011: Cider in a Kvervi at Castle Hill Cider | Virginia

Wooden barrels are so 2014. What is old is new again as Castle Hill Cider has brought to the states an ancient fermenting vessel that was used for over 7000 years. Qvevri or Kvevri, as it is called on this Virginia estate, is best known to winemakers in the Georgia Republic.

Traditional Methods for Fermentation from the Georgia Republic

Where is the Georgia Republic? It is in Europe and lies to the south of Russia and to the north of Turkey.The Georgia Republic has a sprawling cave monastery from the 12th century called Vardzia and a wine growing region of Kakheti. Find out more about Georgia’s Qvevri traditional winemaking.

The Castle Hill Cider Kvervi upon arrived! In this Cider Chat with Cellar Master Geoff Robinson

• Castle Hill Cider imported 9 kvevris from the Georgia Republic
• Only one broke in transit
• A Kvevri ranges in size from 250 gallons to 60 and 75 gallons
• These clay pots are buried in the ground with only the opening accessible via a small chimney.
• A Honey glaze is often used inside the pot

Castle Hill Cider Makers Geoff and Stuart Madany Placing the Castle Hill Cider Kvervi Kvervi ready to be buried

 

Contact Info for Castle Hill

• Website: https://www.castlehillcider.com/
• Address: 6065 Turkey Sag Road, Keswick, Virginia USA 22947

Mentions in this Cider Chat

• Find out more about the Albemarle Pippin Apple via Thomas Jefferson Monticello
• Link to Cider Guide and head to Virginia and follow the Cider Trail?
• The Cider Swag Contest is open till January 16, 2016.

Castle Hill Update:

Both Geoff and Stuart have moved on from the cidery and as of 2025 the Kvevris at this site are not being used currently to make cider.