Castle Hill Cider
A picturesque cider venue in Keswick, VA, offering unique ciders, stunning mountain views, and a premier setting for weddings and events.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Extended fall hours, fewer crowds
Castle Hill Cider
Best Time
Extended fall hours, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A picturesque cider venue in Keswick, VA, offering unique ciders, stunning mountain views, and a premier setting for weddings and events.
"Spectacular venue with scenic charm, excellent infrastructure, and a team ready to handle anything."
🎯 Check Event Calendar
Public access is often tied to specific events like festivals or 'Royal Tea.'
🐶 Dog-Friendly Fun
Bring your furry friends along to enjoy the outdoor spaces!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Scenic Views
Outdoor seating areas
Breathtaking vistas of the Blue Ridge Mountains and serene lake, perfect for photos and relaxation.
Unique Cider Selection
Tasting room and bar
Explore a range of dry and unique ciders, including experimental flavors like Hopped Ginger.
Grand Event Spaces
Indoor banquet hall and grounds
A versatile venue ideal for large weddings and events, with both indoor and outdoor capabilities.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Event Venue or Public Visit?
Weather-Ready Charm
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Check Event Calendar
Public access is often tied to specific events like festivals or 'Royal Tea.'
🐶 Dog-Friendly Fun
Bring your furry friends along to enjoy the outdoor spaces!
🧺 Picnic Welcome
Pack your own snacks or a full picnic to enjoy with your cider.
🎶 Live Music & Dancing
Catch live performances and even salsa dancing classes on select evenings.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Check Event Calendar
Public access is often tied to specific events like festivals or 'Royal Tea.'
🐶 Dog-Friendly Fun
Bring your furry friends along to enjoy the outdoor spaces!
🧺 Picnic Welcome
Pack your own snacks or a full picnic to enjoy with your cider.
🎶 Live Music & Dancing
Catch live performances and even salsa dancing classes on select evenings.
🚗 Easy Drive from Cville
Just a short drive from Charlottesville, making it a perfect day trip.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Castle Hill Cider is widely praised for its breathtaking scenery and unique cider offerings, making it a favorite for weddings and public events. Visitors appreciate the dog-friendly atmosphere and the option to bring outside food. While generally well-regarded, some find the gourmet food options to be on the pricier side.
"As a wedding photographer, Castle Hill Cider is one of our favorite Charlottesville area wedding venues! The grounds are so photogenic, the space can be designed endless ways, it's suitable for large events, and there's ample rain plans for weddings of any size. It's a photographer's dream!"
Photography by Jo
"I recently attended a wedding at Castle Hill Cider in Keswick, and it was absolutely spectacular—even when nature had other plans! A fierce Virginia thunderstorm rolled in, complete with lightning and heavy rain, but thanks to the venue’s excellent planning and back-up indoor spaces, everyone stayed completely dry and comfortable. If you’re looking for a wedding venue that combines scenic charm, excellent event infrastructure, and a team ready to handle anything—even Mother Nature—Castle Hill Cider is an absolute winner!"
Beth Lang
"Beautiful venue. Huge indoor banquet area with balcony area. Top notch courteous staff. Lots of modest variations to cider along with a bourbon blended port option. Food options are gourmet but not inexpensive. Still worth it as a compliment to the ciders. Great experience . Whether just two or a crowd this cidery can accommodate. This was a great weekend to visit."
James Skapars
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Castle Hill Cider is located in Keswick, VA, a short drive from Charlottesville. Many visitors use ride-sharing services or personal vehicles. The scenic drive along Route 231 is part of the experience.
Public transport options are limited. It's best to plan for a car or rideshare service to reach the venue.
Castle Hill Cider is located at 1630 Old Free Union Rd, Keswick, VA 22947. It's easily accessible via major roads leading to Keswick.
Yes, ample parking is available for visitors and event attendees.
Generally, Castle Hill Cider is open for public visits during their listed hours, especially for events. For non-event visits, it's advisable to check their schedule as they are primarily a wedding venue.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
For general visits during open hours, tickets are usually not required unless there's a special ticketed event like 'Royal Tea' or a festival. Always check their website or social media for event-specific ticketing.
Hours vary by season and day. Typically, they are open Thursdays through Sundays, with extended hours on Wednesdays during the fall. Check their Instagram for the most current schedule.
Castle Hill Cider is generally open year-round, but hours and accessibility can change seasonally. They are particularly popular for fall events and weddings.
Yes, Castle Hill Cider is a premier venue for weddings and private events. Inquiries can be made through their website.
Castle Hill Cider is family-friendly and dog-friendly, welcoming visitors of all ages.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Enjoy cider tastings, live music, dancing classes, and relaxing with the scenic views. They also host special events like 'Royal Tea.'
