CHECK OUT OUR BLOG        CONTACT US   OPEN Fridays 12 Noon to 5 pm
OPEN Saturdays & Sundays 11 am to 5 pm

Author: Nick Lane

Posted on

Women in Wine: Cassandra Martin’s Non-Traditional Path

julie lane, dave lane, and cassandra martin women in wine

In wine, as in many things, women have been historically underrepresented. In the United States, women make up only around 20% of winemakers. But there are many female vintners who are changing the face of wine and making a big impact in their communities. One of these is Cassandra Martin, assistant winemaker and tasting room manager at Snow Farm Vineyard.

Here’s a look at how Cassandra followed a non-traditional path to become a winemaker in Vermont.

Women in Wine: Cassandra Martin

Assistant Winemaker and Tasting Room Manager, Snow Farm Vineyard

(more…)
Posted on

South Hero, Vermont: A Local’s Guide to This Quaint Town

south hero vermont view from fox hill at snow farm

South Hero, Vermont began as an agricultural town and it’s a tradition that is still honored today. 

At Snow Farm Vineyard at Crescent Bay in South Hero, the Lane family has cared for the land for three generations as dairy and beef farmers, maple syrup producers, and, finally, winemakers. The farmland surrounding what is now Snow Farm Vineyard got its start in agriculture over 200 years ago.

Here’s a bit of what we know and love about South Hero!

Where is South Hero?

South Hero, Vermont, is one of the five towns that make up the Lake Champlain Islands, located just north of Burlington. The towns are known just as “the Islands” and are about 30 miles in length from north to south. The widest point is about 8 miles across. The first town you’ll come to as you enter the Islands from I-89 is South Hero. As you head north, you’ll enter Grand Isle, North Hero, Isle La Motte, and lastly, Alburgh.  

South Hero is the second most populated town in the Islands, with 1,600 people recorded in the 2010 census. If you’re looking for a friendly small town, you’ve found it. The population of all five towns combined is only about 5,500.

south hero vermont people jumping at vineyard
Enjoying the view from Snow Farm Vinyeard in South Hero, Vermont.

What is There to Do in South Hero?

It wouldn’t be a visit to South Hero without a stop at one of the many farms. Whether you’re after fresh blueberries, apples, craft wines, or local meats, you’ll find something to enjoy in South Hero. Here’s a listing of some of the farms you can visit. Call ahead for hours.

Allenholm Farm – apple orchard, farm stand, farm animals
Hackett’s Orchard – apple orchard, farm stand, tours & wagon rides
Health Hero Farm – grass-fed beef
Pigasus Meats – pastured pork and eggs
Snow Farm Vineyard – grape vineyard & tasting room

For more things to do in South Hero:

Find the miniature fairy castles hidden throughout the town
Throughout South Hero are magical fairy castles built by South Hero local, Harry Barber, during the first half of the 20th century.

Go for a bike ride on the many trails including the Island Line Trail 
The Island Line Trail connects South Hero all the way to Burlington across the lake via an old railroad causeway (see photo below).

Hike Fox Hill for expansive views of Lake Champlain and the mountains
The short hike up Fox Hill above Snow Farm Vineyard offers breathtaking views of Lake Champlain. It’s one of the few hikes in the Champlain Islands.

Other trails to explore include Round Pond Natural Area, the Landon Community Trail, and the Roy Marsh Trail.

Visit and explore the beaches at Grand Isle State Park
With over 4,000 feet of beautiful natural shoreline, Grand Isle State Park has some shoreline areas that are nice beaches and others that are nice secluded more rugged areas to explore.

south hero vermont
The Island Line Trail brings bikers and walkers from Burlington through Colchester to South Hero, Vermont.

What Else Makes South Hero Unique? 

South Hero is a place where you’ll meet lots of people who believe in civic duty and giving back to their community. It’s what draws families to South Hero and makes them want to stay. It’s easy to get to and close to Burlington and other more populated towns. There’s a lot of older farming families, so people have been here for many generations. The South Hero landscape makes it difficult to build homes, so it’s never going to be a place with huge developments.

 

To stay up to date on Snow Farm Vineyard events and what’s happening in South Hero, visit our ‘What’s New’ page or join our newsletter below. We hope to see you soon!