susansN9032AR
While visiting Wintergreen ski resort for my birthday it rained. My husband and I decided to leave the resort grounds to visit a few of the local wineries and dining spots. As we walked inside the Cidery, which looks like a long 2-story barn, the first thing we noticed was the wonderful smell of fresh wood. Next we were greeted by a smiling man standing out in the open warmly welcoming us inside. There was no guest sign-in table obstructing the flow between the greeter and us which made my husband and I feel like we were walking into someone’s home as opposed to an establishment. We were invited to stroll around inside. The atmosphere inside was open with a contemporary décor featuring; high ceilings, exposed wood beams, a cider sampling area, a friendly staff and a fireplace surrounded by a couch and chairs (which in total seated about 8 guests, who sat around the big fireplace exchanging introductions, snapping pictures and sipping hot cider). It’s hard to find anything not to like about this place. We didn’t view the outside grounds as it was raining and we were busy enjoying the museum on the 2nd floor and the atmosphere inside. This place is warm, cozy, romantic, open, friendly and inviting…feels like home.
cesonnepe
Thank you so much for your support! We love our cozy fire, too. Come back soon! Cheers, Bold Rock
946LisaB
We loved it when it was in their barn..but what a surprise to see the new building- it is gorgeous! Can accommodate crowds well...plenty to see and do. Cider is amazing and they have bar foods. Don't miss the cider museum upstairs!
SvenskaSvea1987
What do you get when you combine the crisp taste of Virginia apples with the cider-making prowess of a New Zealand master?Bold Rock Hard Cider, that's what.On an impromptu drive through Nelson County earlier this month, I stumbled across the mecca of my hard cider taste buds. Situated on fifty beautiful acres in the heart of the Rockfish River Valley, Bold Rock cidery was established in 2012 with a lofty goal: to reestablish hard cider as the #1 alcoholic beverage in the United States. To accomplish this goal, owner John Washburn reached out to the master of the industry, Brian Shanks, a New Zealand cider innovator who has contributed to the success of such cideries as Woodchuck and Strongbow, and from this partnership, Bold Rock was born.Although I've been purchasing Bold Rock's Virginia Apple cider in the grocery store for several years, I had not made the pilgrimage to their tasting room previously, nor had I planned to do so that day. Serendipitous good fortune guided my route on a drive to the Blue Ridge Parkway and resulted in this delicious detour. Imagine a kid in a candy shop, only old enough to enjoy adult beverages. That was my reaction.Bold Rock recently debuted a $4 million, beautifully-appointed "tasting barn" to feature their seven ciders. On our visit, two were offered for free tasting -- the Virginia Apple and the Vat No. 1. -- and flights of four ciders were available for $5. The Virginia Apple is everything a hard cider should be: full of crisp flavor with a smooth finish. The Vat No. 1 is a premium cider and tasted almost more like a champagne than a cider, but the apple taste was unmistakable. All the apples used in Bold Rock's ciders are harvested from local orchards for their Virginia ciders, and the water is also sourced locally. They've recently expanded their ciders into the North Carolina market with the debut of a Carolina Apple and a Carolina Draft.Even in winter, the views of the farm and the Rockfish river from the tasting barn were breathtaking, especially when surveyed over the rim of a mulled cider. That's right, Bold Rock also throws together a hot cider concoction on certain days, and with a glass of that in hand, you'll be feeling warm and fuzzy in no time!With a line-up of award-winning ciders for your taste buds and a beautiful barn and farm for your eyes, Bold Rock should be the next destination for your road trip. Or a great detour.(http://thriftygypsytravels.blogspot.com/2015/02/drink-in-scenery-at-bold-rock-cidery.html)
JWD514
Bold Rock is a great destination if you are in or around Wintergreen and/or are traveling the Rte 151 Nelson County corridor trying out the brew pubs or vineyards. It has become very popular largely because it is a beautiful facility, gorgeous surroundings, the owners are in attendance and actively engage with the visitors, on certain days you can actually see them bottling the cider, and there is a small museum to boot. The cider is very good; my personal favorite is the pear. Yesterday the four of us locals sat out on the deck with our pints basking in the warm winter sun.. Honestly, I hate to recommend this place because it will get even more popular...but it's only fair to share this delightful spot.
WallietheWalrus
We decided to give this place a visit and it was worth it! The facility was beautiful with gorgeous views. There's a small museum inside with a viewing window of them bottling. They have free samples of two ciders that they have that day but if you want to try more you can get the sampler of 3 2.5oz ciders for $5. Not too bad! They also have some food you can get while you enjoy the ambiance. You can also purchase growlers of ciders and other merchandise. We will definitely visit again!
Arthurgray
Not your run of the mill grocery store cider but cider with a kick. Clean smooth taste; very refreshing. Local apples used in the process. The short tour is worth while and all the staff very knowledgeable and friendly. They continue to add features so if you have been before, check in again soon. Try the pear cider too and take home a selection.
TCGMatthews
We L-O-V-E Bold Rock! The flavor is over the top, smooth, delicious to the last drop. We love the owners and everyone who works there. They are always welcoming and you feel as though you are one big family sharing their dream! Our son just loves to go with us and enjoys the scenery as well as the Rockfish River.The beautiful new rustic timber frame is just gorgeous, alongside the bottling/manufacturing area. There is NO other cider out there in our opinion. Stop by.....you WON'T be disappointed! Cheers!The Matthews Family~ (the other timber frame family).
lucyw329
My friend and I were doing the 151 trail this weekend, and we decided to stop into Bold Rock. We are not big cider fans, but we loved the cider here! The staff was very helpful and friendly, Lor came by our table and she refilled our drinks for us and put them on our tab multiple times. We were also able to have a small conversation with her, which was nice since the breweries and wineries were very busy and did not make us feel like individuals. The only negative thing about Bold Rock was the no tip policy. In this day and age this is a ridiculous concept. I feel like there should be a tip line on the receipts because the employees should be rewarded for the work they do. I think management needs to get there act together and allow their staff to be appreciated.
859cathyw
We did a cider tasting in their new facility earlier today. Were very impressed by the charming ambiance, the variety of locally crafted flavors. Spent a nice afternoon listening to live music and sampling crisp apple and pear ciders. Left with only one case, after making a difficult decision! Hope to return on our next drive through this area.
777Va
Greeted by friendly staff.Complimentary tasting available which was very good.Spectacular views of Nelson County.The facility really is top notch and in milder weather you could spend hours here enjoying the great outdoors.Really great fireplace and seating areas indoors for those colder days.
robertsC4587OQ
I always enjoy a cold glass of their cider while doing my some paperwork on the weekends (yeah I'm a regular). Wish they had free WiFi since the cell service is so terrible. The staff are always eager to serve you; Sarah, my favorite "tasting specialist" (that's what I call her) has a glass of the good stuff ready for me and always has a smile on her face. Over all the place is cozy and it feels more like a cabin with lots of house guests than a bar.
etcmusn
Very inviting location with an excellent view. The tour that Cole gave us was very informative and funny. Trying the various ciders by the fireplace was the highlight of the visit. Would love to return during better (warmer) weather to enjoy the back deck and scenery,
picturetakingone
We never miss a trip to Bold Rock. Purchase a growler or two when you are there. We like to mix the two types of apple cider. Each of them is good, but together they are great! The newest item for sale is the pear cider. Do not leave without trying it.
Bahama_Jack
Had a great couple hours on a rainy day visiting the Bold Rock when we could not ski at Wintergreen. Cider was awesome, people were nice, got to meet the owner. They do everything right here, from the cider to the amenities. High quality timber frame building alone was worth the stop.