A Guide to Vermont-Made Craft Beverages in the Stowe Area
December 21, 2017 by STOWE AREA ASSOCIATION
When it comes to quality and quantity of craft beverages, Vermont leads the industry with more breweries per capita than any other state. Vermont produces 19.8 gallons of beer per 21+ adult, per year.* If you enjoy other craft beverages, the Stowe area offers a variety of options—from hard cider and organic distillers, to Vermont ice wines and apple brandy.
With several of Vermont’s best local breweries, wineries, cideries and distilleries within a few miles of the historic Village, Stowe is the perfect place to explore Vermont’s craft beverage scene.
Boyden Valley Winery & Spirits
Winery: 65 VT Route 104, Cambridge
Tasting Annex: 3600 Waterbury – Stowe Road, Waterbury Center
One of the first licensed wineries in Vermont and the first craft distillery to specialize in cream liqueurs in the U.S., Boyden Valley Winery & Spirits offers a variety of award-winning wine, cider and spirits. They have been producing craft beverages through sustainable agriculture and supporting local farms for over 100 years.
Tours & Tastings: You can visit Boyden Valley Winery & Spirits in Cambridge, Vermont, open daily, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Visit their tasting annex in Waterbury, Vermont, open 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. and choose seven of their products to try in a keepsake glass for $10.
Cold Hollow Cider Mill
3600 Waterbury – Stowe Road, Waterbury Center
Since 1974, Cold Hollow Cider Mill has been producing some of New England’s finest cider the “old-fashioned way”; with a traditional rack and cloth press from the 1920’s. Offering cider, baked goods, cider donuts, a variety of Vermont products and a honey bee corner.
Tours & Tastings: Watch the cider presses in action at Cold Hollow Cider Mill, open daily 8 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Green Mountain Distillers
2919 Laporte Road, Morrisville
Since 2002, Green Mountain Distillers has been producing organic, non-GMO, hand-crafted spirits made with 100% Certified Organic Grain using a certified organic small-batch fermentation process. Offering a variety of vodka, gin and maple liqueur crafted in the heart of Vermont’s Green Mountains.
Tours & Tastings: The tasting room is open Thursday – Friday, 12 – 7 p.m. and Saturday – Sunday, 12 – 5 p.m. Email for tour information.
Idletyme Brewing Co.
1859 Mountain Road, Stowe
Located on Mountain Road in Stowe, Idletyme Brewing Co. offers a variety of artisanal brews produced in copper kettles, visible from their brew pub. From lagers and Belgian influenced ales, to double IPA’s and seasonal experiments, Idletyme Brewing Co. offers an experience sure to impress any craft beer enthusiast. More than just a brewery, Idletyme Brewing Co. offers both an indoor and outdoor bar, with a full service dining room, featuring delicious specials sure to pair well with what’s on tap.
Tours & Tastings: Open for lunch and dinner daily, 11:30 a.m. – close. Brewery tours by chance or reservation.
Stowe Cider
17 Town Farm Lane, Stowe
Stowe Cider has become a favorite among locals and visitors. Their unique ciders are made with 100% locally sourced apples and range from dry and preservative free to ciders containing local fruits and hops. Stowe Cider owners, Stefan and Mark are constantly developing new and unique recipes.
Tours & Tastings: Open Friday – Saturday, 12 – 6 p.m. and Sunday, 12 – 5 p.m. Stowe Cider offers eight rotating hard ciders on tap for tasting $4 for six. Full pours are also offered Thursday – Sunday, however no food is served at this location.
von Trapp Brewing
1333 Luce Hill Road
von Trapp Brewing began as the dream of Johannes von Trapp who wanted to brew an American version of the Austrian lagers offered near his ancestral home. Today, the brewery is entering its eighth year and offers some of the area’s best beers. Located near the historic Trapp Family Lodge, von Trapp Brewing & Bierhall combine tradition and innovation. The Trapp Family history coupled with Johannes von Trapp’s genuine appreciation for Austrian style-beer inspired the mission of von Trapp Brewing: to create a traditional European lager – clean, light, crisp beer that boasts robust flavor.
Tours & Tastings: The von Trapp Brewery & Bierhall is open daily 11:30 a.m. – 9 p.m.