Is your cider cellar packed with bottles you’ve been saving for the perfect occasion? Well, in our opinion, life is too short to wait!

Saturday, February 24, 2024, is the 3rd annual Open That Cider Bottle night, an off-shoot of Open That Bottle Night, an event founded in 2000 by two Wall Street Journal columnists, Dorothy J. Gaiter and John Brecher. This worldwide celebration was originally meant to encourage wine drinkers to open a special bottle from the cellar, basically just for funzies.

The American Cider Association joined the festivities in 2022 by designating the last Saturday in February as a day for cider fans to open and share something special!

In 2024, the ACA is bringing the tradition back! This year, they’ll be offering prizes for various categories and everyone who participates will be entered to win a wine/cider suitcase.

Here’s how to participate:

• Pick out a special cider to open on Saturday, February 24. Maybe it’s a homemade cider a friend gave you, or a limited release or one-off from a cider club you belong to. Perhaps it’s a bottle you picked up on a special trip, or a gift you’ve been hanging on to. Or, head to your local bottle shop and splurge on that bottle you’ve been eyeing all year!
• Either way, pick a cider with a great backstory and share a photo or Reel of it on Instagram anytime on Saturday, February 24, using the hashtag #openthatciderbottle. Don’t forget to also tag @pickcider!

Then, the ACA will award prizes to their favorite post in the following categories:

• Best Cider Bottle Story: Share what makes the cider you chose so special to you.
• Best Cider Adventure Story: Capture your cider bottle with an image that embodies the spirit of adventure in the world of cider.
• Best Cider/Food Pairing Suggestion: Explore the world of culinary delights that pair well with your chosen cider.
• Best Cider Artistry: Showcase the artistic side of cider whether it be a beautiful label or a beautiful setting for your cider bottle.

Everyone who posts will be entered into a drawing for the wine suitcase. You’ve got nothing to lose, so start considering which cider you’re going to enjoy, and get ready for Open that Cider Bottle on February 24!

• Photo: Pexels

The post Pop a Special Cider on ‘Open that Cider Bottle Night’ on February 24, 2024 appeared first on Cider Culture.

Malaika Tyson is one half of the blogging duo Cider Soms, which was started as a way to introduce wine lovers to the world of cider. Created along with her husband Sean, the “Soms” blog seeks to uncover and explain the complexities of ciders in a fun way.

During an icy January week, over 1,000 cidermakers, orchardists, and enthusiasts descended upon Portland, Oregon, for the 14th Annual CiderCon. CiderCon, which started in Salem, Oregon, with only a few hundred attendees, has blossomed into the world’s largest conference for the hard cider industry. Registration was 20% higher than the previous year, with attendees pouring in from 40 different states, including Alaska and Hawaii and Washington DC, and 14 different countries.

Despite the multi-day ice storm, with congregations initially limited to the Convention Center and lobby (I heard it was coined “LobbyCon 2024”), the energy remained high. In chatting with people, I learned that Kelsi Paul, Cidermaster at Taves Estate Cidery, was excited to meet new people and liked that the conference offered opportunities to learn about lots of different topics. CiderCon veteran Gidon Coll (founder of Original Sin Cider) found, “It was enlightening to witness the level of enthusiasm for cider culture in the Pacific Northwest.”

Cider Share, the American Cider Association (ACA)-coordinated industry tasting, featured dozens of cideries from all around the world. Quince cider from Italian cider maker Floribunda was one of the crowd favorites. Cideries from the Northwest were located on the perimeter of the hotel ballroom and inside there were several “islands” of tables. The Northwest Cider Association also coordinated an invite-only special preview hour of Cider Share for wholesalers, buyers, media and influencers to sample cider from throughout the Northwest region.

The conference formally opened on Thursday, January 18, with the ACA’s CEO Michelle McGrath welcoming us to her home city, and ACA headquarters. McGrath highlighted the continued partnership with the Cider Institute of North America (CINA), who coordinated the conference’s production track, aptly named “Making Amazing Cider.” Connecting with Consumers in an Age of Endless Choice was the theme of the conference, and McGrath talked about how cider is a regional beverage, with many cidermakers growing their own fruit. 

The three keynote speakers were multigenerational orchardists Kaitlyn Thornton (Tonasket, Washington), Randy Kiyokawa (Kiyokawa Family Orchards in Hood River, Oregon), along with cidery owner Lara Worm (Bivouac Ciderworks in San Diego, California). Each speaker expanded upon the discussion of the conference’s theme. 

Thornton impressed upon the attendees to understand “what is your why” and the importance of storytelling. Kiyokawa discussed embracing endless choice to connect to the consumer and drive growth and subsequent success of the industry. Worm focused on elevating education, accessibility and sharing stories with a wider audience. I agreed with Worm when she said that cider has more depth and staying power than anything else on the market, but cider is one of the few beverages where consumers quit the whole category if they find something too sweet or too sour.

Following these short presentations, Zoe Licata of Brewbound hosted a panel discussion, investigating the state of the hard cider industry with a selection of cidery representatives from around the country: Aaron Sarnoff-Wood (2 Towns Ciderhouse in Oregon), Casey Baxter (Blake’s Beverage Company in Michigan), Shannon Edgar (Stormalong Cider in Massachusetts), Caitlin Braam (Yonder Cider in Washington) and Eleanor Legér (Eden Specialty Ciders in Vermont). The panel shared their individual takes on the state of the industry. Sarnoff-Wood discussed how national grocer access and visibility is one key driver of growth. Braam acknowledged that smaller cideries also have growth and stock challenges, especially if they want to work with other small businesses. 

Legér, whose cidery makes less than 25,000 gallons each year, talked about how small cideries are focused on restaurants, e-commerce and following the trends of natural wine making. Another trend discussed were low/no and high-ABV ciders. Baxter opined that better-for-you lifestyles and occasions are driving these trends, and while Blake’s introduced a light cider five years ago, it was caught up in the hard seltzer wave. Edgar shared some barriers for the high ABV, or imperial ciders, and noted that when Stormalong introduced an imperial cider, it got some traction but was going to continue to require big marketing pushes. 

After the speaker sessions, McGrath announced that Reps. Earl Blumenauer (OR-D), who was one of the recipients of the 2024 Apple Advocate Award, and Mike Kelly (PA-R) introduced the Bubble Tax Modernization Act of 2024 (HR 7029) to the 118th Congress of the United States. This garnered resounding cheers from the audience! The “Bubble Bill” will amend a carbonation threshold disparity for lower-alcohol wine, cider and mead made with fruit. 

