Chapel Creek Farms – Farm to Table Feature

Welcome to the first Farm to Table Feature! Every week, I’ll be featuring a different farm or small business that makes some kind of local food. It is so important to eat and shop local, and there are often amazing producers right under our noses that we never even realize!

Today, I’m shining a spotlight on Chapel Creek Farms in Montvale, VA. It is run by Johnny and Melody Divers, and they are known for their Grass-Fed Beef, raw apple cider, heirloom apples, peaches, grapes, cherries, and hospitality. In addition to producing all of these amazing things, their Cider Barn also serves as a venue space, storefront, and event space.

A Little Bit of Background:

Johnny grew up in Montvale and The Cider Barn is actually situated on the track of land that his grandfather used as his garden plot. He comes from a farm family. His grandfather started a beef cattle operation on the property, and the land has been used for agriculture since his post WWII land purchase. Johnny studied at Ferrum College  in Franklin County, Virginia, where he majored in: Agriculture, and minored in: Business and Biology – all of which has proven to be very helpful in his recent orchard and beef cattle endeavors. 

Melody grew up in a small farm town in Milton, DE, and is an Eastern Shore Girl.  She’s proud of her hard working grandparents, who farmed during a time when modern conveniences were just a hope.  Like Johnny, she also  graduated from Ferrum College, studying Elementary Education, Fine Arts and English. Prior to working the farm full time, she taught for 15 years. Now she enjoys teaching their sons, Creek and Chapel, at home.

Creek and Chapel, inspired the name of the farm:  Chapel Creek Farms. As a family, they run an apple orchard, a large cattle operation, and press fresh cider in the Cider Barn. The Cider Barn hosts an array of agritourism events, as well as welcoming community functions. They also conduct field trips for all ages.

The family takes pride in working together, and instilling a simple lifestyle that’s based on hard work, contentment, and faith.

Our hope is that our guests will enjoy lingering at the Cider Barn while they enjoy our Bedford County fruit and cider.  Please enjoy the simplicity found at our Montvale establishment… don’t rush. Linger at our Cider Barn.

What They Offer:

Recently, they’ve changed the direction of their beef sales and now sell beef shares (quarter, half and whole) to the general public. They utilize a contract and deposit system that has proven to be absolutely positive and beneficial. The beef share program is sold out until April 2021. For more information, you can email them at: OurCiderBarn@gmail.com. They’ll happily walk you through this process.

They also have beef available by the cut/pound. Customers can pick up Grass-Fed Beef during storefront hours at the Cider Barn, 4915 Pike Road in Montvale. There are not limits on what customers purchase, but be aware they accept cash/check only.

In season you can find the following Bedford County produce:  cherries, peaches, apples and grapes. All grown by them, right in Bedford County! 

They are quite proud of their raw cider! It’s like putting a straw in an apple! The taste is unique, fresh, and flavorful! It is always bottled in glass too. The integrity of the cider isn’t compromised when bottled in glass.

During apple season you will find the following varieties, plus others:  Winesap, Stayman, Red Delicious, Golden Delicious, Albemarle  Pippin, York, Rome, Arkansas Black, and Pear Main Cannon. The farm works hard to offer heirloom varieties – those varieties that are from the 1700- 1800’s.

Additionally, the Cider Barn is available for small weddings, and other gatherings. 

Stay Connected:

If you want the most up to date information about Chapel Creek Farms, you can find them in all of these places:
Facebook
Instagram

Chapel Creek Farms
4915 Pike Road
Montvale, VA 24122

Do you have a farm or small food-related business you think should be featured? You can fill out this form to be considered!