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Jefferson County Ciderworks is a place ripe for a daytrip from the Iowa City area and is definitely worth the drive. Jesse Narducci and Katie Greenfield have put their own twist on the brewery concept and created an idyllic escape from the trappings of city life on the outskirts of Fairfield. Offering handcrafted ciders in several interesting variations and flavor profiles (think dry-hopped, sour cherry and pineapple infused ciders), the charming taproom they have created also offers beer for those who have not yet embraced the cider craze.
Both Narducci and Greenfield are native Iowans but lived in California for many years before circling back to Iowa. While away, they both worked in the food and hospitality industry in different capacities and developed an interest in the culinary world. Narducci cut his teeth bartending in San Francisco when the craft cocktail movement was taking hold, and it was through that work that he started learning about blending flavors for beverages. With an interest in homebrewing, Narducci would visit the nearby apple orchards in California each fall and load up on fresh cider to ferment and experiment with at home. As his interest grew, he began planting cider apple trees on his family farm back home in Iowa. Over time, the orchard continued to grow and expand with new trees every year, and Greenfield and Narducci knew it was a sign to come back to their roots.
The Ciderworks taproom opened its doors in late 2015 and typically offers four or more of their ciders on tap at any given time. Ciders change seasonally and are likely to include some of their experimental brews—perhaps you’ll encounter one brewed with hops or a different kind of yeast. The space was initially thought of as the pair’s test kitchen where they could see how their cider was received and get a direct response to their experiments from the community. That same community has shown immense support and has grown it into something much larger than ever anticipated. These days, people travel from in and out of state to sample their ciders and attend their events.
The regular season at the taproom runs from early spring to end of January. We visited in early January on one of the coldest days, and the dimly lit, wood clad interior was a cozy and welcoming escape from the cold. Through the summer, the outdoor space at the taproom functions as an energetic family-friendly gathering space. With many special events and a seasonal food program, the warmer months provide extra incentive to make the trek.
If you can’t quite swing the drive to Fairfield, sit tight! Distribution at bars and restaurants in the Iowa City area has just begun and bottle distribution is coming soon.
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