It's no coincidence that Virginia Cider Week, Nov. 15 to 24, precedes Thanksgiving. Herb-y bird, salty ham and pumpkin-pie-spiced sweet potatoes don't just pair with hard cider; they canoodle with it. Cider flavors can be simple — think apple Jolly Ranchers — or layered. You'll find waves of spices, apple butter, pear and biscuits in the drier styles.
Bold Rock Virginia Draft Cider
Best on the rocks as an aperitif, or icy-cold and straight-up with pumpkin pie. $4 per 12-ounce bottle at Olio
Blue Bee Cider Charred Ordinary
Camden's Dogtown Market, located in front of Blue Bee Cider's urban tasting room in Manchester, pairs with cider maker Courtney Mailey for a special tasting menu in November. Here's hoping for matches with Edwards ham and Virginia oysters. $15.50 per 750-ml bottle at Blue Bee Cider
Potter's Craft Cider Farmhouse Dry
This dry, yeasty cider belongs with farmhouse cheddar like stuffing with a turkey. Or, book it to Albemarle County for a nip of it at the Hill and Holler Cider Dinner on Nov 17. $17 per 750-ml bottle at Ellwood Thompson's Natural Market
Foggy Ridge Handmade
Newtown Pippin apples masquerade as pears in this elegant cider. Cider week flights at Pasture salute Diane Flynt's classy heirloom ciders. Get freaky and have it with grilled sardines or smoked seafood. $16 per 500-ml bottle at Once Upon a Vine South
Albemarle CiderWorks Old Virginia Winesap
Sweet potatoes and celery root, rosemary and sage are seasonal must-haves with this brisk apple tonic, known for its complexity of flavor. $20 per 750-ml bottle at Urban Farmhouse
