10 Fun Asheville Cideries & Meaderies
Uncover the best Asheville cideries and meaderies. See who is serving up which flavors and find newer cider taprooms in Asheville, NC.
Asheville is most well-known for its craft beer scene, but cider and meads are growing in popularity.
As someone married to a partner with Celiac Disease, we frequent the Asheville cideries and meaderies. Visitors and residents can also find cider offered at almost all of the local craft breweries – canned or on tap.
For those of you who aren’t as familiar with cider and mead, cider is naturally gluten-free and is essentially fermented apple juice.
Many of the cideries in Asheville use apples grown in North Carolina. Hendersonville is known as “Apple Alley,” after all.
The ciders in Asheville are made with real fruit, herbs, and spices. The WNC cideries pride themselves on “clean” cider.
Along with the cideries, you’ll find meaderies near Asheville too. Mead is wine fermented from honey. Mead usually includes additional fruit and herbs.
Like cider, mead is naturally gluten-free. We prefer the coffee and cherry flavors. Botanicals are great as well.
So, where can you find eclectic and fun mead or cider in Asheville?
The best cideries in Asheville include Botanist and Barrel, Noble, and Urban Orchard. Of course, you likely know the most famous cidery in Asheville and Mills River, Bold Rock.
For meaderies in Asheville, Black Mountain is home to a fabulous taproom – as well as an amazing distillery – and Hendersonville boasts a winery with mead.
So, if you are visiting Western North Carolina, what are the best cideries in Asheville, NC? How about those Asheville meaderies?
Be sure you tell us your favorite Asheville cidery in the comments. Let’s get started!
You might also find our gluten-free guide to Asheville helpful.
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What You'll Find In This Guide
10 Delicious Asheville Cideries & Meaderies
Urban Orchard Cider Company
Urban Orchard West
One of the most well-known cideries in Asheville, Urban Orchard has two fabulous locations.
West Asheville feels more as if you are sitting in someone’s backyard. They have a casual patio area with tables.
Of course, you can sit inside too, and find parking out front.
Their West Asheville kitchen took a break for a while due to the times, but it is back with snacks, charcuterie, hummus, and sandwiches (always double-check, though).
We’ve snagged lunch here, and it’s simple but delicious. Think turkey sandwiches, a Reuben, trout dip, and olives.
Urban Orchard West labels its menu for gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegan eaters.
If you head to Urban Orchard’s West AVL location, be sure to check out West Asheville’s stellar restaurant scene, including Gypsy Queen Cuisine, Taco Billy, Thai Pearl, and Jargon.
Urban Orchard South Slope/Downtown
Urban Orchard South Slope – behind Catawba Brewing – has a huge and trendy downtown taproom. Park in one of the pay lots or along the street, if you get lucky.
Grab a cider flight, and in the winter, they might just serve mulled wine.
For nearby Downtown AVL restaurants to pair with your cider, head to nearby BBQ joints like Buxton Hall and Bear’s Smokehouse.
Wicked Weed’s Funkatorium is fun, too, for those odd sour beers, and Antidote is a nearby rooftop bar – attached to Chemist Distillery.
Read more about Asheville’s delicious distillery scene.
Urban Orchard Cider
For Asheville cider, Urban Orchard Cider Company features fruity, dry, and sweet options. Some of the ciders have a bit of effervescence.
Flavors you might see include blackberry, green apple, elderberry, ginger, pepper, lavender, honey, and cranberry.
Urban Orchard Cider Company West | 210 Haywood Road, Asheville NC 28806
Urban Orchard Cider Company South Slope (Downtown) | 24 Buxton Avenue, Asheville, NC 28801
Noble Cider
As the first cidery in Asheville, Noble Cider produces craft cider, wine, hard cider spritzers, and mead. You will find them on tap or canned at many of the Asheville breweries.
We’ve seen their bottles posted as far as Japan, but they focus on distributing across the Southeast. Stores like Earth Fare, Ingles, Whole Foods, and Total Wine carry their cider.
Noble’s deep pastel-colored Downtown taproom is both gorgeous and serenely spacious – we highly recommend a visit.
Noble Cider Downtown’s full kitchen is temporarily closed due to the times (and we are awaiting updates). However, they are currently offering casual eats.
Noble Cider recently partnered with Red Fiddle Vittles for Appalachian-inspired bites that are labeled for vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free cider snackers.
Munch on crackers or chips with dip, marinated olives, pecans, and local cheeses.
