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Vermont Wine: How a Small State Makes World-Class Wines

Vermont wine bottle in winter with vineyard in background

The Vermont wine scene is young in the wine world. Places like Italy have a history of winemaking that dates back over 4,000 years. The first vineyards in California were planted over 200 years ago. So, how did a small state like Vermont, with about 25 years of winemaking under it’s belt, come to make world-class wines in such a short time?

How Vermont Wines Got on the Map

Vermont wines are for people who appreciate local agriculture and want to feel deeply connected to their winemaker. Our success at Snow Farm Vineyard lies in our deep appreciation for our land, climate, and growing season. Our Vermont wines stand out because they’re made using locally grown cold-hardy grapes, like Marquette and Frontenac Gris, that flourish and thrive on the shores of Lake Champlain, where we’re located.

vermont wine vineyard in the winter view of brown vines

Snow Farm Vineyard planted it’s first grapevines in 1997 at our third-generation family farm in South Hero. We became the first vineyard to produce and sell Vermont wines commercially, with Boyden Valley Winery and Shelburne Vineyard soon to follow.

In 2004 Charlotte Village Winery began making Vermont wines. Lincoln Peak entered the Vermont wine scene in 2006, and North Branch Winery came along in 2007. Other vineyards have popped up along the way.

At Snow Farm, we started out making about 15,000 bottles of wine a year. The focus in the beginning was on experimenting with different types of French hybrid grapes to bring out a style that was unique to Snow Farm. Today, we’ve grown to offer 18 varieties of Vermont wine in classic and contemporary styles, and sell over 35,000 bottles a year.

Dedication to quality has put Snow Farm Vineyard wines regularly on the top shelf with multiple awards at international wine competitions. Our vines are in their element after 20-plus years of growth, and their quality and flavors are better and better every year.

Vermont wine bottle in winter with vineyard in background

Vermont Wine Q&A

Whether it’s wine, beer, maple syrup, cheddar cheese or snowboarding…Vermont products are popular because they come with a story and a set of values. Vermont wines are unique because they’re made in a place that prides itself on preserving local agriculture, communities, and the environment.

If anyone knows more about the evolution of the Vermont wine scene it’s the team at Farrell Distributing. Nearly 90 years ago, Farrell became the first licensed beverage distributor in Vermont after prohibition. They’ve grown to become the leading distributor of high-quality beer, wine and non-alcoholic beverages to retailers throughout the state.

Jeff Baker is the Education & Training Manager at Farrell. He studied wine in Boston and published a book on the beer industry

Ryan Chaffin is the Director of Marketing and Business Development. 

Taylor Cameron, is the Fine Wine Brand Manager and a WSET Certified Wine Professional.

Q: How many Vermont wine brands did you start distributing and how many do you have now?

A: [Ryan] Snow Farm Vineyard and Charlotte Village Winery were two of our our first partners and still are today. The number of wines we sell has fluctuated slightly with the number of vineyards in business, but the core of the wine portfolio has been the same since we started. You’ll see a lot more varieties of wines at the winery locations than in the stores because of space limitations. 

Q: How has Vermont wine evolved over the years? 

A: [Jeff] For a long time Vermont wines were targeted toward tourists, and it was a style grouping of sweeter wines, including ice wines. Vermont wineries have grown, or progressed, into making dryer more technically serious wines in addition to ice wines.

A: [Taylor] We’re definitely seeing different styles and more varieties. There’s a move toward bringing in sparkling wines and an old method of producing sparkling wine called Pét-Nat. To do that you need a place that can grow a high acid grape with lower level of alcohol and Vermont is perfect for that. This also allows Vermont wines to be placed into other sections in the store – so there is more growth opportunity there. 

Q: Where do you see opportunities for Vermont wine to grow?

A: [Taylor] Restaurants can be a driving force to get those wines in people’s glasses. Farmhouse Restaurant carries the Snow Farm Vineyard Crescent Red and Naked Mermaid because it fits with their commitment to local food production. Snow Farm also recently jumped into the draft wine world at restaurants (through kegs) which cuts out the cost of glass, cork and labels. 

A: [Jeff] Another area for growth is building up social media & digital presence. They’ve heavily relied on tourists going to them. Now they have to go to the tourists, and take their message online.

Q: What are challenges Vermont winemakers face? 

A: [Ryan] Price point is a challenging optical for Vermont wines. Vermont wines are typically a couple price points higher than something you would see from California and even France because of higher costs of production. VT Fresh Network is managing a Vermont wine project to help people understand Vermont wine and the true value it provides to our state.