Sonya del Peral (Proprietor & Manager at Nine Pin Ciderworks) sat in on the opening session and she agreed that the industry needs to continue to educate consumers. She was interested in attending the low-ABV panel — like Blake’s, Nine Pin launched a low-ABV cider several years ago and is now revamping the product. I also sat in on “An Introduction to Low-ABV & Non-Alcoholic Cider Production” moderated by Dave Takush (Head Cidermaker and co-owner of 2 Towns Ciderhouse). The standing-room-only crowd illustrated that there is continued and growing interest in this trend. 

There were 37 other educational sessions across several categories, including Crafting Amazing Cider, Doing Better Business, Exploring Cider’s Flavor & Terroir, Growing Bountiful Apples and Selling More Cider. There were also 12 sensory sessions, including a tasting with cidermakers visiting from Sweden and Norway. 

My favorite panel was “The Burden of Burnout.” Focusing on one’s own mental health is something that is often overlooked, especially in an industry so many business owners/operators and their staffs have to grind it out to be successful. As Ellen Cavalli, co-founder of Tilted Shed Ciderworks, said in her “How to Stay Small” panel: “Someone needs to have a day job.” 

The panel, moderated by Katie Muggli, (Founder and Executive Director of Infinite Ingredient), and featuring Maura Hardman (Marketing & PR Manager for Seattle Cider Company), Ben Calvi (COO at Vermont Cider Co.) and  Dr. J. Nikol Jackson-Beckham (Director of Social Impact at the Brewers Association), talked about how important it is to recognize burnout and what leadership’s role is in managing their team’s burnout. 

Hardman noted how it is easier to see burnout in others, but you need to self-identify to take care of yourself. Calvi acknowledged that burnout is hard to address in a manufacturing environment and how challenging it is for leaders to have a sustainable and durable company. 

Jackson-Beckham, known by many as “Dr. J,” discussed how many small producers’ business models are built on burnout, and a real challenge is finding a way to make the numbers work without burning people out. Dr. J also talked about how marginalized groups often come into work feeling they have something to prove and are personally invested in being hyper- competent in their jobs, further exacerbating burnout. Muggli also provided several useful tips and strategies for burnout management (“The antidote to burnout is engagement”).

Several panels also discussed the value in educating consumers while also being authentic to yourself. Julie Rhodes (Strategic Business Consultant at Not Your Hobby Marketing) discussed knowing your market audience (“North Face couldn’t just market to everyone who didn’t want to be cold”) while also recognizing that market launches can take time. In several of the sessions, panelists discussed making your mark, finding effective partnerships and figuring out how to avoid the “beer-ification” of cider, especially with distributors. 

CiderCon always brings in new attendees, including the nine recipients of the Cider is For Everyone Scholarship, and this year the CiderSoms hosted the Newcomers Networking Session, sponsored by Maletis Beverage. There were also several other networking opportunities, including a BIPOC Cider Professional Meetup and an Orcharding Meetup where attendees exchanged apple tree scion wood.

I sat with first-time attendees Jordan and Lesley Zehner of Incline Cider Co. during the Friday lunch session. Jordan mentioned they’ve gone to the Northwest Cider Symposium in the past, and that they’d been having fun at CiderCon connecting with a different group of speakers, and hearing different perspectives from all over the world. Lesley found that the conference sessions had common themes of low/no ABV and consistent marketing.

Scholarship recipient William Santiago (a bartender at Crafted Concoctions), wasn’t sure where he would fit in at CiderCon, but by the end of the conference he had found his calling. Santiago found, “A sense of purpose of what I can do, and what I can bring both to the [cider] side and to the cocktail world, which is where I’m coming from. Being here gave me the opportunity to brighten my horizons, make new contacts [and] try some new flavors and cider styles.” 

CiderSoms has been involved with the Scholarship program since the start and it really warms my heart and excites me when the recipients leave the conference with this kind of energy and clarity. 

The ACA also welcomed their new leadership. Josie Mielke of Urban Orchard Cider Co. and Shannon Edgar of Stormalong were newly elected to the Board. Christine Walter of Bauman’s Cider was elected Board President, a role previously held by Legér for the past three years. Sarah Hemly of Hemly Cider was elected Vice President.

 Overall, CiderCon was an amazing time. We always love making this yearly cider pilgrimage to make connections with our cider family, get to see people in real life that we’ve only seen online, and welcome newcomers into the cider community. There truly is no place like the “Con!” Sean and I can’t wait to host you all next February in Chicago for CiderCon 2025.

Cheers!

• Photos: Brandon Buza

The post CiderCon 2024 Recap: Returning to Our Roots and Looking Ahead appeared first on Cider Culture.

An exciting and ambitious festival is coming to Asheville, NC this fall: the inaugural Carolina Cider Fest! On Saturday, October 21, 2023, cidermakers and cider fans from across the region will gather at McCormick Field (home to the city’s Minor League Baseball team, the Asheville Tourists) to enjoy an array of cider and experiences. The venue will help to ease some of the common issues at big festivals: It’s easily walkable from Asheville’s downtown, and there’s lots of parking, plenty of bathrooms, numerous tap lines and ample coverage if it rains.

The festival is planned for the height of the fall tourist season in North Carolina, and hopes to draw in 2,000-plus guests hailing from far and wide.

Lyndon Smith of Botanist & Barrel, and the current president of the North Carolina Cider Association, is one of the organizers of the event. He notes that the main objectives of the Carolina Cider Fest are to showcase Southern cider, as well as to provide an environment where everyone can take a pause and make some real connections.

“All of the North Carolina cidermakers we talked to were like, ‘We just want a festival where we can actually talk to guests, not just hand out glass after glass,'” he says.

Carolina Cider Fest is a daytime affair, running from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. General admission (21+, please) is $45, with designated driver tickets are $25. There are two VIP tiers, as well: $75 for VIP access to the Wicked Weed Brewing Party Pavilion, and $95 for VIP Access to the Hi-Wire Grandstand Suite, as well as a parking pass. All tickets include a souvenir glass and as many cider samples as you like;  VIP tickets include the souvenir glass, cider samples and snacks.

On the sampling front, there will be a huge array of beverages to try, including hard cider, mead, apple wine and seltzers.

While Smith hopes that all of the local and regional producers come out to pour — and many have already signed up — he also hopes that some of the national cider brands will get involved, as well.

“This festival is all about cider for the people, so we want every style of cider there is, from the most obscure to the biggest out there!”