When their kitchen is in full operation (check their website for updates), we highly recommend Noble Cider for lunch in Downtown Asheville, especially for gluten-free eaters.
Their shareable plates are delicious with a plethora of gluten-free, vegan, and veggie options.
For cider in Asheville, Noble features their flagship ciders plus seasonal and limited-edition options. Flavors include original, cherry, ginger, and apple pie.
Unlike other cideries in Asheville, enjoy cider spritzers, too, like lemon and elderflower, jasmine tea and orange, or grapefruit and Citra.
If you are hoping to catch limited-edition Noble Ciders, we’ve seen mango sorbet, strawberry basil, watermelon mint, and caramel apple.
And, for Asheville meads, sip on blackberry, clementine, strawberry, and blueberry, just to name a few.
The Cidery | 356 New Leicester Highway, Asheville, NC 28806
Noble Downtown Cider & Mead Taproom | 49 Rankin Avenue, Asheville, NC 28801
Botanist & Barrel
One of our favorite Asheville cideries and meaderies, Botanist and Barrel recently opened a Downtown taproom. It’s gorgeous.
With an extensive menu and eclectic flights, taste your way through wines, ciders, and meads. Along with bites, they offer over 50 selections.
Botanist & Barrel also serves up vegan and gluten-free desserts and treats like Darë Vegan Cheese.
You’ll find quite a few sours here, as well – if you are lactose-intolerant, though, just remember that sour drinks sometimes contain lactose.
For parking around this area, if you don’t mind walking, we prefer the Rankin and Civic Center garages – just to avoid the Downtown chaos.
If you enjoy crackers, dips, and cheese plates, see who else serves up the best charcuterie in town.
Or, head to nearby memorable Asheville restaurants like Limones, Bouchon, or Posana. Posana even has a dedicated gluten-free kitchen.
Botanist & Barrel Downtown Asheville | 32 Broadway St Suite 110, Asheville, NC 28801
Bold Rock Cidery
Bold Rock – Mills River
One of the most renowned cideries in Asheville and Mills River, Bold Rock is a national name.
Bold Rock knows how to spice up their apples, and we’d dare say that out of all of the Asheville cideries, they have the most eclectic flavors.
We are talking sangria, coffee, and watermelon cider, which are some of the more tame flavors.
Plus, Bold Rock Cidery in Mills River boasts a massive indoor and outdoor warehouse space, including a spacious cider garden.
They host events, and their food truck, Bold Bites Mobile Kitchen, serves up delectable sandwiches and burgers. They even have gluten-free bread.
Bold Rock sells canned cocktails and boozy seltzers. Plus, Bold Rock Mills River is both a kid and pet-friendly cidery near Asheville.
If you are heading back to Asheville from Brevard or the Asheville airport, along with Bold Rock, don’t miss Mills River’s jumping breweries.
Bold Rock – Downtown
Newer to Downtown AVL, Bold Rock also opened a taproom in the former Collaboratory Brewing building near Crave Dessert Bar (you want to get dessert and cocktails at Crave).
It’s a gorgeous and large taproom/brewery that is perfect for Sunday brunch.
Just be forewarned that the gluten-free brunch options are scarce for a cidery menu (we aren’t bitter…).
However, we appreciate an AVL brunch spot where you don’t need reservations, and their Bluegrass Brunch features live music and Southern classics.
Think apple pancakes, french toast casserole, nachos, fried chicken and gravy biscuits, and more – with brunch cocktails. Order a cider mimosa!
We’ve seen families enjoying brunch here, but don’t miss even more kid-friendly AVL restaurants.
Bold Rock Cidery | 72 School House Rd, Mills River, NC 28759
Downtown Asheville Taproom | 39 N. Lexington Avenue, Asheville, NC 28801
Jeter Mountain Farm (Seasonal)
Let’s talk about one of the best cideries near Asheville too: Jeter Mountain Farm in Hendersonville, NC.
Hendersonville – a gorgeous 45-minute day tripping city from Asheville – is home to some of the best seasonal apple orchards.
Jeter Mountain Farm is an unforgettable experience. Not only can you get married here, but this luxury-like farm is huge and full of fun things to do.
Usually, they are open from Thursdays/Fridays to Sundays from mid-July to the last weekend in October (but please double-check seasonal hours on their website), and they have multiple parking lots.
Find U-pick apples, cider donuts, warted pumpkins, and apple cider slushies.
Jeter Mountain Farm grounds also boast a huge and covered children’s playground, permanent BBQ food truck, and coffee bar.
