Vermont is brewery heaven and was the first state to kick start the micro brew trend in the New England region. The Green Mountain State actually leads the nation with more breweries per capita than any other state. Since the 80’s, Vermont’s beer scene has flourished and it has become a haven for some of the world’s best beer. Whether you like a classic IPA, lager or stout, Vermont’s breweries have a little something for everyone to enjoy. With gorgeous scenery, delicious bites to compliment your cold beverage and businesses that value Vermont’s small communities and sustainable practices, the following breweries are sure to please on your next Vermont brewery tour.
Today I will share the best of Vermont’s brewery scene with all the craft breweries your heart desires.
15 Breweries to Visit in Vermont
Long Trail Brewery
Long Trail Brewery located in Bridgewater, VT halfway between Woodstock and Killington along route 4, is a local favorite and our personal favorite Vermont brewery. Long Trail Brewing Company paved the way for craft beer in Vermont brewing with its first batch back in 1989. Since then, the Long Trail Ale has become one of New England’s favorite beers and the pub & restaurant has become a popular destination for skiers, bikers and hikers. What is better after a day in the outdoors than a freshly brewed beer and some fantastic pub fare? Long Trail’s wings, fried pickles and hummus platter are some local favorites! Open Wednesday-Sunday 12pm-6pm, check out their website to make reservations in advance.
Harpoon Brewery
Another one of Vermont’s firsts to introduce craft brewing to the state, Harpoon Brewery, in Windsor, Vermont has been brewing beer since 1986. Harpoon has a beautiful outdoor beer garden for the warmer months and huts for a unique and personal experience during the cooler months. Check out the taproom for swag and delicious pub fare. Open Sunday-Wednesday 11am-6pm and Thursday-Saturday 11am-8pm.
Outer Limits Brewing
The vision for Outer Limits Brewing came into fruition when owners, Wesley and Taylor saw the historic two-story brick building in Proctorsville, Vermont and envisioned it as a brewery. At Outer Limits they brew on the Peter Austin Brick Kettle System. Head into the brewery for a refreshing beer and pair it with their delicious wood fired pizza and wings or pretzels. Open Wednesday-Saturday 3pm-8pm, Sunday 12pm-6pm. $5 pint night on Wednesday and live music Saturday from 4-7pm. Check their website for more special events and deals!
Foley Brothers Brewing
Foley Brothers Brewing in Brandon, VT is a family run business. What began as a winery run by husband and wife in 2006 soon turned into an additional brewery, an operation run by their two sons. This passionate family runs their business by the motto, “do it the hard way” never taking shortcuts, utilizing conscientious brewing techniques and paying acute attention to every last detail. Check out their website to see what’s on tap in their tasting room. Tastings are available Tuesday-Saturday 11am-5pm (Retail only Monday 11am-4:30pm). Dogs are welcome on leash to explore the fields around the property. Visit Foley’s Taco and Bean in downtown Brandon for delicious Mexican fare to compliment their equally delicious beer and wine.
Zero Gravity Brewing
Zero Gravity Brewing in Burlington, VT is a company that strives to keep Vermont Green, aiming not only to make Vermont beer, but protect and support the land and people that make up this beautiful state. Zero Gravity has a cool, hip vibe and is a great place to hang and enjoy some great beer and food with friends or family. The Beer Hall is open Sunday-Thursday 8am-9pm and Friday-Saturday 8am-10pm. The coffee and waffle menu is available 8am-2pm and full food menu is available 12pm-close. They have indoor and outdoor seating seasonally and they do not take reservations. Leashed dogs are welcome on the outdoor patio!
The Alchemist Brewery
The Alchemist Brewery in Stowe, VT is the home of the infamous, Heady Topper, voted best New England beer. The Alchemist is a family owned, solar powered brewery that believes in using their beer business for social and environmental good. Visit the Alchemist Pub and Brewery in Waterbury, VT. Open 7 days a week, 11am-6pm for curbside pick up and the Beer Garden is open Thursday-Sunday 11am-6pm.
