Over the years, a trip to Vala’s Pumpkin Patch has become a cherished tradition for countless families. We are thrilled to welcome a third generation of parents who fondly remember visiting Vala’s as children. As thousands of eager guests visit each fall, it’s incredible to reflect on our journey from a small business with a simple vision of creating a family-friendly farm experience to the beloved destination we are today.
Description
Vala's Orchard Sunset Cider Tasting
Some evenings, the orchard is just for you.
As the sun sets over Vala's Apple Orchard, join us for an exclusive, adults-only evening built around great cider, fresh air, and the simple pleasure of being somewhere beautiful. Your night begins with a tractor ride out to the orchard, and from the moment your first pour lands in your glass, the evening is yours.
This year's lineup features four of Vala's most exceptional farm-crafted hard ciders, including our Raspberry Rosé — a fan favorite so beloved it sold out before it ever made it to the rest of the farm. These are small-batch ciders, some barrel-aged for over a year, made from apples grown right here at Vala's. Our Orchard Hosts are here to pour, share tasting notes, and answer every question, whether you're a seasoned cider enthusiast or just discovering what cider can actually be.
Move at your own pace. Linger by the fire pit. Play a round of cornhole. Stroll the rows as the sky turns gold. As you taste last year's apple harvest, you'll be picking this year's to take home. And now you can elevate your evening with our orchard food menu — thoughtfully crafted to go beautifully with what's in your glass, from wood-fired flatbreads to a savory charcuterie board. Pre-order when you buy your ticket, or purchase the evening of the event.
This is cider worth remembering.
YOUR EVENING INCLUDES:
Tractor ride to the orchard
Four 5 oz pours of Vala's exclusive, small-batch hard ciders, with tasting notes
One drink token for an additional 12 oz cider pour (or 5 oz barrel-aged pour), redeemable at any orchard bar or cider location on the farm
Vala's Souvenir Cider Glass
2 lbs of fresh-picked orchard apples (¼ peck bag) to take home
Fire pit, cornhole, yard games, and photo ops
First access to purchase bottles from the evening's cider lineup — including the chance to take home a bottle of Raspberry Rosé before it's gone again
Designated Driver option available: includes non-alcoholic cider and a sweet cider drink token
Food available for pre-order at checkout or purchase the evening of the event. Sold separately.
DATES: Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays — September 11 through October 4, 2026
TIME: Arrive anytime between 5:45–6:45 PM. Hayracks depart from the U-Pick Apple Shed every 20 minutes. The experience is self-paced and typically lasts 1½–2 hours. Once you've finished your tasting, hayracks depart periodically to bring you back to the main farm — with the last rack departing at 8:30 PM.
LOCATION: Vala's Apple Orchard, departing from the U-Pick Apple Shed (near the Cider Mill). Please wear comfortable shoes — the U-Pick Apple Shed is on the far side of the farm from the Admissions entrance.
TICKETS:
$55 — Sunset Cider Tasting Ticket
$32 — Designated Driver Ticket
A separate General Admission ticket or Vala's Season Pass is required to access the farm and is not included with your tasting ticket.
Tickets are available online only and are valid for the purchased event date only.
GOOD TO KNOW
You must be 21 or older to attend. Please bring a valid, government-issued photo ID — our team will check IDs at the U-Pick Apple Shed before you head out to the orchard.
Tickets are online only. After purchase, your ticket will be delivered to you digitally by email. You can print it at home or pull it up on your phone when you arrive.
Your ticket is valid for your selected date only. If you need to change dates, please call our office at 402-332-4200, and we'll do our best to help.
Dress for the outdoors. This is a beautiful open-air experience — we recommend checking the forecast and layering up as the evening cools down. And wear comfortable shoes! The U-Pick Apple Shed is on the far side of the farm from the Admissions entrance, so you'll want to be walking-ready.
Weather policy. This event is held outdoors and may be postponed in the case of heavy rain or severe weather. If that happens, we'll notify you by email the morning of the event and work with you to reschedule — our backup date will be the following Thursday evening. If neither date works for you, we'll issue a full refund — just call us at 402-332-4200.
Cancellation policy. Outside of weather postponements, tickets are non-refundable.
Bottles to take home. Loved what was in your glass? A selection of the evening's ciders are available for purchase in the orchard. Pick up four bottles, and we'll send you home with a Vala's Cider Tote to carry them across the farm.
Date & Time
Sep 11 - Oct 4, 2026
Venue Details
Vala's Pumpkin Patch & Apple Orchard
12102 South 180th StreetGretna, Nebraska 68028
