Tucked Away in a 100-Year-Old Former Church, Potter’s Craft Cider Is One of My Favorite Charlottesville Day Trips

You'll find no shortage of cideries in Virginia. Apples grow abundantly here, and there are countless ways to enjoy them. Recently, craft cider has emerged as one of the hallmark drinks of fall. But there's a local cidery in central Virginia that creates crisp, refreshing cider that's meant to be enjoyed all year round.

Potter's Craft Cider is situated just off Route 29, up a steep gravel driveway that leads visitors to a towering stone church building. Inside these towering walls, the former home of Neve Hall, you'll find a visually stunning taproom and kitchen. It's just three miles from Charlottesville but, like all great day trip destinations, feels like you've traveled much further away. My family and I have visited Potter's in each season, and actually, it's difficult to pinpoint our favorite time to go. Come with us as we dive into what makes this cidery so memorable.

Driving up to Potter's, you feel the reverence of the 1924 building and its history. Neve Hall was named for the reverend Frederick W. Neve, an Episcopal clergyman who established schools and churches throughout Albemarle County. Fast forward to 2011, and the idea for Potter's was started by two friends who dreamed of creating a farmhouse brewery, eventually finding a permanent home for Potter's at Neve Hall in 2019. Today, the building, affectionately known as the "Apple Chapel," is home to one of the most popular cideries in Charlottesville.

At the heart of the business is, of course, quality cider. Potter's uses locally-grown apples from various farms in the Shenandoah Valley, having spent years studying which apples produce certain flavor profiles, tannins, and aromas. There's also a strong element of community at Potter's. In addition to working with local farmers, the cidery often collaborates with other Charlottesville wineries, distilleries, and breweries to help evolve their process. And the results are impressive!

For our first visit, we ordered a flight sample, which I'd recommend doing if you're not sure where to begin. The ciders here are very dry, with zero sugar used. Flavors include Farmhouse Dry, Grapefruit Hibiscus, Cherry Vanilla, Guava Galaxy, Strawberry Ginger, Imperial Dry, and many more. My personal favorite is the Grapefruit Hibiscus or the Pippin Cuvée, which is made from 100% Virginia-grown Albemarle Pippin apples that have been fermented in French oak barrels. (Potter's also ships their cider to 39 states!) In addition to hard cider, there are plenty of unique cocktails and zero-proof drinks to enjoy.

Aside from the beverages, what sets this place apart is the beautiful setting. Potter's really is a family-friendly destination, with plenty of space to spread out a picnic blanket or set up a board game. Most weekends there's something fun going on, whether it's a festival or live local music. You'll also find an impressive menu of food to enjoy, including everything from gourmet paninis to giant pretzels, a charcuterie board, and more.

When the weather's cold, pick a table inside and enjoy the open, airy space of the former church. There are two levels to choose from, and when it's really cold out, there will likely be a fire in the main fireplace. It's the perfect, cozy setting for gathering with friends and enjoying being a part of the community.

For more information about Potter's Craft Cider, be sure to visit their official website. Need a place to stay while you're exploring? Check out these one-of-a-kind vacation rentals in Charlottesville, Virginia.