Hill Farmstead Brewery
Set amongst beautiful rolling hills and farms in Vermont’s Northeast Kingdom, Hill Farmstead Brewery in North Greensboro, VT is a family business spanning back 8 generations to North Greensboro’s first tavern in 1809. Hill Farmstead’s logo is a testament to their deep history in the area. From dairy to crop farm, Hill Farmstead has now been rooted as a brewery with continued agricultural use owned and operated by Shaun Hill. The company remains a small, local business despite its success and maintains a vision and emphasizes the importance of high quality, refinement and exploration in their brewing. Hill Farmstead was named the best brewery in the world in 2018. Hill Farmstead’s tasting room is open Wednesday-Friday and Saturday’s seasonally. Check their website for more information and to contact in order to make reservations.
Lost Nation Brewing
Lost Nation Brewing in Morrisville, VT works under the mission, “produce honest beer”. Inspired by European style Ales and Lagers and Vermont, Lost Nation has a passion for creating authentic, unique beer. As they say, “we who wander are not lost”. Their Taproom and Biergarten are open Wednesday-Sunday 12-8pm. Check their website to make reservations.
Lawson’s Finest Liquids
Lawson’s Finest Liquids in Waitsfield, VT is all about offering the finest of things including effort, ingredients, temperature and brewing with passion and precision. Originally a home-based brewery Lawson’s has grown but continues to honor their sustainable business practices serving both people and the environment. One of our favorite Vermont brewers, Lawson’s has received much buzz and people travel from all over for their most popular beer, Sip of Sunshine. Their taproom is open Sunday-Thursday 11am-7pm and Friday-Saturday 11am-8pm with great on draft options as well as wine, cider and non-alcoholic beverages. They also have a lovely light fare menu featuring pretzels, hummus and cheese platters.
Fiddlehead Brewing Company
Fiddlehead Brewing Company in Shelbourne, VT is home of the best selling craft beer in VT, Fiddlehead IPA. Fiddlehead is a brewer owned business and prides themselves in “crafting approachable, multidimensional beers” while also giving back to the community. Open 12-9pm 7 days a week, Fiddlehead has indoor seating for you to enjoy your brews or fill up growlers to go. They do not have a food menu but you may bring your own or they recommend Folino’s Pizza next door. Leave your dog’s at home for this one!
von Trapp Brewery and Bierhall
von Trapp Brewery and Bierhall in Stowe, Vermont is a great Vermont day trip. The brewery features, crisp, flavorful Austrian style lagers. Their Bierhall, open 11:30am-8pm daily, features their lagers and Austrian fare serving “a little of Austria, a lot of Vermont.” Enjoy the von Trapp property with a mountain bike ride in the summer or cross country skiing in the winter and grab a beer and bite to eat at the Bierhall after.
Upper Pass Beer Company
Upper Pass Beer Company, based in Tunbridge, Vermont has been brewing since 2015 and has quickly made a name for itself. Their brewery is not open to the public but their tasting room in South Royalton, VT is. Cloud Drop and First Drop are some local favorites!
Four Quarters Brewing
Four Quarters Brewing in Winooski, VT was founded in 2014 specializing in sours, stouts and hoppy beers. Their Taproom has an excellent draft and food menu to enjoy and they are dog friendly! Open Wednesday/Thursday 12-9pm, Friday/Saturday 12-10pm, Sunday 11am-8pm and Monday 12-5pm (to go only)
River Roost Brewery
If you are just in it for the beer River Roost Brewery is the place to be. Located in White River Junction, River Roost brews a delicious selection of unique, aromatic, hop forward and full flavored beers. The brewers favorites include: Mas Verde, Mo’rilla and Glimpse.
Switchback Brewing Company
Switchback Brewing Company in Burlington, VT just off of Lake Champlain was founded in 2002 and is a company that values consistency, flavor and quality. The Tap Room at Switchback showcases limited release small batches and experimental brews and hosts events like Stretch and Sip Yoga, Cheese and Beer Pairings and educational classes. The Tap Room is open Monday-Thursday 1-8pm, Friday/Saturday 12-9pm and Sunday 12-7pm.
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