In keeping with Asheville’s reputation as an incredible culinary destination, there were also be curated artisanal food, specifically chosen to pair with cider.

To purchase tickets for the Carolina Cider Fest, head here! There are also still cider vending spots available (more info here), as well as opportunities for makers to sell their wares. For more info and updates, follow Carolina Cider Fest on Instagram.

• Feature photo: Stephan Pruitt Photography
• Apple photo: Noble Cider

The post Save the Date for the Carolina Cider Fest (Oct. 21, 2023) appeared first on Cider Culture.

Guess what? Dry Cider July (formerly Dry Cider January) is here! Even though the month has changed, the concept remains the same: this celebration, headed up by the American Cider Association, is all about zero-added-sugar hard ciders.

This month-long effort spotlights ciders that are truly dry, meaning they contain no residual sugar. Whether you always reach for dry ciders, or want to explore this category of cider in addition to your preference for off-dry or semi-sweet styles, it’s a fun campaign to participate in. July is also the perfect month to stock up on dry ciders for maximum refreshment on the hottest and most humid days!

Lots of ciders have the word “Dry” on the cans, and not all include nutritional info to know if there are residual sugars. So, how can you be sure?

The ACA has put together a helpful Dry Cider Directory, available on its website, to promote the Association members’ dry ciders. The cideries are listed alphabetically, but there is a search tool that lets you put in your favorite cideries and see what comes up. Each listing includes the cider name, the cidery’s location, a list of states where the cider is usually available, and (when applicable) a link to buy that cidery’s products online!

The directory, which is quite extensive, exemplifies that there are so many styles to be found in the category of zero-sugar ciders. From super bright, citrusy ciders, like Potter’s Craft Grapefruit Hibiscus Session Cider, to elegant, restrained still ciders, like Dock Waters Cidery’s Orchard Blend Still, to experimental ciders, like Botanist & Barrel’s Sour Cider, there is a veritable rainbow of flavors to dig into.

Once you’ve stocked up on dry ciders, be sure to tag your Instagram or other social media posts with the hashtags #dryciderjuly and #pickdrycider (you still ‘gram your ciders, right?). Be sure to follow the Association’s Instagram account to keep up with the campaign.

Cider makers: Want to get in on the Dry Cider July action? There is still time to add your products to the ACA’s directory! Fill out this form with a description of your cider and a photo to accompany it.

• Feature photo: Dish Works

The post ‘Dry Cider July’ is Upon Us! appeared first on Cider Culture.

There are a lot of special and unique parts of the cider culture, but perhaps none is as mysterious and exciting as Wassailing. This super-old tradition, which dates back to at least 1585, has its roots in Southern England, and is equal parts pagan rite and rowdy party.

Wassailing at Angry Orchard

Though there are a bunch of variations on the theme, the basic idea is that on the Twelfth Night of Christmas, people would go out into the dormant cider apple orchards and bless the trees by laying slices of bread or toast at the roots or tied to branches, and pour cider over the roots from the Wassail bowl. The groups (perhaps spurred on by imbibing some cider themselves) also sing to the trees, encouraging the spirits of the orchard to produce fine and abundant crops in season ahead, and to ward off evil energies.

Perhaps you’ve been Wassailing, or have seen fun photos of other people participating in the ritual on social media. Or, maybe this is the first you’ve ever heard of it! In an effort to share more info about this cider-specific tradition, we reached out to Susanna Forbes of Little Pomona, an esteemed cidery based in the legendary Hereford, England.

Though they don’t host a Wassail at their orchard, Susanna and her husband James have attended a number of Wassail festivals, starting about six years ago.

“Nothing quite prepares you for your first Wassail!” Forbes says. “Perhaps it’s the dark or the wintry conditions, but the excitement of the occasion seems massively heightened by the loud noises and flaming torches, and the importance of the quest of blessing the trees.”

While specific Wassailing events may differ, it’s all about “celebrating orchards, the lifeblood of cider,” as she puts it.

If you plan to attend a Wassail ritual, Forbes advises bundling up with plenty of warm layers and suitable footwear, as the orchards can be quite muddy. She also suggests bringing along a tambourine or your own pots and pans. Wassailing songs and poems vary from place to place, but Forbes notes that her favorite one goes:

Similarly, the mulled cider recipe is usually unique to each cidery, but if you need a little inspiration, she prefers this method:

“Use a juicy cider! Ours are all technically dry so we do add some brown sugar, plus a special blend of spices: We stud an orange with cloves, add a cinnamon stick or two, throw in a star anise, and freshly grate some nutmeg as it warms. Finally, if you like, add a splash of calvados to taste!”

In the UK, Wassailing was historically centered on the traditional cider regions in the southwest part of the country, but the Forbes note that they’ve counted 30 counties hosting Wassail ceremonies this year. In the US, we’ve seen Wassailing events planned at a bunch of cideries in the US, as well (for a nice, comprehensive list, see this write up in Tradfolk).

For example, at Virtue Cider in Michigan, the Winter Wassail offers revelers a day of music, traditional Wassail food, mask-making, mulled cider, bonfires, firepits and a march through the orchards to bless the trees for a bountiful harvest.

At the annual Wassail Winter Festival in February at Angry Orchard in Walden, NY, includes live music, dance performance, outdoor games and competitions, a huge bonfire, chanting through the orchard with lit torches and cider in hand, and the release of its Wassail Wooden Sleeper cider.

Wassail at Courthouse Creek

• Feature, lyrics, reveler in laurel crown and Wassail Wooden Sleeper photos: Angry Orchard
• All other photos: Virtue Cider

The post Wassailing 101 appeared first on Cider Culture.

The New York International Cider Competition is back on February 19, 2023, and it’s better than ever! Now in its 5th year, this competition is the only one of its kind (that we know of) that has a judges panel made entirely of trade buyers, distributors and importers. These folks, whose jobs it is to taste alcohol and build programs for markets, bottle shops, bars and restaurants, bring their real-world experience to the table and to their judging considerations.

The New York International Cider Competition was founded by Adam Levy, AKA the Alcohol Professor, a multifaceted digital platform that curates informative, entertaining content about spirits, wine, beer and cider. There are companion sites, as well: Cheese Professor and Chocolate Professor. Now, this is homework we are down for!  

In 2011, Levy expanded his projects to include the International Beverage Competitions, an annual wine, beer, and spirits competition that’s been running strong for the past 12 years, and has even expanded overseas to Germany, Australia and Hong Kong. He originally founded the competition in response to learning that many similar competitions followed a “pay-to-play” model, with nearly all entries receiving prizes. 

