Alexandria Cider Festival

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Image courtesy of the City of Alexandria

Celebrate Virginia Cider Week (November 11 – 20) in Alexandria with a special tasting festival at historic Lloyd House on Saturday, November 19th between 1 and 5 p.m.  Hosted by the Office of Historic Alexandria in partnership with the Virginia Association of Cider Makers, this event includes cider tastings, live music, a tasting glass, and a little history too!  While enjoying a selection of Virginia ciders, learn more about the growing Virginia cider industry and its connection to Alexandria history.  The Alexandria Cider Festival includes offerings from Albemarle Cider Works, Big Fish, Bryant’s Cider, Lost Boy Cider, Muse Orchard, Potter’s Craft Cider, Winchester Cider Works, and more. Rocklands food truck will be available for food purchases.

Cider was a popular beverage in 18th and early 19th century Alexandria and offered at area taverns, including Gadsby’s Tavern.  Thomas Jefferson cultivated eighteen varieties of apples in his orchard at Monticello (planted between 1769 and 1814).  Today, there are over 30 different apple varieties grown specifically for cider production throughout Virginia. Cider is fermented like wine, not brewed like beer. One of the most common misconceptions amongst consumers is that hard cider is made in just ‘one’ style rather than the many different styles that are produced.  Virginia Cider Week was established by the Virginia General Assembly in 2012 to recognize this growing segment of Virginia’s economy.

Tickets are $55 per person (advance sale pricing) and may be purchased by calling 703.746.4994 or through alexandriava.gov/Shop. Check in at The Lloyd House, 220 N. Washington Street. Walk-in ticket pricing is $65 per person (if space is available) with special tasting talks offered for $5 per person.  For additional information, please visit Alexandriava.gov/historic.