Virginia Cider Week
2023Virginia Cider Week
celebrating Virginia cider week
Virginia Cider Week is an annual celebration of all things apple across the state. It's a time when orchardists, cideries, researchers, and cider enthusiasts come together to raise a glass to this quintessential fall fruit. This celebration began in 2012 when the Virginia House of Delegates and Senate passed Joint Resolution 105 to designate the full week before Thanksgiving as Cider Week in Virginia.
“There are estimated to be between 50 and 60 cider producers in the Commonwealth. Nationally, Virginia ranks 6th in apple production. Virginia has one large cider producer (Bold Rock) and roughly a half-dozen mid-sized producers; other producers are small or micro cideries.” (Virginia Cider Association Strategic Plan 2023)
A Time to Sip and Savor
As Virginia Cider Week unfolds, Henway welcomes cider enthusiasts, orchard caretakers and craft beverage connoisseurs to raise a glass to the essence of it all. It's a time when the state's orchards are abundant with fruit and the anticipation of the fruits of the harvest becomes abundant. This week-long celebration is a tribute to the growers, the farmers and dedicated makers who transform humble fruits into the crisp elixirs that define the craft. From the rolling hills to the urban landscapes across Virginia, this celebration knows no bounds as cideries across the state unite in raising their glasses just a little bit higher.
Get a Glimpse … What’s A Henway?
Nestled amidst the scenic Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia, Henway Hard Cider is a true gem in the world of cider-making. This family-owned cidery marries traditional craftsmanship with innovative creativity, hand-crafting Virginia ciders that capture the essence of the region and our family farm. Our cider maker, Scott Spellbring, blends the artistry of cider-making with the bounty of the farm which inspires our seasonal cider flavors. The apples that find their way into our cider are nurtured in the orchards of Great Country Farms, benefiting from the same fertile soil and meticulous care that defines the farm’s commitment to sustainability and ethical farming practices. As you step into the Henway Tasting & Taproom, you're welcomed by a rustic yet inviting ambiance, perfectly embodying the farm-fresh ethos for which the Zurschmeide Family is known.
oh yeah, and what’s a henway?
About three pounds!
Sip Like a Local
Cider Tastings & More
During Virginia Cider Week, Henway Hard Cider pulls out all the stops. The tasting room buzzes with the clinking of glasses as guests sample an array of seasonal ciders, each one telling a unique story. Flavors from the peach and concord grape crops are part of the harvest Spellbring incorporates. From our flagship Brut and Coop to small batch exclusives such as Blueberry Lavender, Concord, Peach Smash, Apple Cider Donut or Cranberry Vanilla, every sip is a journey through the complexity of the seasons. Enjoy flight tastings featuring the flavors of the season or opt for a pint of your favorite from the rotating taplist.
Plus, we are a proud partner to the recently launched Virginia Wine Cider Pass, giving you access to explore our cidery and many more!
Farm Fresh Fun
What makes Henway Hard Cider stand out is its commitment to providing an authentic, farm-based experience. Visitors are encouraged to visit and explore our orchards during the annual September Apple Harvest Festival at Great Country Farms, learn about the cider-making process, and even take part in cider-pressing demos. It's an immersive journey into the heart of Virginia's cider craft from graft to glass. The apple harvest continues into November and features late season apple picking featuring Pink Lady and Gold Rush apples until the first hard freeze on the mountainside.
Let’s Celebrate with Cider and Sides
As Virginia Cider Week nears its end, Henway Hard Cider looks forward to celebrating at the annual Cider and Sides Dinner, our signature ‘side dish soiree’. Picture this: a cornucopia of flavors to savor in a spread of signature side dishes such as sweet potato casserole, cranberry sauce, and pumpkin cake. We’ll gather around the farm table for an evening of indulgence paired with a thoughtfully curated lineup of ciders. It’s the ultimate Thanksgiving pre-game you won’t want to miss!
Alas
Virginia Cider Week is a testament to the love of apples, the joy of cider, and the spirit of community. Henway Hard Cider stands as an example of how a family-owned farm can transform a simple fruit into a symphony of flavors, bringing the essence of Virginia to life in every sip. This symbiotic relationship extends beyond the orchards to a shared idea of community, celebration, and a genuine passion for the farm-to-table experience. It's more than a partnership; it's a celebration of the land, the orchards, and the flavors that bring people together in the heart of Virginia's countryside. When you raise a glass at Henway, you're not just sipping cider; you're sipping the very spirit of our craft.
