Sage Bird Ciderworks is more than just Harrisonburg’s first cidery—it’s a testament to the town’s culture of creativity, community, and local pride. What started as an experiment in a small apartment on Gay Street has grown into a business that embodies Harrisonburg’s spirit of supporting locally owned ventures and uplifting the community.
Sage Bird’s story began in 2014 when its founders, Zach and Amberlee Carlson, newly married and living on a tight budget, decided to try their hand at making mead. With minimal resources, they bought honey, oranges, and cinnamon sticks from Sharp Shopper and fermented their first batch in a plastic milk jug. Their initial attempt was, by their own admission, a disaster. But instead of being discouraged, they were hooked. The experience sparked a deep fascination with fermentation, leading them to experiment with beer and cider.
The turning point came when they acquired an antique screw-style apple press from a family friend. This 700lb press, made of wood and cast iron, became the cornerstone of their cider-making journey. It was far from an easy process—weekends were spent grinding and pressing bushels of apples by hand, often followed by weekday recovery sessions nursing sore arms and tired backs. Yet this “labor of love” is what drove them forward, honing their skills, refining their craft, and perfecting the dry, tart ciders that have since become their hallmark.
By 2018, the Zach and Amberlee knew they wanted to share their cider with more than just their friends. They entered competitions, received feedback from industry professionals, and took cider-making courses. After countless hours of planning, they finally found the perfect space for their cidery in one of the old Big L Tire buildings on the northern end of downtown Harrisonburg. Over the course of nine months, they transformed the garage into what is now Sage Bird Ciderworks, doing much of the renovation themselves with the help of friends and local craftsmen.
Building Harrisonburg Up, One Glass at a Time
Sage Bird’s journey from DIY enthusiasts to cidery owners mirrors Harrisonburg’s own entrepreneurial spirit. Much like the city, which thrives on locally owned businesses, Sage Bird is rooted in a DIY ethos and a commitment to uplifting the community. Their story of turning a small experiment into a flourishing business is one many in Harrisonburg can relate to, where local businesses form the backbone of the city’s culture.
Harrisonburg is known as the “Friendly City,” where connections between business owners and the community run deep. Sage Bird exemplifies this by sourcing its fruit from local orchards, supporting nearby farmers, and creating a product that celebrates the Shenandoah Valley’s agricultural bounty. More than just a business, Sage Bird plays an active role in fostering community—hosting events, supporting local causes, and providing a welcoming space for friends and families to gather.
Their collaboration with Restless Moons Brewing Co. for the Friendly City Beer Fest is just one example of how they’re helping build Harrisonburg’s vibrant craft beverage scene, which in turn draws visitors to explore the city’s other locally owned restaurants, shops, and breweries. By sharing their cider and their story, Sage Bird is not only building their own business but helping to lift up the entire community.
Sage Bird Ciderworks is proof that with true love and hard work, you can not only create something meaningful but also contribute to a thriving local economy and culture. Their journey is a reminder of the power of local businesses to shape a community, and Harrisonburg is all the better for it.
Visit sagebirdciderworks.com to get a glimpse of their many creative events, delicious food options, and award-winning cider.