Of course, enjoy a country store filled with cider mugs, candles, apparel, and whatever goodies and fruits are in season.
For Asheville cider, Jeter Mountain Farm typically has 6 hard ciders on tap; they produce most of these but also have a few from Flat Rock Cider Company.
If you have never been, we suggest grabbing a flight to sip on with your BBQ or a chicken salad sandwich. Enjoy dry and semi-fruity cider flavors.
It’s honestly some of our favorite cider in Asheville, and the best part: you can make your own 4-pack to bring home.
While in Hendersonville – and if you enjoy drinking (responsibly) like us – tour the Hendersonville wineries like Stone Ashe, Souther Williams, and St. Paul Vineyards.
We’ll talk about Point Lookout below – a great winery and meadery near Asheville.
Or, grab beer in Hendersonville at D9, Oklawaha (gluten-reduced beers), and Guidon.
Jeter Mountain Farm | 1126 Jeter Mountain Rd, Hendersonville, NC 28739
Appalachian Ridge Artisan Cidery
Part of Saint Paul Mountain Farms, Appalachian Ridge Artisan Cidery sits just under a 2-minute drive away from St. Paul Mountain Vineyards in Hendersonville.
Out of all of these Asheville cideries, head to Appalachian Ridge for the gorgeous barn taproom and breathtaking mountain, apple orchard, and vineyard views.
We just love their cider and service too.
As you pull into the gravel lot, a Joanna Gaines-looking structure greets visitors, opening to a barn with gorgeous wooden floors and beamed ceilings.
Drink inside, out front on the lawn, or out back on the lawn and two-level deck. There are even firepits.
On tap, usually find a few of Appalachian Ridge’s own delicious ciders – that aren’t too acidic – and some local Asheville cider and gluten-free ginger beer from Ginger’s Revenge.
They also serve flights, including St. Paul’s newer Muscadine wines.
Catch live music, and pick up a bag of local ShareWell Coffee.
In fact, ShareWell used to brew in Appalachian Ridge’s basement, but they opened their own Flat Rock/Hendersonville coffee shop now.
If you drop into ShareWell, see what else you can do in Flat Rock, including touring the Carl Sandburg home and catching a play.
Appalachian Ridge Artisan Cidery | 731 Chestnut Gap Rd, Hendersonville, NC 28792
Little Switzerland Orchard & Winery
For mom-and-pop-like Asheville cideries and wineries, you can try to catch Little Switzerland.
They’ve moved around WNC quite a bit in the last few years, but their unassuming taproom might be worth a visit.
If you’ve been with us for a while you know that Little Switzerland has relocated from Asheville to Burnsville and now Spruce Pine, which is about 60 minutes away from Asheville.
They offer small-batch ciders, wines, and meads. For food, find appetizers like salads, chili, and dips. Or, order a flatbread.
Little Switzerland Orchard and Winery | 14480 226 S, Spruce Pine, NC 28777
Black Mountain Ciderworks & Meadery
Known as either Black Mountain Ciderworks & Meadery or Black Mountain Cider & Mead, head to Black Mountain for some of the best breweries, a meadery, and a distillery.
Black Mountain is under a 25-minute drive from Asheville and home to some of the best restaurants, Lake Tomahawk, and quaint bed and breakfasts.
This Asheville cidery and meadery suggestion is perfect if you crave botanicals and spice.
Black Mountain Cider & Mead specializes in dry cider and session mead, using local apples and honey.
Find flavors like coffee, sweet potato, almond, beet, and pistachio. For mead and cider in Asheville, these will be less sweet and perfect if you enjoy subtle hints of flavor.
Catch the owners and enjoy a conversation with friendly staff. Enjoy cider and mead in their smaller taproom or sit outside.
Plus, Oak and Grist Distillery is in the same warehouse area – a must-visit distillery for craft cocktails – and there is plenty of parking around the building.
These are some of Black Mountains’ best-kept secrets, and the area is beautiful.
Black Mountain Ciderworks & Meadery | 104 Eastside Dr #307, Black Mountain, NC 28711
Have you exhausted all of the cideries in Asheville? Read more about exploring top towns and cities near Asheville, including Black Mountain, Hendersonville, Lake Lure, Maggie Valley, and Weaverville.
More Best Meaderies Near Asheville
Point Lookout Vineyards
Did you know that Point Lookout Vineyards, one of the best wineries near Asheville, is also a meadery? They are famous for their 30-mile panoramic views of the gorgeous mountains.
You can either do a wine tasting and include a mead or vice versa.
