Nelson 151 Bold Rock: Virginia Cider Excellence in Nelson County’s Craft Beverage Trail

Bold Rock Hard Cider stands as a cornerstone of Nelson 151 and Virginia’s craft beverage trail, bringing award-winning Virginia cider to the heart of Nelson County since 2012. Located along the scenic Nelson 151 route in Nellysford, this premier Virginia cider destination has become synonymous with authentic craft cider experiences and Blue Ridge Mountain hospitality.

Bold Rock

Virginia Cider Pioneers on Nelson 151

Bold Rock Hard Cider holds a special place in Nelson County and Virginia craft beverage trail history as one of America’s leading regional craft cider brands. Their Nelson 151 location, known affectionately as the “Chapel of Apple,” represents the headquarters, center of operations, and primary cider production facility for this pioneering Virginia cider company founded in 2012.

The picturesque timber-framed barn along Nelson 151 in Nelson County showcases stunning views of the Rockfish River and mountains, embodying everything we love about the Virginia craft beverage trail experience. This Nelson 151 destination has been a proud member of the Nellysford community since opening in August 2014, transforming the Virginia cider landscape one sip at a time.

Authentic Virginia Cider Crafted in Nelson County

What sets Bold Rock apart on the Nelson 151 trail and Virginia craft beverage scene is their commitment to crafting authentic Virginia cider from locally sourced apples. At their Nelson County facility, they produce an array of Bold Rock ciders crafted from apples sourced within the community, ensuring that every glass represents the true essence of Virginia cider excellence.

Whether you prefer a dry and crisp Virginia cider or one that’s sweet and fruity, Bold Rock’s Nelson 151 location offers something to satisfy every palate. All their Virginia cider varieties are gluten-free, making this Nelson County destination accessible to all craft beverage enthusiasts exploring the Virginia craft beverage trail.

Bold Rock

The Complete Nelson 151 Cider Experience

Open Monday-Thursday 12pm-8pm, Friday-Saturday 11am-9pm, and Sunday 10am-7pm, Bold Rock’s Nelson County location offers more than exceptional Virginia cider—they provide a complete Virginia craft beverage trail experience. Their facility along Nelson 151 welcomes visitors daily starting at 11 AM for tours, tastings, and Virginia cider to go.

At this Nelson County destination, guests can enjoy complimentary daily tastings featuring two flagship ciders—Virginia Apple and Virginia Draft—or experience a tasting flight of rotating Bold Rock Hard Ciders. The Virginia craft beverage trail experience extends to their service bar, where you can get Bold Rock by the glass or longneck bottle paired with food from their menu of light appetizers and sandwiches.

Virginia Cider Education and Innovation

Bold Rock’s Nelson 151 location serves as both a production facility and educational destination on the Virginia craft beverage trail. Visitors to this Nelson County cidery can take self-guided tours of the production facility to watch the bottling process or visit their Cider Museum for a comprehensive tour of cider facts and artifacts.

From cider history to modern production, you’ll see how tradition and technology come together in Bold Rock’s working cidery in Nelson County. There’s a good chance you’ll run into one of their friendly founders, John or Brian, who love talking about Virginia cider and the Nelson 151 community they’ve helped build.

Bold Rock

The Barrel Barn: Innovation on Nelson 151

Bold Rock Hard Cider proudly unveiled the Barrel Barn in October 2017, transforming their original production barn into a remarkable innovation hub. This space serves as a research and development center for fostering product innovation while becoming a prime destination for cocktail enthusiasts in Nelson County along Nelson 151.

The Bold Rock Distillery at the Barrel Barn stands as a premier gathering spot for both locals and visitors to unwind and enjoy an exceptional range of craft cocktails, canned cocktails, seltzers, ciders, and wines. Open Friday-Saturday 12pm-9pm and Sunday 12pm-7pm, this Nelson 151 destination represents the evolution of Virginia craft beverage innovation.

Family-Friendly Virginia Craft Beverage Trail Destination

Bold Rock’s Nelson County location exemplifies what makes the Virginia craft beverage trail special—authentic hospitality and inclusive experiences. This Nelson 151 destination is wonderfully family-friendly and dog-friendly, featuring an expansive patio and sprawling lower meadow that complement the cozy interior.

Guests are welcome to picnic with Virginia cider on the deck or down by the Rockfish River, while those under 21 can enjoy sparkling sweet cider. The facility offers tastings for anyone 21 or over, with options to relax by the fireplace in the Bold Rock Room or kick back on the large outdoor patio overlooking the Nelson County landscape.

Bold Rock

Virginia Cider Heritage and Community

What makes Bold Rock truly special on the Nelson 151 trail and Virginia craft beverage scene is how they’ve contributed to Nelson County’s craft beverage heritage. They understand that great Virginia cider experiences are about more than exceptional beverages—they’re about creating connections to place, tradition, and community.

Their shop offers logo glassware and other Bold Rock wearable goods, along with six-packs, cases, and growlers of Virginia cider to go. Whether you’re a returning Virginia craft beverage trail enthusiast or someone discovering Nelson County cider for the first time, Bold Rock provides that authentic experience that makes every Nelson 151 visit memorable.

The Heart of Nelson 151 Cider Culture

As a cornerstone of Nelson 151 and Virginia’s craft beverage trail, Bold Rock Hard Cider represents the innovative, quality-focused culture that has made Nelson County synonymous with exceptional craft beverages. Their commitment to Virginia cider excellence and community engagement has helped establish Nelson 151 as a premier destination for authentic craft beverage experiences.

When you visit Bold Rock in Nelson County, you’re not just enjoying award-winning Virginia cider and scenic mountain views—you’re experiencing the foundational story of how authentic craft cider and genuine hospitality create lasting connections along the Virginia craft beverage trail.

Ready for Your Own Virginia Cider Adventure?

Bold Rock Hard Cider awaits along Nelson 151 with their award-winning Virginia cider varieties, scenic Rockfish River views, and that pioneering spirit that helped establish Nelson County as a premier craft beverage destination. Come curious about Virginia cider, leave connected to the authentic craft culture that makes the Virginia craft beverage trail unforgettable.


Ready to discover why Bold Rock is Nelson County’s premier Virginia cider destination? Visit Bold Rock daily along Nelson 151 and experience the award-winning Virginia cider excellence that defines our Virginia craft beverage trail.