Feeling as if he could do better, Levy leveraged the network of buyers that he was acquainted with in various alcohol industries. He developed a new competition model and took the concept from idea to reality. There are separate competitions for spirits, wine and beer, and while craft cider used to be included with beer, it got its own specific competition in 2019! 

We are excited to announce that the New York International Cider Competition is now open for entries. Curious about how it all works? Here’s the nitty gritty:

• Any commercially produced cider from anywhere in the world is eligible to enter. In fact, the competition usually receives upwards of 300 entries from over 20 different states! For a list of last year’s winners, head here.
• The categories for entries are separated into Standard Styles (modern, heritage, modern perry and heritage perry), and Specialty Styles (fruit cider, spiced cider, hopped cider, wood-aged cider and sour cider). This is in accordance with the authorized categories, as defined by the American Cider Association.
• Each cider is judged individually, so there can be multiple golds, silvers or bronze medals in each category. Each cider has a chance to win based on its own merits. For more on the judging process and medal levels, see here.
• Winners are announced about two weeks after the competitions take place. Medal-winners actually receive a physical medal, as well as a digital image of the winning medal and other marketing materials. The list of winning ciders is shared with media and press outlets, and winners are showcased on The Alcohol Professor and Cheese Professor website. For a list of the 2021 medal winners, head here!
• Even though inflation has rocked us all, the entry fees are not going up this year! The price per entry is $100; that increases to $115 in mid-February, and then $125 as it gets closer to the competition. And hey, here’s something nice! Enjoy a $10 discount by using the code CULTURE23! 
• For safety, flexibility and convenience for the judges, the New York International Cider Competition is held virtually. The ciders are delivered to judges and they’re wrapped in blank labels to ensure true blind-tasting, and judges have between three and four days to complete their scoresheets, which dramatically helps with palate fatigue. 
• If you’re an industry buyer in the NY Metro Area and you’re interested in judging, contact the competition directly at info@nyinfo.com.

In the weeks leading up to the competition, keep an eye on the Alcohol Professor and Cheese Professor for fun cross-promotional content, like cider and cheese pairings! And, for more info about the New York International Cider Competition, visit its website. 

This post was sponsored by Alcohol Professor. We thank them for the support of Cider Culture!

• Photos: NY Cider Competition

The post All the Info You Need about the 5th Annual New York International Cider Competition appeared first on Cider Culture.

Heads up: The 10th Annual Virginia Cider Week is nearly here! This statewide celebration, which is organized by Virginia Cider, takes place each year in the week leading up to Thanksgiving — this year, it’s running from November 11 through November 2o, 2022. There are a bunch of fun events happening as part of VA Cider Week, including pairing dinners, tastings, workshops and open houses at cideries across the state.

“Virginia Cider Week is a great time to celebrate local cider that’s made at cideries across the Commonwealth,” says Virginia Cider Association President Anne Shelton of Albemarle Ciderworks. “As a bonus this year, we’re excited that cider fans can join in on the Virginia Cider Trail by checking in at each participating cidery they visit.”

A VA Cider Trail refresher: This year-long digital trail is a free program that all Virginians or visitors of age 21+ can sign up for and engage with. Its exclusive passport is a curated collection of 34 Virginia cideries, many of which feature unique deals when you check in there. Each check-in enters users into a grand prize raffle for a chance to win a Cidery Airbnb stay at Magnolia Cottage, a beautiful 3-bedroom home in Kilmarnock, Virginia the end of the year; or a Virginia Cider Trail hooded sweatshirt at the end of each quarter. With over 50 cideries in the state, there is a lot to explore! The Virginia Cider Trail will run through June 25, 2023, so don’t delay!

A few Virginia Cider Week events include:

• Friday, November 18, 7-9 p.m.: Harrison Competition at Sage Bird Ciderworks: Virginia cideries go head-to-head in a competition to showcase the state’s best Harrison single varietal ciders. Buy tickets for a night of tasting, charcuterie and a chance to chat with fellow VA cider enthusiasts.Tickets include: light bites, taste training, a seated tasting of Harrison cideries from across Virginia, a meet-and-greet with cider professionals, and a chance to vote for the your favorite cider. The winner will be announced promptly at 8:30 p.m. Participating cideries include: Sage Bird Ciderworks, Potter’s Craft Cider, Albemarle CiderWorks, Blue Bee Cider and more!325 N. Liberty St., Harrisonburg, VA; (540) 607-8084.
• Saturday, November 19, 1-5 p.m.: Alexandria Cider Festival at the Lloyd House: Enjoy a selection of ciders from 10 Virginia cideries! Tickets includes cider tastings, a souvenir glass and live music. Tickets are $55 in advance, $65 at the door. This is an outdoor festival, so dress for the weather! Proceeds from the Cider Festival will benefit the Historic Alexandria Museums. 220 N. Washington St. Alexandria, VA; (703) 746-4554.

For the full list of events and more information, visit the Virginia Cider Week website!

• Photos: Courtesy of Virginia Cider

The post Get Ready for Virginia Cider Week (November 11–20)! appeared first on Cider Culture.

If you’re planning to attend CiderCon 2022, you’re likely starting to plan an itinerary of fun things to do while you’re in Richmond (check out our Richmond Cider Travel guide here). Before you add one more thing to your Google calendar, take a look at the events offered at Richmond Cider Days, presented by VA Cider! Running from January 30 through February 5, this week-long celebration of local cider includes tons of rad events, including tastings, tours and tap takeovers.

Events are still being added — if you want to submit an event, head here — but for now, here are the events that are popping off during CiderCon 2022 at Richmond Cider Days:

Monday, January 31

Northern Shenandoah Valley Tour (overnight tour), January 31, 8 a.m.  /  Location: Winchester, VA  /  Entry Cost: $220

The Shenandoah Valley, nestled between the Blue Ridge and the Allegheny Mountains, is the heart of historic Virginia apple country. Come join a tour of some of the valley’s orchards and discussions on growing apples and cider production techniques in the valley. The tour will visit six cideries, starting with Lost Boy Cider for lunch on January 31. Following orchard visits, dinner will be at Winchester Ciderworks and also feature the Old Town Cidery. Accommodations will be at the George Washington Hotel, a Wyndham Grand Hotel.

The next day, after breakfast at the hotel, there will be stops at Old Hill Cidery, Sage Bird Ciderworks for lunch and Cider from Mars before returning to Richmond.

