Chris Denkers, owner of Coyote Hole, has always been passionate about cider. For years, Coyote Hole has offered sparkling cider—a non-alcoholic staple for family-friendly occasions at Lake Anna. But, as Denkers admits, “The sugar content is insanely high.” This, combined with a desire to create something for his teenage sons and their friends, led him to craft something healthier, innovative, and alcohol-free: LUNA.

“Having twin boys who compete in snowboarding across the country, we’ve always supported athletic leagues. But as an alcohol company, we ran into roadblocks,” Denkers explained. His kids have grown up working at Coyote Hole, even helping with the canning process, but he wanted to offer a drink they could enjoy and share proudly.

LUNA is a drink aligned with the health-conscious, alcohol-free trend that is rapidly gaining traction. More than just a non-alcoholic cider, LUNA is a wellness drink infused with adaptogens and nootropics, designed to invigorate both mind and body. “We wanted to create something that wasn’t just another cider. We’re using nature’s most potent ingredients to give people a healthier option,” says Denkers.

The first series of LUNA ciders, called the Unwind Series, features three key ingredients: Ashwagandha, L-Theanine, and Lemon Balm, all renowned for their health benefits. “Ashwagandha is great for reducing cortisol levels and improving mood,” Denkers notes. Combined with L-Theanine and Lemon Balm, these ingredients promote relaxation, mental clarity, and even immune health, making the cider not just refreshing but also beneficial for overall well-being.

The Unwind Series comes in three delicious flavors—Wild Berry, Green Apple, and Hopped—and is already a hit. “We’ve got them into Whole Foods across Virginia; it’s been a game changer for Coyote Hole.” But Denkers isn’t stopping with just the Unwind Series. Two more exciting lines of LUNA are set to launch, starting later this year.

The second series, slated for release later this year, will introduce CBD and THC-infused ciders. “Virginia’s cannabis laws have made it possible for us to create a new kind of drink—one with micro-dosed THC and CBD for a mellow, relaxing effect,” Denkers shares. With low doses of THC (2mg) and CBD (5-10mg), these ciders will offer a gentle, calming buzz without the hangover.

Hemp-derived THC was federally legalized under the 2018 Farm Bill, which distinguished hemp from marijuana and made products containing less than 0.3% delta-9 THC by dry weight legal across the United States. This paved the way for the production and sale of hemp-based products like CBD and certain THC-infused beverages, which have since gained popularity. By removing hemp from the Controlled Substances Act, the bill allowed companies like Coyote Hole to explore innovative, low-dose THC options in their craft beverages. These products provide consumers with a more controlled THC experience while adhering to legal limits, opening up a new market for health-conscious, mindful consumption.And in early 2025, a special mushroom s

eries will launch, featuring Lion’s Mane and other powerful mushrooms known for their brain-boosting properties. “Lion’s Mane is fantastic for cognitive function and focus, and we can’t wait to dive into this space,” Denkers says.

As non-alcoholic beverages rise in popularity—up 40% in 2024 alone—Denkers sees LUNA as part of a larger movement. “We’ve always tried to produce things that set us apart, and LUNA is no different. It’s not just apple juice; it’s a drink with purpose.”

For Denkers, the best part of this journey is seeing his sons, Wyatt and Riley, embrace LUNA. “They drink it all the time and hand it out to their friends. It’s amazing to see them excited about something they helped create.”

With LUNA, Coyote Hole is redefining the cider experience—one non-alcoholic, wellness-infused sip at a time.

Coyote Hole Craft Beverages is a well-established craft beverage manufacturer known for ciders, sangrias, beer, and now non-alcoholic elixirs. Located across from the Food Lion at 225 Oak Grove Drive in Mineral, Coyote Hole has always had a strong focus on family. Weekly events include Trivia, Karaoke and Comedy Night. One of their most popular events, the Mineral Haunted Woods, takes place in late October.

Jen Bailey

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