With so many award-winning wines made in Vermont, it’s no surprise that local restaurants are getting in on the action.
“When Vermont restaurants serve local wine they’re giving their customers quality and a sense of place; a sense of their destination,” Julie Lane of Snow Farm Vineyard said of the partnership the vineyard has with local restaurants.
“It’s all about local, and if you’re eating in Burlington, our wine is made 20 minutes away in the Champlain Islands,” Lane said. “People value that experience and having a sustainable, local wine option.”
Check out these spots for some of the best local wine and drink menus in the Burlington area. And don’t forget to ask about Snow Farm Vineyard!
Leunig’s Bistro
Wine to try: Snow Farm Vineyard Seyval Blanc
Pair with: Pineapple & spiced rum glazed scallops or Thai curry mussels
As one of the longest-running restaurants on Church Street, Leunig’s is an iconic place in Burlington. The award-winning French bistro and café offers some of the best people-watching and delectable food and drink; all with a vintage-glam feel.
David Plante, the in-house sommelier at Leunig’s, says that people are often surprised to learn that wine is made in Vermont and he enjoys helping them get to know the local options.
“Even though we’re a French restaurant, we offer Vermont wine because it’s indigenous. It’s here, and the vineyards do it well. We have dozens of vineyards, and it’s sustainable, and it’s local,” Plante said.
The Windjammer & Upper Deck Pub
Wine to try: Snow Farm Vineyard Snow White
Pair with: Harvest salad with salmon and maple vinaigrette
If you’re looking for a unique and relaxing dining experience, The Windjammer and Upper Deck Pub in South Burlington is definitely worth checking out. This restaurant offers an ever-changing menu of fresh, local cuisine that will tantalize your taste buds, including their popular salad bar.
The Windjammer regularly receives awards of excellence from Wine Spectator for its expansive wine options.
“It’s nice to highlight local wine options. People are always interested in trying something new, and the Vermont brand is so strong and synonymous with quality and craftsmanship,” Niko Beardsworth, assistant general manager of the Windjammer said. “Vermont products sell themselves, especially white wines. It’s really great to support local winemakers that support us.”
Whether you’re a wine lover or not, the Windjammer is sure to please.
Zero Gravity Beer Hall
Beverage to try: Zero Gravity Snowbird Sour Ale with Grape Must
Pair with: Bratwurst, Crispy Cheese Curds, or Dirty Fries
The Zero Gravity Beer Hall on Pine Street in Burlington is open, airy, and has a warm and friendly neighborhood feel. The food is primarily sourced from local farms with sustainable options like local fermented vegetables and vegan takes on traditional dishes. Zero Gravity prides itself first and foremost on being a brewery with award-winning craft beers.
While the beverage we recommend is not technically a wine, it is made with Snow Farm Vineyard grapes! Every harvest season the staff from Zero Gravity comes to South Hero to Snow Farm Vineyard to harvest Baco Noir grapes for their sour Snowbird craft beer – aptly named for the connection to Snow Farm!
It’s a fruitful partnership that we hope you get the chance to enjoy!
Visit the Snow Farm Vineyard tasting room in South Hero to try a wine flight and get a true taste of Vermont wines. We look forward to hosting you!
