As leaves begin to swirl in a kaleidoscope of fall colors and apples ripen in hues of yellows, reds, and greens, it’s time to celebrate Southwest Michigan’s harvest at Apple Fest 2024. Hosted by award winning Virtue Cider, enjoy live music, orchard and farm tours, tastings of their proper farmhouse cider, and much more on their sustainable solar-powered farm.
The festivities kick off on Saturday, October 12th from 12 p.m. – 9 p.m. EST (2170 62nd St., Fennville, MI) with live bands, a pig roast, face painting, and a bustling bonfire where guests can relish the crisp autumn air while exploring the charming Norman French-style cider houses. The celebration continues on Sunday, October 13th from 12 p.m. – 7 p.m. EST with a variety of programming open to all ages. Guests over 21 have the option to delve into the world of cider making with founder Gregory Hall and Virtue’s cidermakers on a production tour, exploring the intricacies of the fermentation, blending, and barrel-aging processes — or talk all things apples and proper farmhouse cider on a guided cider tasting.
Guests of all ages can also join a guided farm and orchard tour to experience Virtue Farm’s flora and fauna, visit the heritage breed animals, and meander amongst the orchards. No reservations or entry fees are required for this exciting celebration, but those interested in booking tours and guided tastings can do so in advance on Virtue’s website here.
ABOUT VIRTUE CIDER: Founded in 2013 by award-winning Goose Island Beer Company brewmaster Gregory Hall, Virtue Cider crafts proper farmhouse cider from local heirloom fruit on a sustainable solar-powered farm in Fennville, Michigan. Following a two-month pilgrimage to study the craft of cider in England and France, Hall brought traditional techniques from faraway lands to Virtue Farm, located in one of the country’s best apple-growing climates.
The Norman French-style cider houses are located on over 48 acres of grasslands, surrounded by an array of Gloucestershire Old Spot Pigs and chickens, and house several below-ground fermentation tanks, naturally cooled and heated by the Michigan climate.
Virtue Farm also features a full taproom with tasting flights, handhelds, and charcuterie selections, offers guided tastings and tours, and supplies seasonal bottle selections for Virtue Cider’s national Cider Society subscription service.
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