Our Story
At Halcyon Days Cider Company, every bottle begins in the orchard. From growing and harvesting the apples to pressing, fermenting, bottling, and labeling, we believe great cider is worth doing by hand.
Hi, We’re the Colvins
Nestled in the rolling countryside of Rockbridge County, Halcyon Days Cider Company was founded on a simple idea: create exceptional cider from apples grown right here on the property.
Today, we’re continuing that tradition, tending more than 2,000 apple trees and crafting small-batch ciders that reflect both the character of the orchard and the rich history of cider making.
What began as a vision for a unique orchard and cidery has grown into a place where agriculture, craftsmanship, and community come together.
Every bottle tells a story that begins long before the cider reaches your glass.
From Orchard to Bottle
Every cider starts with the fruit.
Our orchard is home to more than 50 varieties of apples, including heirloom cider apples that have been cultivated for generations alongside newer varieties selected for their unique flavor profiles.
Throughout the growing season, we grow, harvest, and press the apples ourselves. The juice is then fermented and matured for two to six months before being bottled, carbonated, and labeled by hand.
This hands-on approach allows us to craft ciders with distinct character—from crisp and semi-sweet to complex and dry.
We believe great cider can't be rushed.
The Apples Behind the Cider
The diversity of our orchard is what makes our cider unique. Rather than relying on just a handful of varieties, we grow more than 50 carefully selected apples that allow us to create balance, complexity, and depth in every blend.
Among them are traditional cider apples such as Harrison, Virginia Hewes Crab, and Ashmead's Kernel, varieties prized for their rich tannins, bright acidity, and distinctive flavor.
By blending apples with different characteristics, we can naturally shape the sweetness, body, and finish of each cider while allowing the fruit itself to shine.
The result is a collection of ciders that range from semi-sweet to dry, each with its own unique personality.
Preserving a Sense of Place
The buildings that make up Halcyon Days tell a story of their own.
While our cider is crafted in a modern production facility, much of the cidery has been thoughtfully created from historic Rockbridge County structures.
A renovated 1940s milk barn now serves as gathering space for guests and families. Nearby, a reconstructed nineteenth-century log cabin houses the tasting room, connected by a covered breezeway that welcomes visitors throughout the seasons.
These spaces reflect what matters most to us: honoring the past while creating something new.
Every detail helps preserve the character and heritage of the region we call home.
Stewardship of the Land
Everything we do begins with the orchard. The more than 2,000 apple trees growing on our property are not only the source of our cider—they are the foundation of our commitment to thoughtful farming and responsible stewardship.
Each season brings new opportunities to care for the land, nurture the trees, and continue building something that will be enjoyed for generations to come.
Good cider starts long before the apples are pressed. It begins with patience, attention, and respect for the place that makes it possible.
Meet the Colvins
As owners and caretakers of Halcyon Days, Ryan and Liz Colvin are involved in every stage of the process, from orchard management and harvest to fermentation and bottling.
Their passion for cider making is matched only by their commitment to creating a welcoming place where guests can gather, learn, and enjoy the fruits of the orchard.
Whether you're visiting for your first tasting or your fiftieth, you're experiencing the result of countless hours spent nurturing both the orchard and the craft. Come and visit us, we’d love to meet you!
Come Taste the Difference
Every cider tells a story. We invite you to visit the tasting room, explore the orchard, and discover the craftsmanship behind every bottle.