Vermont Craft Beverage Tasting Tour: The Best of Route 100
September 7, 2020 by GO STOWE
When it comes to quality and quantity of craft beverages, Vermont’s local brewers, vintners, distillers and cider makers lead the industry, and the Route 100 corridor is home to some of the best. Route 100 was named one of the “15 Incredible Spots to See Fall Foliage Across New England” by Town & Country Magazine, a scenic drive to the local craft beverage gems won’t disappoint. Plan your next fall getaway and check out all the amazing craft beverage options along the way:
Stowe
Fall for Stowe with a craft beverage tour! Take in the vibrant fall views while sipping on a local brew, cider or glass of wine. Get into the fall spirit with a crisp cider at Stowe Cider. Try one of their unique new flavors, a hard seltzer or tea! Just up Mountain Road beer lovers will enjoy craft beers at Idletyme Brewing Co. and Austrian-style beer at the von Trapp Bierhall with a breathtaking view of Mt. Mansfield, the tallest mountain in all of Vermont! Wine connoisseurs can take a scenic drive through Smugglers’ Notch to Boyden Valley Winery. With many options for craft beer, cider and local wine, there’s no question Stowe is a superb destination for craft beverages. Be sure to stock up at your favorite brewery, cidery or winery or stop by a local shop.
Waterbury
North, South, Yeast, and West—Waterbury is at the center of it all! Start in downtown at the Prohibition Pig Brewery and choose from their wide variety of brews and styles. Then, head to The Reservoir and try their house-brewed Big Tree label, also available in cans around the corner at Craft Beer Cellar. Head north on Route 100 and stop by the Smugglers’ Notch Distillery Barrel House Tasting Room for cocktails made with their spirits. For cider enthusiasts, Cold Hollow Cider Mill is a must-visit, with hard and soft cider as well as other Vermont goodies. Learn more about all the great places to enjoy Waterbury’s craft beverages on-tap or to take home.
Mad River Valley
Continuing down the breathtaking Vermont Route 100, you’ll discover a cluster of quality beverage producers in the Mad River Valley, which has been a hotbed of the craft brewing trend. But beer isn’t the only beverage made there. It all started nearly 40 years ago when a small business called Green Mountain Coffee Roasters began. You may have heard of it. Ever since, the Mad River Valley has inspired others to follow in their footsteps creating a vibrant, local beverage industry. Good food always tastes better with good beverages! Stop in a world-class brewery or local pub for the freshest brews. Stop by a specialty market for local provisions on your way out to the day’s adventures.
Enjoy all your Vermont beverages safely and responsibly, and take some home with you! With fall quickly approaching, be sure to check out our area foliage resources for up-to-date information on the changing of the leaves or view our visitor resources to make trip planning easy. Don’t forget to share your Stowe adventure with us by tagging your favorite Stowe moment (#stowement) on social media!