By Leesy Latronica
In 2012, Virginia became the first state to celebrate an official Cider Week, followed by New York, Oregon and Washington. Starting Nov. 14, go back to where it all began as the original Cider Week returns for its third year in celebration of Virginia’s flourishing artisan cider scene.
Hard cider has had its ups and downs since the 18th century, when Thomas Jefferson first planted apple trees at Monticello, his home in Charlottesville, Va. Since the beverage’s more recent return to the spotlight, the state has built a lineup of more than a dozen craft cideries (and counting). Cider Week is the once-per-year opportunity for statewide cider makers to take over local streets, shops, bars, restaurants and venues, serving up tastings, workshops, pairing dinners and more. Entrance is free for a variety of events, and Virginians can look out for special weeklong cider-related promotions in participating towns.
With at least one main event planned for each day of the celebration, locals can look forward to highlights including the Richmond Cider Celebration, Cider Fest 2014 in Keswick, the Hill & Holler Cider Dinner in Richmond and a chat with James Beard Award-winning author and apple aficionado Rowan Jacobson. All week long, sip on the region’s best from Foggy Ridge Cider, Blue Bee Cider and many more small-batch cider makers.
For full event details, click here.
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