Back in 1985, John Washburn bought a farm on the Rockfish River in Nelson County, Virginia, attracted by the trout river running through the property and the gorgeous Blue Ridge Mountains surrounding the farm. As years passed, nearby wineries began making names for themselves and award-winning microbreweries started to gain fame as the “Brew Ridge Trail.” The idea occurred to John that a cidery would bridge the gap between wine connoisseur and beer enthusiast.

.Brian Shanks had been an apple orchardist in New Zealand in the 1980’s and got into cider making after a cyclone destroyed his apple crop. From there, he created a cider company at a time when hard cider was practically nonexistent in New Zealand. Eventually, one of the largest cider making companies in the world got wind of his success and asked him to be their Head of Innovation and lead a team of cider makers in Great Britain to improve and streamline their cider making operation. As an international cider consultant, Brian has helped companies in the United States, Europe, China and Australia.

Cidery

From planting an orchard to constructing buildings and from crushing apples to getting their ciders throughout Virginia, Bold Rock hopes to bring hard cider back to its rightful place as the #1 beverage in America.

Ciders Available

Virginia Draft is smooth and mellow, Virginia Apple is crisp and refreshing and Crimson Ridge has a full- bodied apple taste. Location: 1020 Rockfish Valley Highway (RT. 151), Nellysford, VA 22958