February 1

Cider & Cheese Tasting, Tuesday, February 1, 6 p.m.  / Location: Blue Bee Cider  /  Entry Cost: $25

Five single varietal ciders will be paired with five local (some vegan) cheeses provided by Truckle Cheesemongers. This event is less structured, like some of Blue Bee’s past workshops, and is meant to be informal, fun and educational! There will be stations for each pairing that you can enjoy at your leisure. Buy tickets here.

Richmond Cider Tour, Tuesday, February 1, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.  /  Location: Richmond, VA  /  Event Cost: $75

Enjoy getting to know the Richmond area and cider scene with this tour of five cideries. You’ll start out your day with tastings at Bryant’s Small Batch, then head on to Hardywood Craft Brewing to taste their line-up as well. Following lunch (and cider) at Courthouse Creek Cider, take a tour of its facility before heading on to taste at Blue Bee Cider. The day will wrap up with a tasting at Buskey Cider before returning to hotel.

Jackson Ward Tour, Tuesday, February 1, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.  /  Location: Richmond, VA  /  Event Cost: $60

Celebrate Black History Month in Richmond’s Jackson Ward, once known as Black Wall Street for the many financial services, cultural icons and entrepreneurs who made the neighborhood thrive. This guided bus- and walking-tour includes history, food and, of course, cider, within walking distance of the conference, if you want to circle back for more on your own.

February 2

Five Year Vertical Flight: Hewe’s Crab, Wednesday, February 2, 6-7 p.m.  /  Location: Blue Bee Cider  /  Entry Cost: $30

Join Blue Bee’s founder, Courtney Mailey for a fun night tasting through five vintages of Blue Bee’s Hewe’s Crab single varietal. Taste for yourself how changes in weather, tree maturity and cidermaking technique all factor into the difference between each cider. Pairings from Truckle Cheesemongers will give you ideas for entertaining with this storied and prized Virginia Cider. Limited bottles from the library will be available for purchase at the end of the evening.

Cideries from Across Virginia, Wednesday, February 2, 3-9 p.m.  /  Location: Buskey Cider  /  Event Cost: Pay-As-You-Go

Hey cidermakers! During CiderCon 2022 in Richmond, VA, Buskey will be throwing a Richmond Cider Days celebration featuring over 10 cideries from across Virginia. Buskey’s cidery is only seven minutes from the Richmond Convention Center! Cideries include: Courthouse Creek Cider, Blue Toad Hard Cider, Bryant’s Cider, Albemarle Ciderworks and more.

Dabinett Single Varietal Face-off with Dan Pucci, Wednesday, February 2, 8-9 p.m.  /  Location: Blue Bee Cider  /  Entry Cost: $20

Celebrate the beloved Dabinett cider apple with a “showdown” featuring single varietals from all over the world! This event will be hosted by renowned author Dan Pucci. Copies of Pucci’s American Cider: A Modern Guide to a Historic Beverage will be available for purchase and signing. Tickets include cheese nibbles. Participating cideries include Alpenfire Cider, Blue Bee Cider, Haykin Family Cider, Liberty Ciderworks, Oliver’s Cider & Perry, Snow Capped Cider, Stonewell Cider and Virtue Cider.

February 3

Cider Science Summit, Thursday, February 3, 6- 8 p.m.  /  Location: Blue Bee Cider  /  Entry Cost: Free

Join Blue Bee Cider for the annual soiree of the Cider Institute of North America! Meet and greet pomologists, enologists, food scientists and other research scientists advancing the cider industry. This special group of people is meeting up in Richmond for the very first time!

Troddenvale Pop-Up at Celladora Wines, Thursday, February 3, 5-6:30 p.m.  /  Location: Celladora Wines

Join Troddenvale at Richmond’s newest Natural Wine Shop and Café for a tasting during open hours. Join in for walk-in tastings 5– 6:30 pm. Open to the public.

Guided Buskey Barrel Aged Cider Series Tasting, Thursday, February 3, 5:30-6:30 p.m.  /  Location: Buskey Cider  /  Event Cost: $25

Join Buskey Cider for a guided tasting of five barrel-aged projects that it’s made over the past year, and a sneak peak of one that will be released in a couple of months. This includes a guided tasting of the Brandy Barrel Aged Cider, Mezcal Barrel Aged Cider, Sherry Barrel Aged Cider and Gin Barrel Aged Cider, and then as a bonus, a small sneak peak of the Scotch Barrel Aged Cider coming out in May 2022. Enjoy a full pour on the Buskey draft cider menu at the conclusion of the event.

Bold Rock Hard Cider Showcase, Thursday, February 3, 6:30 p.m.  /  Location: Tang & Biscuit  /  Event Cost: Pay-As-You-Go

Join the Bold Rock Team at one of Richmond’s premier social hang-outs for Virginia craft cider, tasty eats and fun games like shuffleboard, foosball, ping-pong and more! Bold Rock will feature a number of of favorite selections on tap including Apple, Premium Dry and IPA.

Artifact Cider Project at Bingo Beer Co., Thursday, February 3, 6-8 p.m.  /  Location: Bingo Beer Co.  /  Event Cost: Pay-As-You-Go

Massachusetts-based Artifact Cider Project brings some of its signature ciders along with a few exclusive cellar releases to Bingo Beer Co. in Richmond. The team will be there hanging out from 6 to 8 p.m., feel free to swing by!

Cider Pairing Dinner, Thursday, February 3, 6 p.m.  / Location: Fall Line Kitchen & Bar  /  Entry Cost: $100

Join the Albemarle CiderWorks staff for an Exclusive Cider Pairing Dinner with a curated menu:

First course: Oysters- apple mignonette, celery, cider gelee – paired with Brut D’Albemarle
Second course: Fluke crudo- pickled granny smith apple, creme fraiche, grapes, nasturtium – paired with Goldrush
Third course: Lacquered duck breast- fennel honey, charred cabbage, rutabaga, cherry calimocho – paired with Jupiter’s Legacy
Fourth course: Sticky cider pudding cake – paired with cider cocktail

February 4

Crab Franc Release, Friday, February 4, 1-8 p.m.  /  Location: Blue Bee Cider  / Entry Cost: Pay-As-You-Go

Blue Bee is proud to have pioneered the vinous cider style (grape and apple) in Virginia back in 2019. Now, it’s introducing a completely new take: Crab Franc. A wine, cider and spirit in one glass, this beguiling creation features a blend of Cabernet Franc grape with Hewe’s Crab apple, matured for one year in a Catoctin Creek Distilling Company brandy barrel. A shape shifting enigma, Crab Franc both stimulates and bewilders the senses.

