The Vermont Wine Industry

Humble Beginnings

And this folks, is where it all starts. Take a look at Fresh Tracks Farm's first acres of vineyard circa 2003.

Vermont Vineyards - who knew?

Vermont generally conjures images of cows, barns, and foliage. We're proud to add vineyards to that list. Vineyard site in Berlin, VT at Fresh Tracks Farm. Photo credit: Jennifer Langille

Spring Grapevine Bud

In a few more months this little bunch will have turned into a luscious cluster of wine grapes. Beautiful, isn't it? Photo Credit: Jennifer Langille

Veraison

This is a bunch of Frontenac grapes going through veraison - the onset of ripening - at Fresh Tracks Farm. Photo Credit: Jennifer Langille

La Crescent

La Crescent - a popular white variety among Vermont Vineyards seen here glistening in the Midday Middlebury sun at Lincoln Peak Vineyard.

Vermont Vineyards Mean Vermont Foliage

This is the view from the upper vineyard at Fresh Tracks Farm during harvest time. It sure is beautiful here.

Harvest Time

Meet Sara Granstrom of Lincoln Peak Vineyard - pictured here - lugging in literally the fruits of their labor.

Harvest at Fresh Tracks Farm

Meet Christina Castegren - the owner and winemaker of Fresh Tracks Farm - hauling in a lug of Marquette grapes.

Black Currants for Lincoln Peak's Cassis

Wine doesn't have to be made just from grapes. Try cassis! It's made from Black Currants!

Collecting Barrel Samples

All in a day's work.... Many Vermont Wineries oak-age their wines. It's a long process but almost worth the wait. Sara Granstrom at Lincoln Peak Vineyards

Ice Wine Grapes at Lincoln Peak Vineyard

Have you tried Ice Wine yet? Ice Wines are carefully crafted from grapes that have been left on the vine well into the winter - until they've reached 16F in fact. From these frozen grapes we make delicious dessert wines that can only be made in Northern Climates such as ours. You've got to have a hardy crew in addition to hardy grapes in these parts.

Wine Tastings

Not sure about Vermont Wines? Then try before you buy! Many wineries have tasting rooms that are open for wine tastings. And no need to be intimidated - ask all of your burning questions! [Brett Martin, Fresh Tracks Farm]

Rosé - not as sweet as you might think

Vermont has a wonderful array of rosé's. If you have pre-conceived notions about what rosé's taste like, we implore you to try some from Vermont. You might find something delightfully different! Pictured here is Heartwood - a marquette rosé by Lincoln Peak.

Wine Tasting with Scenery

Vermont has beautiful scenery that you can drink in along with our local libations. Be sure to check out our tasting rooms as they add to the enjoyment of drinking our wine! Pictured here is Lincoln Peak's has a porch overlooking the vineyard and small pond.

Post Slope Treat

A glass of Vermont Red Wine next to the fireplace after a long day on the slopes. Pictured here: Tracy Roux at Fresh Tracks Farm with a glass of Freerider Red

Vermont is home to a small but growing wine industry. Up and coming grape varieties such as Marquette, Frontenac, and La Crescent thrive in Vermont, and make delicious and award-winning wines. Our region is also rich with beekeepers and apple & fruit growers, and our meads, ciders, and fruit wines reflect the wonderful flavors of our state.

Vermont is one of the few regions in the country producing two specialty dessert wines: ice wine, made from grapes that are left on the vine till they freeze; and ice cider, made by allowing vats of apple cider to freeze. Cold winters can be sweet!

The Vermont Grape & Wine Council promotes grape & fruit growing and winemaking in Vermont in order to diversify our agricultural base, increase wine-related tourism, and create employment at all levels.