Vermont is a state of unparalleled beauty, where you can witness sweeping landscapes, towering mountains, and tranquil lakes. It is also famous for its maple syrup, which is enjoyed by millions of people around the world. However, there’s much more to Vermont than just its natural beauty and syrup. One of the little-known secrets of Vermont is its vibrant Middlebury Tasting Trail.

The Middlebury Tasting Trail is a journey through some of the most scenic and stunning parts of Vermont. The trail covers over 50 miles and includes several distilleries that are well worth a visit. The trail is nestled in the heart of Vermont’s Champlain Valley. This area is known for its rolling hills, fertile farmland, and picturesque villages. Here are some of the top distilleries you can visit along the Middlebury Tasting Trail.

Lincoln Peak Vineyard

Lincoln Peak Vineyard is a family-owned and operated winery located in the northern state of Vermont. The vineyard produces Marquette and Farnsworth grapes which thrive in the area’s rocky soil and cool climate. The result is brilliant wines with unique flavors. The grapes are hand-picked, and the wine is made in small batches, with careful aging in oak barrels and further aging in the bottle. Lincoln Peak Vineyard has a wine library with Marquette wines going back to 2008, demonstrating the rewards of patience and careful aging.

In 2021, the Shelburne Vineyard family took over the management of the Lincoln Peak vines, continuing the legacy of the Granstrom family. The Shelburne team looks forward to continuing the tradition of warm and welcoming hospitality at Lincoln Peak/ They also bring their own sense of adventure to the vineyard and tasting room. Visitors can also enjoy local cheeses and crackers with their wine while sitting in their cozy tasting room or walking their dogs on-leash through the vineyard. Reservations are recommended for a better experience.

Woodchuck Hard Cider

Woodchuck® has been producing America’s original hard cider since 1991 and is part of the Middlebury Tasting Trail. Despite the increasing popularity of cider, Woodchuck® remains steadfast to its passion for creating innovative and high-quality ciders with every batch. This tradition dates back to the beginning, when the world was mostly drinking beer.

Woodchuck® now offers cocktails! Choose from Wassail, Pomegranate Spritz, Snowbird, and Girl’s Not Grey.

The Cidery, located just off scenic Route 7 in Middlebury, VT, offers self-guided tours, tastings, Woodchuck gear, and 20 ciders on tap. They believe there’s nothing better than sharing stories with family and friends over a pint at the Cidery.

Appalachian Gap Distillery

Appalachian Gap Distillery started because of a group of curious and discerning drinkers who sought to create spirits with bold and unexpected flavors. Located in Middlebury, Vermont, the distillery embodies the craggy mountains, verdant farmland, and lush forests surrounding the area. Additionally, every bottle is crafted with the spirit of home in mind.

The distillery’s core values include sustainability and minimizing environmental impact. Moreover, they are proud to have become the first distillery in America to achieve certification as climate-neutral. Appalachian Gap Distillery is also part of the Middlebury Tasting Trail, which showcases local producers of wine, spirits, cider, and beer in Middlebury, Vermont. Visitors can enjoy a unique tasting experience and explore the spirit of exploration in every glass.

Drop-In Brewing

At Drop-In Brewing, the team takes pride in their ability to produce expertly filtered, crisp and refreshing beers. While they experiment with various brewing techniques, their clear beers are considered best-in-class. Located in Middlebury, Vermont, Drop-In Brewing is a proud member of the Middlebury Tasting Trail, which includes local wine, spirits, cider and beer producers.

Golden Rule Mead

Golden Rule Mead was founded on the belief that creative expression is an innate human desire. Their passion for surprising and delighting others reflects in the mead they produce. As stewards of the environment, they strive to reduce their impact and share their knowledge with others. All of their meads and brewing processes feature 100% Vermont-origin raw honey and locally sourced ingredients such as fruits, herbs, and vegetables. Additionally, they incorporate tea grown on estates from around the world. The commitment to supporting their community and showcasing their ingredient producers is prominent still today. Golden Rule Mead is located in Middlebury, Vermont.

Windfall Orchard

Windfall Orchard is known for its high-end and award-winning cider products, which are blended from a variety of delicious heirloom apples grown on their small orchard. Their European style Hard cider captivates both critics and consumers alike. In particular, they are known for their award-winning Ice Cider, which is definitely worth sipping.

Things to do in Vermont

Vermont is a beautiful state with plenty of activities to offer visitors year-round. In the winter, skiing and snowboarding are the top attractions, with several ski resorts dotting the state, including Stowe, Killington, and Sugarbush. For those who prefer a slower pace, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing are popular, as are snowmobiling and ice fishing.

In the warmer months, hiking, biking, and kayaking are excellent ways to explore the state’s stunning landscapes, including its many lakes and mountains. Additionally, fall in Vermont is famous for its breathtaking foliage. Visitors enjoy scenic drives, apple picking, and attending the annual fall festivals. In the summer, visitors enjoy outdoor concerts, farmers’ markets, and exploring the many charming small towns that Vermont has to offer. Whatever the season, there is always something to do and see in Vermont.

FAQ

What types of alcohol can visitors expect to taste on the Middlebury Tasting Trail?

The Middlebury Tasting Trail offers visitors the opportunity to taste a variety of alcoholic beverages, including craft beer, hard cider, wine, and spirits.

Are children allowed on the Middlebury Tasting Trail?

While the Middlebury Tasting Trail is primarily focused on alcoholic beverages, some establishments may allow children to visit, depending on their individual policies. Visitors should check with each establishment before visiting to ensure that they can accommodate children.

Is there a cost to participate in the Middlebury Tasting Trail?

There is no cost to experience in the Middlebury Tasting Trail itself. However, visitors will need to pay for any tastings, tours, or other activities that they participate in at each individual establishment. Prices for tastings and tours can vary depending on the establishment. Subsequently, visitors should check with each location for more information.

The Middlebury Tasting Trail offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore Vermont’s thriving local beverage industry. From cideries to distilleries to breweries and wineries, the trail offers a diverse range of experiences for those looking to indulge in the flavors of the region. Additionally, are you a fan of craft spirits made in America? If so, check out Distillery Nearby! Our search engine is designed to help you quickly and easily find distilleries throughout the United States.

With the ability to filter by location, spirit type, and even tour options, finding the perfect distillery for your needs has never been easier. Plus, our comprehensive list of distilleries along popular trails includes an interactive rating system. Thus, you can be sure that you’re getting the most up-to-date information and recommendations from fellow spirit enthusiasts. So, what are you waiting for? Start planning your next distillery adventure with Distillery Nearby today!