The Grower Series focuses on expression of single orchard sites.

Site
Hobby Horse Farm - Hot Springs, Bath County Virginia 3000’ elevation

Fruit
A blend of wild and presumably older cultivation apples scattered amongst the upper pastures found on the nearly 1000 acre farm situated just below Bald Knob (4200’) on Warm Springs Mountain’s western slope.

Vinification
Most of the fruit contributing to this bottling was harvested in early September and smaller portions in mid October of 2022. All fruit was ground and directly pressed to a combination of neutral barrels and glass demijohns. An uninoculated, native primary fermentation carried out over the fall and the barrel was left undisturbed until it was racked off its gross and fine lees in late March of 2023. Bottled sparkling via traditional method and rested for an additional six months before its release undisgorged.No additions of SO2 were made at any stage of this wine.

Notes
Very few places in our upland valley contain such apple history and diversity. The current property encompasses a few different farms founded by Bath County’s pioneering families such as the Chaplins. These families planted several different orchards at the highest points of its cleared land. In the 1940s, the Homestead Resort acquired the land for several reasons; its abundance of high elevation springs to meet the water needs of the expanding resort, elevated summer grazing for their two milk dairies, and a premier trail riding destination for the resort’s equestrian program. At its peak, the farming operation must have been quite the site to see. Unfortunately not too long after several dairy cattle choked on larger apples, the decision was made to cut down several hundred of the farm’s ancient apple trees. Although devastating to imagine, the trees’ wild descendants persevered, now litter the hillsides making the farm one of the valley’s most diverse offerings of apples. Their preservation is greatly due to the Semans family, whom have owned and stewarded the land since the late 1960s. It is a real honor to begin working with this site and we are thrilled to see how the ciders develop in the coming years. This year’s cider is light, fresh, and focused with subtle aromatic tones. 

23 cases produced. 6.9% alc. by Volume, 750ml

Label artwork by Helen Sharp.

*Available for shipments in Virginia & Washington DC OR pick-up at Oakley Farm. Ship to other states here. Shipments may be delayed based on temperatures.