The color is a deep honey amber, or blood orange or fervent red, all depending on the light. Aroma and flavor? Perhaps you’ll note the tannic magnetism of the grape, the electric acidity from the apple, the soothing sweet warmth of the spirit or maybe all three coalescing in a passionate dance upon the palate. Available on tap only starting Friday, February 4.

Week-Long

Open House, January 31 and February 1, 2, and 4, 1-8 p.m.  /  Location: Blue Bee Cider  /  Event Cost: Pay-As-You-Go

Blue Bee is so excited to share its beloved city with fellow cider lovers. Each day, they will be hosting special flights, prize drawings and free cidery tours at 5:30 pm and 6:30 pm. each day. Keep an eye on social media for updates about daily specials and perhaps a surprise release. Bring your CiderCon badge for some free swag!

We hope you have a great time exploring Richmond and all of its amazing ways to enjoy ciders at Richmond Cider Days!

• Photos: Courtesy of Richmond Cider Days

The post Headed to CiderCon 2022? Don’t Miss Richmond Cider Days! appeared first on Cider Culture.

Update: Due to COVID logistics concerns, the new date for the New York International Cider Competition is March 5, 2022. The updated deadline for submissions is March 3, 2022.

Attention commercial cideries: The New York International Cider Competition is open for entries! This year marks the 4th annual installment of this competition, and if you haven’t ever submitted your ciders, this is your year. This year’s competition will be held on February 20, 2022 in New York City, and submissions are rolling in.

We all know there are umpteen cider competitions out there, but they are not all created equal. There are a lot of great reasons why the NY International Cider Competition is a cut above so many of the others. But before we hammer all of that out, here’s a little background on how and why this competition got started:

Adam Levy is the brains behind The Alcohol Professor, a digital publication devoted to all things delicious and boozy (see also: The Cheese Professor). Think of this website as a virtual “homeroom” where you can learn about wine, spirits, beer and cider, with great articles covering a range of topics, from cider made with gold rush apples to vegetable-infused cocktails.

Levy also is the founder of the International Beverage Competitions, an annual wine, beer, and spirits competition series that’s been around for over a decade, with offshoots in New York City, Germany, Australia and Hong Kong. Levy, who works in tech in his 9-to-5 life, entered the beverage world as a self-proclaimed “craft beer and whiskey freak.” Way back when, he came across am article in a trade magazine that said that 85% of competitors who submit to beer and other recognized international competitions receive a medal. 

“I was like, ‘What?!’ That’s like third-grade soccer!’” he remembers. “I thought these competitions were prestigious, and you’re telling me if your check clears, you get a medal?” 

Levy started talking to buyers he knew across the alcohol industries and decided to start his own competition that broke away from the rules and limitations of conventional beverage competitions. He started with spirits and beer in 2011, added wine in 2012, and then added a specific cider competition in 2019 (previously, cider had been part of the beer competition).

These competitions do indeed take a different shape than perhaps you’ve seen elsewhere! Ready to learn why? Here are eight reasons why you should submit your cider to the 2022 New York International Cider Competition:

1. All of the Judges are Industry Buyers

This is perhaps the most unique facet of the New York International Cider Competition. The entire panel of judges is made up of trade buyers, distributors and importers — people who taste and buy alcohol for a living. Levy assembles a crew of enthusiastic, diverse buyers from across the New York Metropolitan area; within this group, you’ll find a diversity of buyers coming from different types of business, ranging from hip bars, to boutique wine shops, to suburban liquor stores.

Levy is of the opinion that producers, critics and writers (who are often the people that make up judging panels at cider competitions) judge based on looking for flaws. Trade buyers, he reasons, are looking for what they know consumers will love and what will sell.

A high score or medal from the buyers means a lot for cideries pitching their products to new markets. It’s a concrete way that you can say to another potential buyer, “Your peers — the people who taste everything — gave us a medal.”

2. Price is Included in the Judging Criteria

The retail price of ciders is weighted in how the judges score the entries in the New York International Cider Competition. After all, price is a major factor in how buyers seek out new products and how consumers choose what they want to purchase.

So, cider entries must list the packaging format and national retail price, and a cider that retails for $10 that earns a moderate score may earn the same medal as a $20 cider that has a slightly better score. Because both buyers and consumers have expectations based on price, the overall value of each cider is heavily considered by the judges.

3. Entries from Around the World are Accepted

You do not have to be based in New York State or even be sold in New York markets to enter the New York International Cider Competition. It’s open to anyone who is commercially producing in the world, and you can enter as many ciders as you’d like! In 2021, there were over 300 cider entries from across the globe, and Levy expects there to be even more this year. 

In fact, this is an amazing opportunity for cideries who aren’t yet represented in New York, but who’d like to be. Entering the competition is a way to get in front of an audience of trade buyers and potentially make a strong first impression. It’s also a fabulous way for more established producers to remind the judges of their continued relevance, or introduce new products they may not have seen or tasted yet! Of course, all of the ciders are blind-tasted by the judges, but the ciders are revealed after the competition has concluded.

4. Each Cider is Judged and Scored Individually

This isn’t a competition that’s scored Olympics-style, with one gold, one silver and one bronze medal. Each cider is judged based on its own merits, and awarded a medal if it scores high enough. So, conceivable, on any given panel, there could be multiple golds, silvers or bronzes, or none! Each cider has a chance to win based on its own score. For more on the judging process and medal levels, see here.

Winners are announced about two weeks after the competitions. Medal-winners actually receive a physical medal, as well as a digital image of the winning medal and other marketing materials. The list of winning ciders is shared with media and press outlets, and are showcased on The Alcohol Professor and Cheese Professor website. For a list of the 2021 medal winners, head here!

5. Judges use the American Cider Association’s Cider Categories

The New York International Cider Competition is the only International Cider Competition that uses the authorized categories as defined by the American Cider Association: Cider, Perry, Fruit Cider, Botanical Cider and Dessert Cider. This adds a significant layer of legitimacy to the competition and how each cider is evaluated and discussed.

6. Palate Fatigue & Blind Tasting Are Taken Seriously

At some cider competitions, the judges taste dozens or hundreds of ciders, which can be overwhelming for even super-experienced judges. The group of judges at the New York International Cider Competition are split up into multiple panels so that they can really focus on each cider submitted and avoid palate fatigue. The judges for the cider competition also judge the beer competition, but taste the ciders first in the day.

The blind tasting is also taken very seriously. Judges are given glasses, not plastic cups, and any judges participating virtually (more on that in a sec) are provided with bottles and cans wrapped with a blank beer label and a SKU to identify it, as well as a recommended sequence for tasting through them. Some entries are even double- or triple-wrapped if necessary to cover any visible markings or designs.  

7. The Competition Has In-Person & Virtual Options

In 2021, the New York International Cider Competition was held virtually because of the pandemic. This year, judges have two options, based on their comfort level (or, based on the case load in mid-February, the competition may go fully virtual again).

In-person judging will take place on February 20 at the 3 West Club in midtown Manhattan, right across from Rockefeller Center. For judges who may prefer to stay at home, the ciders are personally hand-delivered to their residential or business address.

8. There are No Hidden Fees to Submit

The New York International Cider Competition entry fees are straightforward and reasonable. Early entry, which goes until February 5, 2022, is $100 per entry; the price increases to $115 per entry through February 13; and late entry (which runs through February 19) is $125 per entry. There are no extra fees for use of the competition’s logo and or medals for publicity purposes.

Payment for online entries can be made by credit card through Stripe. Offline entry fees can be made by credit card or by wire transfer.  The banking information and associated fees for the wire transfer may be requested by emailing cider@nyibeercompetition.com

Note that ciders must arrive on time to be judged. For thorough information on eligibility, shipping and other application details, head to the submissions page.

If you’re raring to go, head to the New York International Cider Competition website to learn more and to submit, either online or via a printed application. And be sure to stay tuned for the list of winners, which we will share in mid-March! 

• Photos: Courtesy of the New York International Cider Competition

The post 8 Reasons to Submit Your Ciders to the New York International Cider Competition appeared first on Cider Culture.

As you may know by now, CiderCon 2022 is happening on February 1 to 4 in Richmond, Virginia — it will be here before we know it! We hope you’re as excited as we are for this chance to immerse yourself in the industry, learn new things and to mix it up with other cider professionals. Plus, it’s the perfect excuse to travel, a pastime which has sadly been missing from our lives during the pandemic.

Whether or not you plan on attending CiderCon (still need to register? Head here), Richmond is such a great destination that has so much for cider lovers to explore. The city is just big enough to not feel like a small town, but totally manageable to explore in a weekend, with plenty of countryside nearby for extended adventures. Culturally, it’s got this blend of East Coast cool and Southern hospitality, and the food and beverage scenes are growing more dynamic all the time.

We’ve only been to RVA (as the kids call it) a handful of times, and wanted to get a real insider’s scoop on all the “must-do” things, so we called up Brian Ahnmark, the “Cider Evangelist” for Richmond-based Blue Bee Cider. Ahnmark has lived in Richmond for over nine years and has worked at Blue Bee for that entire time — he was its first employee, starting out pressing apples for a few hours a week.

He’s a big fan of food and beverage and has loved watching the boom happen in the hospitality industry in Richmond. With his help, we’ve put together this cider travel guide to Richmond, Virginia, and we hope it helps you plan an amazing trip!

Craft Cideries

Let’s start with Blue Bee, since that’s who Ahnmark is understandably the most amped about promoting. When it opened in 2013, Blue Bee was Virginia’s first urban cidery! In 2016, it moved from its original location in Richmond’s Manchester district to Summit Stables in Scott’s Addition, a semi-industrial neighborhood that Ahnmark says is like a one-stop-shop for all things craft beverage.

“Pretty much every beverage you could desire is walkable in Scott’s Addition,” he says. “It used to be like you could have a fun Saturday in this neighborhood, and now you could make a whole week of it. It’s really popped off in the past 9 years, and turned from kind of a ghost town into a bumping place.”

Blue Bee’s Cidery in Scott’s Addition includes a tasting room with a rotating selection of its ciders on draft, available in flights, as well as bottle pours and bottles sales. Grab a snack from the artisan cheese shop, run by Truckle Cheesemongers, located within the cidery! Blue Bee offers indoor as well as outdoor seating, and gives tours Thursday through Monday each week. 1320 Summit Ave., Richmond, VA; (804) 231-0280

Also in Scott’s Addition, you’ll find Buskey Cider‘s tasting room and production facility, a super-fun place to drink and hang out, with 12 ciders on tap and a spacious dog-friendly patio. There’s plenty of merch and to-go cider to bring home as souvenirs, too! 2910 W. Leigh St., Richmond, VA; (804) 355-0100.

A bit further south from Scott’s Addition in Downtown Richmond, Bryant’s Cider has a cozy satellite tasting room in a historic 1850’s storefront (its farm cidery is located in Roseland, VA). Grab a seat at the well-worn bar to try a pour of one of Bryant’s barrel-aged ciders, which are aged on-site. Bryant’s also hosts events throughout the week, like Coloring Book Night, Trivia Night and a Saturday Farmer’s Market. Bonus: It’s just about a mile from the Richmond Marriott!

Cider-Friendly Bars, Restaurants & Cafes

Ahnmark notes that, “RVA feels in the moment more like a cocktail and beer town, and not so much a cider and wine town, though we do have those things. But for people who want to explore cider, there are tons of options!”

According to Ahnmark, one of the best cocktail bars in town is The Jasper. Open seven days a week, this spot has a vintage feel with a blend of throwback and modernized cocktails, including tiki-inspired Zombies on draft. You’ll find a cider from Potter’s Craft on draft, fun wines and a tight but tasty menu of snacks, like steak tartare, hummus and pickles. Note: reservations are not accepted here, and it’s first come, first served! 3113 W. Cary St., Richmond, VA; no phone.

For a beautiful dinner and a “spectacular” beverage program, Ahnmark recommends Shagbark, a New American restaurant in the Northwest corner of the city. Farm-to-table plates, like crispy Chesapeake Bay chicken-fried oysters and Belgian endive and Shenandoah apple salad are the perfect accompaniments for any of the three local ciders on its draft list, from the likes of Blue Bee and Potter’s Craft. For reservations, call or book through Resy. 4901 Libbie Mill East Blvd., Suite 175, Richmond, VA; (804) 358-7424.

For a great lunch spot, he suggests Oak & Apple, a relaxed BBQ spot that’s just down the street from the Bryant’s taproom. “They focus a lot on cider, and have a sister restaurant, Station 2, and both spots have always been great supporters of VA Cider,” Ahnmark says. At Oak & Apple, there are 10 taps (!) dedicated to cider, with a nice mix of local and national options, as well as a cider shandy cocktail. Pair any of those with a meat from the smoker or a plate of vegan BBQ jackfruit tacos. 1814 E. Main St., Richmond, VA; (804) 477-3055.

