Sage Bird Ciderworks uses locally-sourced fruit and flavor to produce small-batch, hand-crafted hard cider that honors tradition and welcomes the future. We are located in downtown Harrisonburg, VA in the heart of the beautiful Shenandoah V
About this place
Discover Sage Bird Ciderworks, Harrisonburg's pioneering cidery nestled in the heart of downtown. This local establishment takes pride in producing small-batch, hand-crafted hard cider using locally-sourced fruit and flavor, marrying tradition with forward-thinking techniques. What started as a passion project for Zach and Amberlee Carlson, born from a desire to create their own alcohol and a serendipitous discovery of an antique apple press, has blossomed into a beloved community fixture. They meticulously experiment with each batch, focusing on the dry, tart ciders they prefer, and sharing their journey from apartment mead-making to opening a professional cidery. Since opening in the summer of 2020, Sage Bird Ciderworks has transformed an old Big L tire building into a welcoming taproom, a testament to the founders' dedication and hard work. The space, painstakingly renovated, now invites visitors to enjoy their distinctive ciders, served alongside a full kitchen menu. Whether you're a long-time cider enthusiast or new to the world of hard ciders, Sage Bird offers a chance to taste the fruits of local agriculture and artisanal craftsmanship in a relaxed, community-focused setting.
Harrisonburg's first cidery. Founders Zach and Amberlee Carlson started making mead and then cider in their apartment, eventually acquiring an antique screw-style apple press. They refined their craft and business plan, completing an internship at Blue Bee Cider, and opened in Summer 2020 in a renovated old Big L tire building downtown.