This year, Virginia Cider Week runs from Nov. 13 through 22 with a series of events at cideries all across the state. Cider was the drink of choice during colonial times, one that francophile Thomas Jefferson made in a Champagne-like style. John Adams attributed his health and longevity to treating it as a daily pre-breakfast tipple. As with other craft beverages, cider has undergone a renaissance of sorts, with producers making it in dry, crisp styles; unctuous dessert versions and everything in-between. Here are some of the events where you can get your apple on that week.
Virginia Cidery Guest Cider Feature Event
Nov. 13-22, noon-9 p.m.
At this year’s main event, participating local cideries will also be carrying select ciders from producers in other regions; offerings will be on tap or in bottles depending on the location. The cideries taking part include Albemarle CiderWorks, Blue Bee Cider, Blue Toad Hard Cider – Virginia, Big Fish Cider, Co., Bold Rock Hard Cider, Bryant’s Cider, Buskey Cider, Big Pippin Cider, Coyote Hole Ciderworks, Courthouse Creek Cider, Old Hill Cider, Halcyon Days, Potter’s Craft Cider, Sage Bird Ciderworks, Sly Clyde Ciderworks, Winchester Ciderworks and The Winery at Kindred Pointe. // Various locations
Donut Give Up Cider Release at Lost Boy Cider
Saturday, Nov. 14
The Alexandria producer uses Shenandoah apples for its dry cider. Join them for the release of their Stovepipe of the Day called Donut Give Up, a fall-inspired expression with cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves that tastes like a cider doughnut in a can. // 317 Hooffs Run Drive, Alexandria
Virtual Cider and Cheese 101 at Blue Bee Cider
Wednesday, Nov. 18, 6-8 p.m.
Virginia’s first urban cidery, located in the Scott’s Addition section of Richmond, is hosting its annual Cider and Cheese 101 workshop virtually this year. Join Maddie from Truckle Cheesemongers and Rachel from Essex Street Cheese as you learn how their products are made and why they taste so great with cider. Tickets include a Zoom link and a tasting kit of cheese and ciders suitable for up to four people. // 1320 Summit Ave., Richmond; $47.50-$52.50 for the kit
Buskey Cider 11-Month Aged Sherry Barrel Cider Bottle Release
Friday, Nov. 20, noon
Co-founder Elle Correll lived in the Sherry Triangle of Jerez de la Frontera, Spain before launching this Richmond cidery with her husband Will. That inspired her to age one of their ciders in casks from producer Pedro Domecq that formerly held oloroso sherry. Taste the release of this special project made with a blend of heritage apples, then buy some, packaged in a sleek, matte 500ml black-painted bottle with an askew minimalist label. // 2910 W. Leigh St., Richmond
Music in the Orchard at Albemarle Cider Works
Saturday, Nov. 14, 2:30-4:30 p.m.
Spend a fall afternoon in the apple orchard with the tunes of Jelly Street Jazz, which combines dirty blues with straight-ahead ballads and hard-swinging jazz. Reservations are encouraged, leashed pets are permitted and feel free to bring a picnic. // 2545 Rural Ridge Lane, North Garden
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