Albemarle CiderWorks on the Monticello Wine Trail

If you've had your fair share of wine tasting and are looking to shake things up on the Monticello Wine Trail, then you may want to check out Albermarle CiderWorks. Technically an "apple wine," the hard apple cider produced here is unlike any commercial cider you've ever tasted. These hard ciders are made in the colonial style and are decidedly dry, elegantly crisp and exceedingly light and refreshing. The Shelton family has been growing heritage apple varieties for the past 20 years and only recently decided to try their hand at hard ciders, with enormous success.

CiderWorks is currently producing four hard ciders, all coming in at 7% alcohol by volume: Jupiter's Legacy ($18) is a blend of America's favorite classic, heirloom apples, boasting clean lines and a light-bodied style. The Royal Pippin ($16) made from 100% Pippin apples, offering up a touch of effervescence and is downright delicious with ham. The Ragged Mountain ($14) is slightly sweeter, with a German Riesling-like quality about it, perfect for spicy fare. The Old Virginia Winesap cider is made from Winesap apple varieties and perfect with grilled tuna.

CiderWorks operates a full-scale tasting room with operating hours from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday thru Sunday. Tastings are $3 per person and include friendly staff willing and able to answer all of your hard cider questions.