Beer and Cider Trails in Virginia

There is no better way to spend the weekend than exploring Virginia’s cider and brewery trails. The Commonwealth boasts some of the best craft cider and beer in the United States. At HHHunt, we are all about lifestyle and with many of our homeowners and residents in Virginia, we want to share some of our favorite spots with you.

Blue Ridge Cider Trail

When it comes to exploring new craft cideries, a great place to start is the Blue Ridge Mountains. Not only will you be able to taste a variety of fresh and distinctive ciders, but you will also be able to take in the majestic surroundings. To begin, head over to Albemarle CiderWorks in North Garden. Founded in 2009, Albemarle CiderWorks offers 15 single varietals and blends, including the Harrison, offering a full-bodied taste and well-rounded finish.

From there, head East to Castle Hill Cider in Keswick. Inspired by the historical roots of Castle Hill Estate and the first Albemarle Pippin apples grown there in 1777, Castle Hill Cider makers set out to create the highest quality Virginia cider season after season.

Then, it’s time to head to Thomas Jefferson’s hometown of Charlottesville for Potter’s Craft Cider. A favorite among locals, Potter’s is committed to using only locally grown cider apples from orchards and farms around the Shenandoah Valley. That way you know exactly where their fruit comes from and which varietals will yield the best flavors, aromas, and tannins in our Virginia climate.

To finish the day, head south to Bold Rock Hard Cider in Nellysford. Enjoy a wide variety of fresh, delicious ciders while enjoying live entertainment and great scenery. Bold Rock Hard Cider is a destination for fun!

Richmond Beer Trail

Move over, Denver! Richmond has become one of the top global destinations to explore the craft beer scene. We’re a little biased considering Richmond is one of our hometowns, but we know you will find something to love. Start your tour along the banks of the James River at Stone Brewing Company’s Richmond taproom. Stone is one of the most celebrated craft breweries in the world. Their Richmond taproom offers up year-round beers, special and one-time releases, and periodic archived vintages in bottles, kegs, and growlers.

Head west to Scott’s Addition, where you will find over two dozen craft breweries, cideries and wineries. A couple of our favorites include Väsen Brewing Company and Veil Brewing Company. Väsen beers combine the experimental spirit that defines American craft beer with the rustic and funky flavors of Belgian farmhouse and sour ales. Veil focuses on hop forward beers, high gravity and barrel aging, lagers, wild ales, and spontaneous fermentation.

Finally, head out I-64 to Hardywood’s West Creek campus. Hardywood was one of the first craft breweries in Richmond and offers beer inspired by the diverse climate, agriculture, and community that surrounds them. They take great pride in supporting local growers, brewing with more Virginia ingredients than any other brewery and highlighting the eclectic variety of flavors that only Virginia-grown products can provide.

At HHHunt, we believe it’s how you live that matters, and making lasting memories and friends, families, and neighbors is at the heart of who we are. We hope that you will consider trying these trails because there is no doubt about it – it's always beer and cider season in Virginia!