Autumn in the Shenandoah Valley: A Cider Lover’s Paradise
Crisp fall days and brilliant colors are just around the corner, and there’s no better place to spend an autumn afternoon than in the Shenandoah Valley. This picturesque region is beloved for its stunning fall foliage, access to outdoor adventures, and apple harvests, which result in a thriving cider scene. Here’s how to access the Valley’s best hard cider.
The Farm Experience
Cideries are closely related to their orchards, and ciders embody the region’s deep apple-growing roots. Immerse yourself by spending the afternoon or sleeping overnight at one of these cider spots!
Showalter’s Orchard & Greenhouse
Step back in time at Showalter’s Orchard & Greenhouse, a 60-acre orchard where two generations of the Showalter family have cultivated apples and fermented cider. Visitors can taste sweet cider, sparkling non-alcoholic cider, and nine varieties of hard Old Hill Ciders. Take bottles home or relax in the dramatic tasting room with a glass or flight. The Showalter’s built this space by hand with materials from the property, and they’ll be proud to tell you more about their award-winning ciders and the modern cider-making process. Visitors can also stay in one of three cabin spaces, or glamp in Pearl, the Insta-worthy Airstream.
While you’re in the area, explore the charming town of Broadway, making sure to stop at Heritage Park and J&B Country Store, which stocks a treasure trove of antiques and collectibles, treats, and artisan items. Don’t miss the Broadway Autumn Celebration on September 14!
Halcyon Days Cider Co. / 4135 S Lee Hwy, Natural Bridge
The coolest thing about family-owned Halcyon Days Cider Co. (besides the small-batch cider) is the peaceful and interactive 1.7-mile labyrinth winding through the orchard’s 2,000 apple trees. The 11-circuit labyrinth design was inspired by the labyrinth at the French Chartres Cathedral, and the pavilion at the center boasts a panoramic view of the mountains. After your ramble, retire to the taproom to sample eight different ciders made from blends of the 50 varieties of apples that grow there, many of which are heirlooms. Cider production at Halcyon Days respects both modern and traditional techniques.
After you visit the taproom, head to nearby attractions like Virginia Safari Park and Natural Bridge State Park. Pick Asian pears and wildflowers at Virginia Gold Orchard and stop at Layne’s Country Store and Natural Bridge General Store for local meats, produce, and much more!
Hermitage Hill Cider at Stable Craft Brewing / 375 Madrid Rd, Waynesboro
Stable Craft Brewing and Hermitage Hill Cider is a four-season destination brewery and cidery on a gorgeous Augusta County working farm. In addition to beer, cider, and sodas, they sell Virginia wines and food from a chef-inspired menu emphasizing fresh ingredients. Stable Craft welcomes families, and there’s lots to keep kids occupied like toasting s’mores over a firepit, feeding carrots to the horses, dancing to live music, playing games, or participating in special events. Make a weekend out of the experience by reserving one of the comfortable onsite lodgings just steps away from all the fun!
Valley Pike Farm Market, The Alpine Goat Brewery, Grand Caverns, and Seven Arrows Brewing are all just a short drive away.
The Science of Cider
Cidermakers can manipulate a cider’s flavor by blending different types of apples and varying the fermentation process by adjusting yeast, other fruits, and added sugar. These breweries focus on the science of cider.
Wild Hare Cidery / 324 1st Street, Berryville
Berryville’s Wild Hare Cidery “started from a desire to craft something [by hand], a product of science and art.” This independent cidery harvests heritage apples grown at its orchard to press and cool-ferment a product that challenges the overly sweet conventions of mainstream brands. Settle in at the industrial-chic tasting room or outside to taste flavors like Wild Hare Dry Hopped Cider or the Wild Hare Barrel Aged Cider. Events like trivia nights, music bingo, and live music ensure everyone feels engaged.
After your cider tasting, explore downtown Berryville. Hip and Humble Interiors and other shops can help you feather your nest, and eateries like Homespun offer delicious farm-to-table fare. Deep dive into Clarke County history at the Burwell-Morgan Mill and Long Branch Historic House and Farm. The nearby Blandy Experimental Farm is the Virginia State Arboretum and hosts garden and dial-a-tree tours.
