8 Best Vermont Cider & Craft Beer Tours

Vermont in the fall is more than just fiery foliage and cozy mountain towns — it’s also a paradise for anyone who loves a good drink.

From crisp apple ciders to world-famous craft beers, the Green Mountain State knows how to serve up autumn in a glass.

If you’re planning a leaf-peeping trip this September, October, or November, you’ll want to add these best-of-the-best cider houses and breweries to your travel list.

Why Vermont is a Hotspot for Cider & Craft Beer Lovers

Vermont’s craft scene is built on tradition and creativity. With countless apple orchards, it’s no surprise the state is a hub for cider making.

At the same time, Vermont is home to some of the most famous breweries in the world, often topping international rankings.

The focus here isn’t mass production — it’s farm-to-glass quality, community vibes, and bold flavors.

Insider Tip: Fall is when most cideries and breweries release their limited-edition seasonal drinks. Think pumpkin ales, maple stouts, and spiced ciders — all worth tracking down.

Citizen Cider – Burlington’s Urban Gem

Right in the heart of Burlington, Citizen Cider is a buzzing taproom that turns apples into magic.

From traditional dry ciders to funky blends with hops and ginger, there’s always something new on tap.

• Tour Duration & Format: Flights and tastings typically last 45 minutes to 1 hour.
• Cost: Tasting flights start at around $12–$15.
• Reservations: Walk-ins are welcome, but weekends get busy.
• Seasonal Specials: Try their fall-only spiced cider blends.
• Family-Friendly: Yes, kids are welcome, and there’s outdoor seating that’s pet-friendly.
• Accessibility: Fully wheelchair accessible.
• Parking: Paid lots and street parking available nearby.
• Nearby Attraction: A short walk to Burlington’s Church Street Marketplace for food and shopping.
• Food: Their kitchen serves locally inspired dishes to pair with ciders.

Pro Tip: Try their signature “Unified Press” cider alongside a Vermont cheese board — the pairing is perfection.

Shacksbury Cider – Rustic Charm in Vergennes

Nestled in the quiet town of Vergennes, Shacksbury Cider is known for reviving heritage apple varieties.

Their tasting room feels rustic and authentic, surrounded by the farmland that inspires their blends. If you’re looking for a more laid-back, countryside experience, this is your spot.

• Tour Duration & Format: Tastings usually last about 30–45 minutes.
• Cost: $10–$14 per tasting flight.
• Reservations: Recommended on weekends, walk-ins fine on weekdays.
• Seasonal Specials: Limited wild-fermented and foraged-apple ciders in fall.
• Family-Friendly: Yes, outdoor space makes it suitable for kids and dogs.
• Accessibility: Mostly accessible, with ramp access to tasting area.
• Parking: Free on-site parking.
• Nearby Attraction: Visit Vergennes Falls Park for foliage views by the water.
• Food: Light snacks, but no full meals — bring your own picnic.

Insider Tip: Ask about their wild-fermented ciders made with foraged apples — they’re unlike anything you’ll find in a supermarket.

Stowe Cider – Creative Flavors in the Mountains

After a hike in Stowe’s famous trails, nothing hits the spot like a glass from Stowe Cider.

Known for experimenting with flavors, they offer everything from pineapple-hopped ciders to cozy cinnamon-spiced blends in the fall.

The modern taproom is as inviting as the mountain backdrop.

• Tour Duration & Format: Standard tastings take 45 minutes.
• Cost: Flights average $14–$18.
• Reservations: Not required, but groups should book ahead.
• Seasonal Specials: Cinnamon spice cider and pumpkin spice blends in October.
• Family-Friendly: Yes, often has live music events where kids and pets are welcome.
• Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible with spacious indoor seating.
• Parking: Large lot available on-site.
• Nearby Attraction: Combine with a hike to Moss Glen Falls or a visit to Stowe Village.
• Food: Rotating food trucks on weekends.

Pro Tip: Plan your visit on weekends — they often host live music nights that turn a tasting into a mini-festival.

The Alchemist – Home of the Legendary Heady Topper

Beer lovers, this is your pilgrimage. The Alchemist in Stowe is world-renowned for its Heady Topper IPA, often considered one of the best beers on Earth.

The small but modern brewery is packed with visitors chasing that first sip of the iconic double IPA.

