Pouring Perfection: Explore Stowe’s Craft Beverage Scene, One Sip at a Time

Stowe’s craft beverage scene draws travelers from near and far to sip and sample some of the best locally crafted brews around. When it comes to quality and quantity of craft beverages, Vermont’s local brewers, vintners, distillers and cider makers lead the industry, and Stowe is home to some of the best. We’ve compiled a tasting road map of some of our favorite craft beverage spots in Stowe. Always secure a designated driver or spread your tastings out over the course of your trip for safe and happy sampling.

When you exit off of I-89, Cold Hollow Cider Mill (3600 Waterbury-Stowe Road) should be the first stop in your craft beverage tour for some hard cider tasting. Located right off of Route 100, sample different seasonal hard ciders and pair it with a fresh cider donut or other homemade goodies. Non-alcoholic cider is also available and just as delicious.

Continuing North on Route 100, you will make your way into Stowe’s historic downtown. Get out and stretch your legs then pop in to Cork Natural Wine Shop (35 School Street) for a glass of wine within walking distance to the iconic Stowe Community Church. Ellison Estate Vineyard (57 Mountain Road), a family run winery with locations in Grand Isle and Stowe, recently opened a new tasting room in the heart of downtown Stowe, near the intersection of Route 100 and Route 108.

After you’ve explored Main Street, follow Mountain Road (Route 108) to Stowe Cider (17 Town Farm Lane) for a flight of hard cider. Try some of their staple headliners or experiment with one of their rotating seasonal flavors. Stowe Cider is a popular venue for live music so be sure to mark your calendar for any upcoming shows.

A little further up Mountain Road, Idletyme Tap & Tavern is a local favorite, featuring quality craft beer brewed on site. Located right off the Stowe Recreation Path, Idletyme is the perfect spot to grab a pint and a bite to eat or try their staple ‘Brewski Sampler’ to experience a variety of flavors.

Up next, The Alchemist Brewery (100 Cottage Club Road) is close by on Cottage Club Road, which pops up just after where Mountain Road splits with Luce Hill Road. Visit the Beer Cafe year round or enjoy the seasonal Beer Garden May through October. Brewery tours are available, but require a reservation.

Backtracking to Luce Hill Road, follow the signs all the way up the hill to the von Trapp Brewing Bierhall (1333 Luce Hill Road) to experience “a little of Austria, a lot of Vermont.” Whether you prefer your beer light or heavy, hoppy or sweet, smooth or bold, you’ll find something to satisfy your palate at von Trapp Brewing.

 

GUIDED TOURS

While some of these brew houses offer on-site tours, another way to customize your craft beverage tour of the area is through guided tours like Savor Vermont and 4 Points VT: Brewery Tours. Experience the best local brew spots from friendly, knowledgeable locals. No need to worry about driving, because they have got you covered.