Craft Breweries, Distilleries, and Wineries That Put Vermont on the Map
In the heart of Burlington, Vermont’s largest city on the western shore of Lake Champlain, lies Switchback Brewing Company, a vibrant hub in the city’s flourishing craft beer scene. Just a few blocks from the bustling Church Street Marketplace, visitors can stop by Switchback’s taproom to taste their flagship Switchback Ale, a smooth amber ale that helped define Vermont’s modern craft brewing ethos. The brewery’s open-air taproom offers a chance to mingle with locals and sample innovative seasonal brews, setting it apart with its urban vibe and commitment to creative brewing. Summer evenings here are magical, with views of the lake nearby and a lively crowd that reflects Burlington’s youthful and progressive spirit.
Heading northeast from Burlington towards Barre, you’ll find the Vermont Spirits Distillery nestled in the heart of Barre city, about 25 miles southeast. This historic granite town, known for its quarries, provides a rugged and authentic backdrop to the distillery’s artisanal approach. Vermont Spirits is renowned for its meticulous distillation of rye whiskey and their signature maple-infused spirits, drawing on the state’s rich maple syrup heritage. Their tasting room offers guided tours explaining the distillation process and the local grain sources, making it a must-visit for those curious about the craft behind the bottle. Visiting in autumn is ideal, as the crisp, cool air complements a sip of their warming whiskey perfectly.
Further south, in Middlebury, roughly 35 miles south of Burlington, is Otter Creek Brewing, a pioneer of Vermont’s craft beer community. Situated near the town’s charming historic district, Otter Creek stands out with its focus on classic styles and a strong commitment to sustainability. Visitors can explore their rustic taproom and enjoy the view of the nearby Otter Creek river. Sampling their flagship IPA or seasonal brews while seated on the outdoor patio, surrounded by Middlebury’s quaint architecture, gives a feel of Vermont’s blend of tradition and innovation. Springtime visits reveal lush greenery along the creek, enhancing the experience with nature’s vibrant rebirth.
Moving eastward to the Champlain Valley region, about 15 minutes north of Middlebury, is Snow Farm Vineyard in South Hero, set on the serene shores of Lake Champlain’s Grand Isle County. Snow Farm is one of Vermont’s premier wineries, specializing in cold-climate grape varieties like Marquette and La Crescent. Guests can wander the vineyard trails, watch the winemaking process, and sample crisp, fruit-forward wines in the tasting room that overlooks the lake, offering sweeping water views that make the experience feel quintessentially Vermont. Late summer is the best time to visit when grapes are ripening and the vineyard bursts with color and aroma.
On Vermont’s eastern edge, in the small town of Brattleboro, about 90 miles southeast of Burlington near the Massachusetts border, you’ll find Vermont Creamery, an artisanal dairy producer known for its award-winning cheeses and creams that pair beautifully with local ciders and beers. Though primarily a cheese producer, their retail café features a carefully curated selection of Vermont’s craft beverages. Visitors often pair a tasting of their fresh chèvre or crème fraîche with a walk along the scenic Connecticut Riverwalk, just a short stroll from the creamery. Autumn visits showcase the brilliant foliage colors that frame Brattleboro’s vibrant arts scene, adding sensory depth to a culinary outing.
In the northern reaches of the state near Stowe, about 40 minutes northeast of Burlington, The Alchemist brewery has become synonymous with Vermont’s craft beer notoriety. Located in the tiny village of Stowe Hollow, this brewery’s fame largely rests on Heady Topper, one of the state’s most famous double IPAs. The brewery’s taproom offers a raw, industrial setting where beer lovers can enjoy fresh-off-the-line pints, highlighting the brewery’s focus on quality over quantity. Hiking nearby trails like the Mount Mansfield Toll Road or the Stowe Recreation Path before settling in for a glass makes for a dynamic day combining Vermont’s outdoors with its beverage culture. Summer and early fall are prime seasons to experience both the vibrant foliage and the lively brewery atmosphere.
In downtown Montpelier, Vermont’s capital city nestled about 25 miles east of Barre, Lost Nation Brewing offers a tasting room that exemplifies the local craft scene’s friendly and community-focused vibe. The brewery’s array of ales, including their flagship Lost Nation IPA, complements the city’s historic charm, captured in the nearby Vermont State House with its golden dome. Visitors often combine a brewery tour with a stroll through Montpelier’s walkable downtown, exploring independent shops and cafes. The spring months bring a freshness to the city’s small streets, perfect for pairing outdoor exploration with a cold craft brew.
Finally, in the rural hills near Middlebury, the Lincoln Peak Vineyard and Winery showcases Vermont’s burgeoning wine culture in Addison County. Situated roughly 40 miles south of Burlington, this family-run vineyard embraces the challenge of the northern climate, producing elegant wines from hybrid grapes. Guests can tour the vineyard and winery, often enjoying tastings on the terrace overlooking rolling green hills that stretch across the valley. Wintertime visits feel cozy, with the warmth of the tasting room and seasonal events highlighting Vermont’s seasonal rhythms and the winery’s dedication to quality and terroir.
Vermont’s craft beverage scene unfolds across a patchwork of towns and landscapes, each offering a distinct slice of the state’s character. From lakeside vineyards and mountain-front breweries to historic distilleries and artisanal cheese pairings, these places invite visitors to savor the fruits of Vermont’s soil and spirit in settings that range from lively urban neighborhoods to tranquil rural retreats. Whether sampling a rare small-batch whiskey, a crisp cold-climate wine, or a hop-forward IPA, travelers discover that Vermont’s true flavor comes from the community and landscape intertwined in every sip.