Yes, Castle Hill Cider is very dog-friendly, allowing pets in outdoor areas.
Outside food is welcome, making it a great spot for picnics. They also offer gourmet food options for purchase.
They offer a variety of ciders, leaning towards the dry side, with unique options like Hopped Ginger and sweet alternatives like Serendipity.
There's plenty of indoor and outdoor seating, including areas with firepits and overlooking the lake.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Gourmet food options are available for purchase, complementing the ciders. They also welcome outside food for picnics.
Specific dietary options are not detailed, but their gourmet offerings may include variety. It's best to inquire directly or bring your own suitable food.
Yes, Castle Hill Cider is a popular venue for events and weddings, and they work with various catering services. +1
For excellent food options, consider BBQ Exchange in Gordonsville or explore the diverse offerings in Charlottesville's City Market.
Yes, there is a bar serving a full menu of ciders and cider cocktails.
📸 📸 Photography
The grounds offer stunning backdrops with mountain views, a lake, and the elegant venue architecture, making it a photographer's dream.
Absolutely! Photographers rave about the photogenic grounds, versatile event spaces, and ample opportunities for beautiful shots in any weather.
Yes, during public visiting hours, you can take photos around the grounds. For professional shoots or events, specific arrangements might be needed.
Generally, personal photography is welcome. For commercial or professional shoots, it's advisable to contact the venue beforehand.
The venue offers beautiful natural light, especially during sunset, and the indoor spaces are well-lit for events.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Visitors can bring outside food, making it easy to cater to picky eaters, and the relaxed atmosphere means you don't have to worry too much about noise. It's a great way to enjoy a scenic outing with the whole family, complete with delicious cider for the adults.
🐶 Dog Lovers
This makes it an ideal stop for those who don't want to leave their furry friends behind. Just be sure to keep them leashed and enjoy the outdoor spaces together.
💍 Wedding Planners & Couples
The venue offers a unique blend of rustic charm and elegant facilities, capable of hosting large events while providing a personalized experience. Its reputation for accommodating diverse visions makes it a top choice for couples planning their special day in the Charlottesville area.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Art of Cider Making at Castle Hill
One notable aspect of their craft is the use of traditional and avant-garde techniques. For instance, they have collaborated on projects involving Qvevri, an ancient Georgian winemaking vessel, fermenting cider underground. This dedication to exploring diverse methods results in truly distinctive and memorable cider experiences.
Visitors can explore this range of flavors through tastings, often featuring flights that showcase the breadth of their creations. Whether you're a cider aficionado or new to the beverage, Castle Hill Cider offers an educational and delicious journey into the world of artisanal cider.
Castle Hill Cider as a Premier Wedding Destination
Beyond its aesthetic appeal, the venue excels in practical event management. It boasts a spacious indoor banquet area with a balcony, ensuring comfort and elegance regardless of the weather. Photographers highlight the venue's ample 'rain plans' and the photogenic nature of the grounds, which offer endless opportunities for capturing beautiful wedding moments.
Couples often remark on the venue's ability to facilitate a unique and personalized celebration. The team at Castle Hill Cider works to bring each couple's vision to life, making it a dream location for those seeking a memorable and seamless wedding experience.
Public Events and Experiences
+1These public gatherings often feature live music, food vendors, and, of course, the signature cider. Visitors can enjoy the scenic grounds, relax with a cider flight, and soak in the atmosphere. The venue's dog-friendly policy and welcome for outside picnics make these events particularly appealing for a casual outing.
Checking Castle Hill Cider's social media or website is crucial for staying updated on their public event calendar. These events provide an excellent opportunity to experience the venue's beauty and sample their unique cider offerings without the commitment of a private booking.
![Kluge-Ruhe Aboriginal Art Collection - Spencer Collection, The New York Public Library. "Basile et Sophia, [Binding components]" The New York Public Library Digital Collections. 1910. https://digitalcollections.nypl.org/items/becac5b0-c5c6-012f-2307-58d385a7bc34](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fimages.unsplash.com%2Fphoto-1755546368198-493a259eb1b9%3Fcrop%3Dentropy%26cs%3Dtinysrgb%26fit%3Dmax%26fm%3Djpg%26ixid%3DM3w3ODc2Nzh8MHwxfHNlYXJjaHwxfHxLbHVnZS1SdWhlJTIwQWJvcmlnaW5hbCUyMEFydCUyMENvbGxlY3Rpb258ZW58MHwwfHx8MTc1ODUzNzcyMXww%26ixlib%3Drb-4.1.0%26q%3D80%26w%3D1080&w=3840&q=75)
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit