John Washburn, who grew up in Ruffin, N.C., and graduated from George Washington High School in 1965, is currently building Bold Rock Cidery and Brewpub near Wintergreen in Nelson County, where he now lives. Right now, 15,000 square feet of cidery buildings and a restaurant are under construction, but eventually the cider pub will offer four varieties of hard ciders and a relaxing atmosphere nestled in the Blue Ridge countryside.“It’s a bold project,” Washburn said.

Washburn and friend Brian Shanks, co-founded Bold Rock Partners Lt. in March after deciding to pursue cider, or alcoholic fermented apple juice. Shanks has more than 30 years experience in the cider business, including in New Zealand, Australia and Great Britain. Washburn, who bought a farm in Wintergreen and developed property there for about 14 years, saw an opportunity to add cider to the area’s burgeoning brewery scene.

via Danville native to open Virginia cidery | GoDanRiver.com.