A: [Taylor]: Vermont winemakers are growing the French and American hybrid varieties of grapes that grow well in colder climates, like the Vidal and Frontenac Gris. That can be a challenge because although these grapes are locally grown, they’re less well known than say your Pinot Noir or Cabernet, which don’t grow well in Vermont.

Q: What is the most important thing people should know about Vermont wine? 

A: [Ryan] I want them to give it a chance, and I want them to know that one bottle makes a difference. One customer has the power to make a big impact on a small winemaker.

A [Taylor] Support local winemakers as they innovate to figure out the quality, complexity and interest, and develop their story. There is a lot Vermont wine can offer in the future – if we don’t support it and let it grow, we won’t see that possibility. We have to give it the chance to grow.

A: [Jeff] I always try to tell people Vermont wine isn’t just sweet wine anymore…there is a lot of dry table wine that is great for food pairing. Give it a second chance. If you bought Vermont wine at a gas station 20 years ago…it’s time to try it again because it’s changed so much. Keep your money local – these wineries are owned by families and worked by Vermonters. 

Vineyard Wedding: Alex & Ali’s Hilltop Ceremony

Vineyard weddings are all about deep connections. The natural environment creates intimate spaces for connections with the people you love the most. Craft wines transformed from carefully tended grapes spread out before you, are a symbol of love for the land.

It’s a truly magical feeling being surrounded by acres of grapevines while enjoying an estate wine made from the vineyard. It feels like you’re drinking in the love the winemakers have for their craft and their vineyard.  

Vineyards are also perfect for weddings because of their country charm with a bit of elegance mixed in. This makes it possible for a vineyard wedding to be anything you want it to be! Whether you want your guests to sit on hay bales or on white covered chairs, have a five tier cake or serve cherry pies, anything goes and can fit in easily with the surroundings.

At Snow Farm Vineyard, we’ve hosted dozens of weddings over the years, and every one has been special to us. 

vineyard wedding with lake and mountains in background

Alex and Ali's Snow Farm Vineyard Wedding Story

Alex and Ali’s August 2018 wedding at Snow Farm Vineyard was an absolute dream. They both grew up in Vermont, met in high school, and have always had a deep love for the scenic beauty of Vermont’s wide open spaces. They knew they wanted to get married in a spot where they could appreciate the full beauty of Vermont.  

They chose Snow Farm Vineyard for their wedding because it brought together a little bit of everything they love about Vermont – the mountains, the lake, and endless green fields.

At Snow Farm, there are a few different spots you can choose to have your ceremony…atop Fox Hill, next to the grapevines, or on the shores of Lake Champlain. Alex and Ali chose to get married at Fox Hill because…that view! It was a clear day that made for stunning sweeping views of the vineyard with the lake and mountains beyond. 

vineyard wedding bride and groom kissing

Beyond the incredible views and connection to nature, Alex and Ali primarily wanted a party that they happened to get married at. They knew Snow Farm Vineyard would be able to rise to the occasion! And it absolutely was the party they imagined. 

They had 85 people and used the reception tent located twenty feet from the vineyard and grapevines. Their guests mingled in the tent, danced their hearts out, and explored the natural scenery among the vineyard vines. 

Alex and Ali had the Snow Farm Vineyard beer and wine service included within their wedding package…it was fast, easy and no one was ever waiting in line for a drink! The Snow Farm Vineyard professional bar services are totally customizable and can also include spirits too. 

The Detail with the Biggest Impact

The one detail that made a big impact on their wedding day was that there was a place for everyone to stay nearby. The Bridal party stayed at Crescent Bay Farm Bed and Breakfast at Snow Farm Vineyard, which is only a quarter of a mile down the road from the vineyard.

Their families and friends were all able to find local rental houses nearby. Not only was it convenient, but they could enjoy everything the Lake Champlain Islands has to offer, like the beaches and bike path.

Another favorite for Alex and Ali about getting married at Snow Farm Vineyard? You can return to the place where you had your special day time and time again to reflect on your wedding day and make new memories. Alex and Ali visit often to grab a glass of wine and take the short walk to Fox Hill where they said I do.

We asked Alex what he would say to someone considering getting married at Snow Farm Vineyard. 

“Do it! Everything about the location and staff is excellent and I couldn’t speak higher about our experience with Snow Farm. Julie and the team are excellent, very flexible and easy to work with.”

Learn more here about Snow Farm Vineyard wedding packages. We can’t wait to bring your vision to life and share with you the love we have for making high-quality craft wines on the shores of Lake Champlain.