Why not visit the newly opened Albemarle CiderWorks in North Garden? The family-run, artisanal hard apple cider plant accepts visitors from Wednesdays to Sundays in the newly opened Tasting Room. They use heritage grown apples from their Rural Ridge Orchard, located just a few miles from Monticello. They currently grow over 200 varieties of apples.

For a trip back in time with a taste treat to the present, enjoy the fermented apple juice that was popular during the Colonial period into the 19th century when cider was the most common beverage in the country. A lot has changed since those times, but the treat of real cider maintains an unmistakable taste.

The company makes three distinct cider blends, all with an alcoholic content of about 7 percent. Thus far they have bottled almost 900 cases of cider. Pork and game dishes pair well with each variety, and depending on the dryness of the cider, the family recommends additional food pairings.

Here’s your chance to enjoy the Blue Ridge Mountain area while sampling full-bodied ciders.