Explore multiple indoor seating areas, including a room with massive windows and fireplaces. Or, sit outside and enjoy the mountains. Point Lookout is a great fall destination.
Point Lookout Vineyards is also popular for live music and weddings.
Some seating areas and parking may be off-limits if there is a wedding. Usually, they’ll offer a shuttle if they need you to park in the lower lot for an event.
If crowds aren’t your jam, we recommend visiting during non-peak hours.
Point Lookout Vineyards | 408 Appleola Road in Hendersonville, NC
Fox Hill Meadery
Although we have yet to visit this Asheville meadery in person, we love drinking Fox Hill meads.
You’ll find these meads served around Asheville, including at Shakespeare in the Park with the Montford Park Players.
If you head there, let us know what you think!
Also, be sure to check out our mead cocktail recipes on our sister site, The Uncorked Librarian.
Fox Hill Meadery | 33 Selby Ct, Marshall, NC 28753
Save These Cideries & Meaderies In Asheville For Later:
Where To Stay In Asheville
Explore the best places to stay in Asheville. A few of our top suggestions:
- Aloft – Downtown Asheville – Centrally located and recently renovated, enjoy a rooftop pool, a gorgeous bar, and trendy rooms.
- The Omni Grove Park Inn – Treat yourself to a luxury resort in North Asheville, complete with breathtaking sunsets, terrace bars and dining, and loads of Asheville history.
- Hampton Inn And Suites Asheville Biltmore Area – A budget-friendly but renovated hotel on busier Brevard Road that’s perfect if you wish to stay between Biltmore Estate, Downtown Asheville, and the Blue Ridge Parkway.
- Asheville Cottages – Gorgeous 1 to 3-bedroom cottages with a private deck, housing a grill and hot tub. Find luxurious heated-floor bathrooms with rain showers, a well-stocked kitchen, and the cleanest rooms in town.
- Foundry Hotel – An oasis in Downtown Asheville, Foundry Hotel is a nod to AVL’s industrial history. Find famous restaurant Benne on Eagle while sleeping ensconced in charm and elegance.
- Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Asheville Westgate, NC – Located off of the highway as you enter AVL, find a sleek and clean hotel at a great price.
- Black Walnut B&B Inn – Designed by Biltmore’s supervising architect, Richard Sharp-Smith, this 1899 inn is close to Downtown AVL and serves afternoon tea. Two rooms are pet-friendly.
Don’t miss out on these Asheville properties on Booking.com, too.
What are your favorite cideries in Asheville, NC? Where do you love to go for mead in Asheville and across Western North Carolina?
If we had to pick our favorite cidery in Asheville (and the AVL area), we’d go with Jeter Mountain Farm. This orchard is a gorgeous day out for farm lovers and if you are looking for non-super sweet ciders.
Plus, Jeter Mountain Farm is perfect for the entire family. However, it is only open in-season, which is mid-July through the last weekend in October.
Of course, our other personal favorite places for cider in Asheville include Noble Cider and Bold Rock.
Bold Rock is great if you are looking for both food and cider. Noble has a gorgeous airy taproom in a less congested part of Downtown Asheville.
For Asheville meaderies, Point Lookout, Botanist and Barrel, and Black Mountain Cider and Mead are your easiest and best options – in our opinion.
Lastly, if you are looking for more gluten-free drinking options in Asheville, be sure to check out our list of gluten-free and gluten-reduced breweries in AVL, including 7 Clans, Ginger’s Revenge, and Cellarist.
What are your favorite Asheville cideries and meaderies? Who makes the best cider in Asheville?
What flavors do you enjoy the most? Are you a fan of dry or sweet ciders?
Let us know in the comments and cheers!
Related Posts To Help You Better Plan Your Day:
Asheville’s Trendiest Wine Bars
Best Asheville Bars
AVL Pubs
Coffee Shops
Master Guide To Asheville Food & Drink
Top Things To Do In & Around AVL
Christine Frascarelli
Christine (pronouns: she/her) is the owner of Uncorked Asheville. After falling in love with those gorgeous Blue Ridge Mountains, Christine and her husband Tom decided to call Asheville, North Carolina home. When her pointy Italian nose isn’t stuck in a book, Christine is adopting all of the kitties, getting lost in the forest, and drinking an ESB. She has a BA in English and History from Smith College, her MLIS from USF-Tampa, and is a former U.S. Fulbright Scholar - Indonesia. Christine also owns The Uncorked Librarian LLC with books and movies to inspire travel.