Ciders From Mars / 121 S Lewis St., Staunton
Located in Staunton’s bustling Wharf historic district, Ciders From Mars “was born out of a passion for science, nature, music, and art,” and is known for having an eclectic and experimental approach to cider-making. The taproom features a visible cider production and lab space and visitors have a literal window into the cider-making process. Look for single varietals like the Goldrush-flavored Mellow Gold as well as co-ferments with other fruits. Crowd favorite Pink Oceans captures the essence of summer with fresh strawberries. Flights come in fun beaker glasses and cider cocktails celebrate the changing seasons. Like what you taste? Join the “Liquid Gang” to get quarterly cider shipments. Ciders From Mars excels at providing a sense of community with live music and trivia events, makers’ markets, and educational programs.
Grab a Staunton lunch or dinner at Byers Street Bistro, and drop in to see glassblowers creating at Sunspots Studios. Plan a trip on the Virginia Scenic Railway to catch the autumn leaves’ first blush of color.
The Winery at Kindred Pointe and Life is Hard Cider / 3575 Conicville Rd., Mt Jackson
Originally a horse-boarding facility, The Winery at Kindred Pointe and Life is Hard Cider transitioned to a winery after the 2010 recession. Next, they started creating hard ciders on site, and they now sell a variety of Life is Hard flavors, including award-winning Cherry Bomb with its punch of habanero heat. The tap list has traditional, seasonal, and experimental small-batch flavors like coconut lime and root beer. The winery also serves Kindred Pointe wine, Hunter’s Reserve game sausages, and farm-made cheeses. It boasts showstopping mountain views from the rustic tasting room and patio. Settle into a cozy indoor couch or sip your cider during a rousing game of cornhole.
While you’re in the area, explore a slice of Americana at Shenandoah Caverns, American Celebration on Parade, and Route 11 Potato Chips!
Urban Cideries
While some of our cideries are nestled in the beautiful countryside, others can be found in urban locations, close to the pulse of culture and community.
Winchester Ciderworks’ The Cider House / 30 East Picadilly St, Winchester
Winchester Ciderworks’ new hard cider tasting room and restaurant, “The Cider House,” in Old Town Winchester has generated a lot of excitement. This modern, upscale establishment shines for its hard cider pressed from Frederick County apples. Relax on the outdoor patio and savor their signature, specialty, and barrel-aged ciders. You can also order mead and light snacks. Want to win cool prizes? Winchester Ciderworks is a stop along the Winchester Brew Trail. Enjoy tasty beverages and collect stamps at participating cideries and breweries.
Old Town Winchester has many restaurants with outdoor dining and several historically significant museums like the Shenandoah Valley Discovery Museum, the Shenandoah Valley Civil War Museum, and the Museum of the Shenandoah Valley. We also recommend Marker-Miller Orchards and Farm Market, West Oaks Farm Market, and Richard’s Fruit Market.
Sage Bird Ciderworks / 325 N Liberty Street, Harrisonburg
Located in vibrant downtown Harrisonburg, Sage Bird Ciderworks offers a diverse lineup of small-batch, hand-crafted hard ciders. Tastes reflect both the region’s agricultural heritage and a creative spirit in new and interesting flavors like the Peaches for Me bourbon barrel cider or the Dolly Hops with blueberries. Toast your visit to the Friendly City with award-winning ciders, cider cocktails, and a selection of wines, cider slush, and cidermosas. Hungry? The Sage Bird kitchen serves grilled paninis, loaded fries, and a selection of gluten-free and vegan options that have earned bragging rights as this year’s top Vegan/Vegetarian spot in Harrisonburg. Sage Bird also hosts live music, trivia nights, and yoga classes. And, along with Restless Moons Brewing, they co-host The Friendly City Beer Fest to showcase local producers.
While you’re in Harrisonburg’s newly developed North End, visit popular dining and shopping spots like Magpie Diner and Liberty St. Mercantile. Sip wine at Rootstock Wine Bar or enjoy wine-based cocktails at Nightcap by Merge. You can purchase local fruits and veggies at the Tuesday/Saturday Harrisonburg Farmers Market.
From the scientific exploration of cider-making to the rustic charm of orchard farm stays, each cidery and orchard presents a unique interpretation of this classic beverage. Plan your visit today and savor the taste of autumn in every sip!
View Events
Events happening throughout the Valley.
Explore Guides
How best to experience the Valley.
What’s New
Stay up to date by following our Blog.