vintage virginia apples

We tasted 8 varieties of apple cider. They use an astonishing variety of apples including heirloom cider apples. Much better than most so-called hard cider (which is usually too sweet). These people are apple experts!

my husband and I were visiting the area back in November during the cider week festivities.We stopped in and recieved such a vast history of the vintage apples and the origin of how and why the many presidents who lived in the area back in the day drank their "cider" and which apples they preferred and so on...It was so interesting and made the tasting experience that much more enjoyable. We sat by the fire and had some wonderful warm bread and cheese with a nice glass of our favorite cider while listening to the music;what a wonderful relaxing time.Jenn was absolutely great and set us up with a case of our favorites and also a great selection of apples for eating and applesauce.Do make the time to visit this cozy little retreat for a nice afternoon.

Vintage Virginia Apples specialized in growing heirloom varietals, such as Albermarle Pippin's (which Jefferson and Washington grew), Arkansas Blacks (apples that easily keep for months, and, sometimes, Ashmead Kernels (the ugliest apple you have ever seen but it has a rich, complex flavor). The yearly festival in the first week of November has all sorts of vendors selling everything from wicker chairs to wool to organic chickens and Turkeys. There is also a tasting room for hard cider, which is open year round. The Shelton's, who own the place, are friendly and knowledgeable. This is one of our favorite out-of-the-way places near Charlottesville.

Our family makes the trip from Southern Maryland almost every year for this event. Each year the air is crisp and the apples crisper! They have interesting varieties of historical/heirloom, regional, and new hybrids that you won't find in stores. They have amazing cider, pressed locally.

Enjoyed this stop on our vacation. You are able to sample the different types of apple's before buying. The orchards are so beautiful. Their cider is delicious. The Suncrisp apples made a delicious pie! Visit if you are in the area.

They used to be at the City Market each week but aren't so often now, so I'll make an effort to get out there to purchase peaches in the summertime and apples in the fall, as they have the most wonderful selection of heirloom apples/peaches around. And they're a lovely family.

This is the place to go to find unique varieties of apples. Enjoy a scenic 20 minuted drive south of Charlottesville and taste the different varieties and ciders as well.

If you're looking for a great orchard to get apples that is out of the ordinary this is the one trip you should make.They had a great selection of apples...Albemarle Pippin, Virginia Gold Rush, Stayman, Winesap and many others. There is also a tasting room for ciders...both alcoholic and fresh.