At Station 2, there are less cider options, but always something on draft, and some great options on the cans and bottles list. The food menu is focused on gourmet burgers, with a build-your-own section and a selection of creative house-made burgers. We’ve got our eye on the “Ballpark,” a burger topped with a literal hotdog, as well as sautéed onions, smoked gouda and habañero stone ground mustard. 2016 E. Main St., Richmond, VA; (804) 249-4702.

Corned Beef Club at Union Market

For a casual cafe that offers cider, beer, wine and kombucha, Ahnmark points to Union Market in Richmond’s Churchill neighborhood. Scoop up one of its drool-worthy sandwiches, soups or salads to enjoy there or take away, and don’t forget to check out its to-go beverage options and gourmet snacks to keep your AirBNB or hotel room stocked. 2306 Jefferson Ave., Richmond, VA; (804) 716-7233.

Outdoor seating at Cafe Zata

Café Zata in Manchester, a neighborhood just south of Downtown, is a nice breakfast and lunch spot, with classic options like bagels, deli sandwiches, hearty salads and more. Coffee made with locally-roasted beans is always hot and fresh, and this spot has a four-tap draft system that always has Blue Bee Cider as an option. 700 Bainbridge St., Richmond, VA; (804) 918-2243.  

Bottle Shops

Want to take a fun selection of ciders home with you? There are a couple of extra cider-friendly bottle shops in Richmond that Ahmark recommends:

Cider selection at Corks & Kegs in Richmond, VA

Corks & Kegs may call itself a fine wine and craft beer shop, but it has plenty of cider to offer as well. On its well-stocked shelves, you’ll find a wide selection of local producers alongside craft ciders from across the US. Don’t forget to give a little pet to Duke, the adorable shop dog. 7110 A Patterson Ave., Richmond VA; (804) 288-0816.

Ellwood Thompson’s prioritizes all things local, including cider

Another place to poke around for packaged ciders is Ellwood Thompson’s, an independent, organic market that specializes in local produce and goods. There’s a juice bar and hot bar on-site, beautiful produce department, a bakery that has delicious gluten-free options, a fabulous cheese department and a wine, beer and cider department. What else could you ask for? It’s wines are from small producers, and all of its beer and ciders are defined as “craft” by the Brewers Association of America. TL;DR: No macro brands or mass-produced cider at Ellwood Thompson’s!

Other Beverages

If you’re into exploring other beverages besides cider, Ahnmark says that within a stone’s throw of Blue Bee in Scott’s Addition, you’ll find everything you could want! Here are his top picks for nearby beer, wine and spirits:

The Veil Brewing Company is a well-known spot to craft beer fans, and its sleek, huge taproom in Scott’s Addition is its original location. There are tons of options on tap, and food trucks outside nearly every day of the week. 301 Roseneath Rd., Richmond, VA; (804) 355-5515.

If you dig wine from time to time, check out Brambly Park, an urban winery with a kid- and dog-friendly two-acre outdoor space and an Italian restaurant on-site. The wines are made with local grapes, as well as grapes from Oregon and California, and the beverage menu also includes cocktails, beer and a cider or two. Make a resevation on Resy. 1708 Bellville St., Richmond, VA; (804) 406-5611

Reservoir Distillery is a craft distillery in Scott’s Addition specializing in bourbon and rye. Established in 2008, this small-batch operation prides itself quality; all of the grains it uses for its award-winning spirits come from within 45 miles of the distillery. Visit the tasting room for cocktails and bottle sales. 1800 Summit Ave., Richmond, VA; (804) 912-2621.

There’s even a meadery in Richmond! Black Heath Meadery supports local beekeepers and bee populations with its handcrafted products. It offers sessionable carbonated meads in cans (we like the sound of the Pompelmo Reflection, with grapefruit and Italian basil), as well as more traditional sweet mead, like The Muse, made with 100% Virginia honey. Grab a spot at its small bar or shop for libations to-go. 1313 Altamont Ave., Richmond, VA; (804) 998-7090.

Willing to Travel a Little Further?

If you’re down to taking a little trip outside of Richmond, or perhaps stopping somewhere on your way in or out of town, there is lots more to find!

The Tasting Room at Courthouse Creek Cider

Courthouse Creek is just a 30-minute drive west of Richmond in Dutchland, VA, and Ahnmark urges everyone to check it out. “This legit farm cidery has an orchard and they make rustic, all-barrel fermented cider, a beautiful setting,” he says. “It’s a must if you want that cool VA farm feel, and a little more unique and challenging styles of cider.” Plan a visit to enjoy an array of ciders in the lovely tasting room, covered outdoor patio or in the orchards, along with some bites prepared by the cidery’s in-house chef. 1581 Maidens Rd., Maidens, VA; (804) 543-3157. 

In Ashland, VA, an old railroad town about 20 mins north of Richmond, Ahmark loves The Caboose Market & Cafe, a restaurant serving farm fresh fare with a nice selection of ciders. 108 S. Railroad Ave., Ashland, VA; (804) 798-2933.

Ahnmark also notes that not too far west of Richmond (just about an hour), is Charlottesville. “That’s essentially the heart of Virginia wine country, and in addition to all the wineries, Potter’s Craft and Albemarle CiderWorks are out there with beautiful tasting rooms.”  

Outdoor Activities

Japanese Gardens at Maymont

“We have a lot of really cool outdoorsy stuff in Richmond!” Ahnmark tells us. If you need a break from eating and drinking (hey, it happens!), he suggests Maymont, a 100-acre Victorian estate and park by the James River that was bequeathed to the city a century ago by a wealthy couple. The expansive grounds include an arboretum, gardens, a nature center and Children’s Farm and more! 1700 Hampton St., Richmond, VA: (804) 358-7166.

For a great hike, check out Belle Isle, a small island in the James River that is home to one of the city’s longer hiking trails, including a walking bridge with a great view of the city. It’s also a local favorite spot for fishing, kayaking, rock climbing, mountain biking and sunbathing. It is also wheelchair accessible.

Plant people! Don’t miss Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden, which is open year-round. With over 50 acres of outdoor gardens, an indoor observatory and a full calendar of events, this is a popular destination. 1800 Lakeside Ave., Henrico, VA; (804) 262-9887.  

Ready to rock Richmond, VA? We wish you safe travels and happy exploring, with plenty of amazing local cider along the way!

• Feature and Maymont photos: BigStock
• All other photos: Courtesy of their respective businesses

The post Cider Travels: Drinking Cider in Richmond, Virginia appeared first on Cider Culture.