Sip and Savor at Virtue Cider: A Taste of Michigan Tradition in Fennville
If your version of a perfect autumn afternoon involves good company, crisp hard cider, and golden orchard views, a visit to Virtue Cider in Fennville should be at the top of your list.
Recently featured on Drew Barrymore’s “Backyard Bucket List” of U.S. destinations worth the trip, this local favorite has earned national recognition for good reason. With a tasting room that overlooks golden orchards, a cozy farm setting that invites you to kick back and stay awhile, and a passion for craft that runs through every pour, Virtue Cider blends the charm of a working cider farm with the polish of a tasting experience you won’t forget.
The Story of Virtue Cider
This 48-acre farm is home to traditional cider-making at its finest, complete with solar-powered cider houses, barrel rooms, pigs, rabbits, bees, and chickens. But there’s much more happening here than meets the eye.
Founded in 2011 by Gregory Hall, former brewmaster at Goose Island and a pioneer of bourbon barrel-aged beer, Virtue Cider was born with the intent to make better cider for a better world. After a two-month pilgrimage through England and France to study the art of cider, Hall brought his vision to Michigan, a state rich in apple-growing tradition, and launched Virtue in the heart of Fennville’s wine country.
Sustainability is more than a mission at Virtue. It’s at the root of everything they do. From regenerative farming practices to thoughtful composting and grazing animals, Virtue is committed to respecting the land while crafting something exceptional.
The cider houses, inspired by Norman French architecture, were built with local Michigan white pine, fly ash concrete, and FSC-certified lumber, all handled by Michigan contractors. Today, the farm runs on solar energy, with 200 panels supplying over 60% of its electricity. It’s also recognized as an MAEAP-certified farm (Michigan Agriculture Environmental Assurance Program), underscoring its role as a responsible steward of the land.
The Virtue Cider Experience
Their cider-making process starts with locally harvested heirloom apples, some from their own orchards, others from nearby Michigan farms like Crane Orchards and Gold Coast Farms. The apples are fermented using natural methods and finished without added sugar, resulting in crisp, complex, naturally gluten-free ciders that taste as true to the orchard as it gets. From the dry, Champagne-like Brut to the tart cherry notes of Michigan Cherry, every sip reflects the land and the care that shaped it.
Step into the tasting room and you’ll find a thoughtfully curated flight menu, guided barrel tastings on Saturdays at 2 PM and 4 PM, and plenty of cozy spots to sip and linger. Want to make an afternoon of it? Pair your cider with a local cheese plate, savory tart, or smoked trout dip from the on-site snack menu.
Outside, the farm offers even more space to explore. Stroll through the orchard paths, say hello to the resident Gloucestershire Old Spot pigs, or find a picnic table under the trees. In fall, the landscape glows with color, and the scent of fermenting apples lingers in the air. Want a picture-perfect moment? Grab a glass and wander through the over 20 acres of preserved grasslands, part of a certified Monarch Waystation that supports local pollinators and captures the quiet romance of rural Michigan.
Why Fall is the Perfect Time to Visit
Autumn brings out the best in this cider farm. The orchards are heavy with fruit, the trees are painted in warm colors, and the open-air seating areas are just cool enough to warrant a warm cider in hand. It’s the kind of crisp, golden afternoon that makes a trip to Saugatuck in the fall so unforgettable.
Fall also means special releases and seasonal blends like cider spiced with cinnamon or infused with late-season apples. Live music on Fridays and Saturdays, plus Trivia Thursdays through September, keep the weekends lively while still feeling intimate.
Apple Fest at Virtue Cider
If you’re planning your trip for the peak of the season, don’t miss Apple Fest, Virtue Cider’s signature fall celebration. This annual event transforms the farm into a festive cider village, complete with orchard tours, limited-edition tastings, live music, food pairings, and even family-friendly activities for daytime visitors.
Held each year in late September or early October, Apple Fest offers something for everyone. Wander through the orchards, take part in cider-making demos, and enjoy live music under the changing leaves. Local food vendors dish up seasonal favorites, and the cider flows all weekend long.
Apple Fest also gives visitors the chance to try exclusive releases and small-batch blends not found anywhere else. For cider lovers, or anyone looking to fall in love with fall all over again, it’s a must.
Check Virtue Cider's events calendar for this year's dates!
Celebrate the Season with Cider and Comfort
After a day spent sipping cider and walking orchard trails, head back to a space that feels just as intentional. Just a short drive from Virtue Cider, our adults-only bed and breakfast offers the perfect blend of luxury and comfort, making it the perfect home base for your fall getaway.
Book your stay now and experience award-winning, sustainable cider, local charm, and the modern comforts of our Saugatuck Hotel.
