Hill Cider for an open house featuring freshly picked apples, hot mulled cider, apple cider donuts, extended hours in the tasting room and farm store, local food trucks, workshops and more. Free.
Southeast Virginia Ciderweek Festival
Saturday, Nov. 23, noon–7 p.m.
Sly Clyde Ciderworks
207 East Mellen St., Hampton
Celebrating Coastal Virginia and Virginia cider, Sly Clyde is hosting the largest Cider Festival in the region. Guest ciders, games for families and a Maker’s Fair will be set up on site. Sly Clyde will release Channel Fever, a cider spiced for the holidays.
Alexandria Cider Festival
Saturday, Nov. 23, 1–5 p.m.
Lloyd House
317 Hooffs Run Drive, Alexandria
The Alexandria Cider Festival returns to the Lloyd House in historic Old Town! Enjoy a selection of ciders from more than 10 Virginia cideries. Ticket includes tastings, a souvenir glass, live music and fun fall activities. $45 in advance.
