Virginia has seen dramatic growth in homegrown wine and beer brands, but it is craft cider that’s now raising new glasses.
A short day-trip south of D.C. cider is rediscovering its roots. Cider was the beverage of choice in colonial and early America. The first settlers to the New World brought with them both cider-making knowledge and the apples necessary for its production.
At Albemarle CiderWorks, the Shelton family started with a few trees and today they grow over 200 varieties. This family creation draws enthusiasts from all over the country to sample and compare. The apples are pressed and fermented into the same dry cider that colonists depended on, which today has become a craft beverage without fillers or added fruit concentrates.
Cider also comes with an added benefit, providing nutrients that were vital in the colonial period. It prevented disease as well – cider was actually a healthful alternative to water. Men, women, and even children drank it regularly. Sailors relied on it as a protection against scurvy on long voyages, as unpasteurized cider contains a supply of vitamin C.Today, the primary focus may be the unique finish to every glass. No two vintages are exactly the same, making for a new experience every time.
A day in cider country is an education in taste and history not to be missed. Visit Albemarle CiderWorks for a stroll in the orchard and a sample of the latest varieties, and find out how this classic American beverage is breaking new ground and finding an international audience.