• Tour Duration & Format: Tastings are quick, around 20–30 minutes.
• Cost: Flights average $12.
• Reservations: Walk-ins only; no reservations taken.
• Seasonal Specials: Limited fall double IPAs released in October.
• Family-Friendly: Adults only in the tasting area.
• Accessibility: Fully accessible brewery and taproom.
• Parking: Free on-site lot.
• Nearby Attraction: Stop at Cold Hollow Cider Mill nearby for cider donuts.
• Food: No meals, just snacks and take-home cans.

Lawson’s Finest Liquids – Sunshine in a Glass

Located in Waitsfield, Lawson’s Finest Liquids is beloved for its Sunshine series of beers. The large timber-framed taproom is a great stop after exploring the Mad River Valley.

• Tour Duration & Format: 1-hour tasting sessions.
• Cost: Flights run $12–$16.
• Reservations: Recommended on weekends.
• Seasonal Specials: Maple Nipple Amber Ale is a must in fall.
• Family-Friendly: Yes, outdoor spaces are kid and dog friendly.
• Accessibility: Fully accessible.
• Parking: Free, large lot.
• Nearby Attraction: Mad River Glen scenic drives are close by.
• Food: On-site kitchen serving local Vermont fare.

Pro Tip: Try their Maple Nipple Amber Ale in the fall — a sweet nod to Vermont’s syrup heritage.

Hill Farmstead Brewery – The World’s Best Brewery

Consistently ranked the best brewery in the world, Hill Farmstead in Greensboro is legendary.

Tucked away on a dirt road in Vermont’s Northeast Kingdom, it’s worth the journey.

Their farmhouse ales and saisons are crafted with precision and passion, making each pour an experience.

• Tour Duration & Format: Expect to spend 1–2 hours here.
• Cost: $16–$20 per flight.
• Reservations: Required for special tours, tastings are walk-in.
• Seasonal Specials: Limited farmhouse ales only brewed in fall.
• Family-Friendly: Outdoor areas are suitable for kids and dogs.
• Accessibility: Partial access due to rural layout.
• Parking: Free gravel lot.
• Nearby Attraction: Caspian Lake is a short drive away for scenic foliage.
• Food: Bring-your-own snacks or enjoy local food trucks.

Foam Brewers – Artsy Vibes on Burlington’s Waterfront

Set along the shores of Lake Champlain, Foam Brewers blends beer with creativity.

The space is filled with artwork, live performances, and an ever-changing tap list of experimental brews.

It’s a hip, youthful spot perfect for ending a day of exploring Burlington.

• Tour Duration & Format: Tastings take 45–60 minutes.
• Cost: Flights cost $14–$18.
• Reservations: Walk-ins welcome, no reservations.
• Seasonal Specials: Fall hazy IPAs and maple stouts.
• Family-Friendly: Kids welcome during the day; evenings more adult-focused.
• Accessibility: Fully accessible taproom.
• Parking: Limited street parking nearby.
• Nearby Attraction: Right next to Burlington Waterfront Park.
• Food: Snack plates and food trucks often available.

Pro Tip: Grab a seat on the patio at sunset with a hazy IPA — the lake views are unforgettable.

Von Trapp Brewery & Bierhall – Austrian Tradition in Stowe

Yes, those Von Trapps. Inspired by Austrian heritage, the Von Trapp Brewery offers crisp lagers in a grand Bierhall overlooking the mountains.

• Tour Duration & Format: 1-hour brewery tours available.
• Cost: $10 for tours; $14–$18 flights.
• Reservations: Needed for tours, not for Bierhall seating.
• Seasonal Specials: Oktoberfest lagers and fall Märzens.
• Family-Friendly: Yes, one of the most family-friendly options.
• Accessibility: Fully accessible Bierhall.
• Parking: Free, large on-site lot.
• Nearby Attraction: Visit Trapp Family Lodge trails for fall hikes.
• Food: Full-service Austrian-style menu.

Insider Tip: Pair their Bohemian Pilsner with a Bavarian pretzel for a true alpine-style snack.

Best Time to Visit for Drinks & Tours

• September: Apple harvest season brings the freshest ciders and early fall beer releases.
• October: Peak foliage plus seasonal flavors like pumpkin ales, cinnamon ciders, and maple stouts.
• November: A quieter, cozier month with warming drinks and less crowded taprooms.

Final Thoughts

Vermont’s fall isn’t just about the views — it’s about the flavors. From the crisp bite of heritage apple ciders to the smooth finish of world-famous beers, every stop tells a story of tradition, craft, and community.

Whether you’re sipping lakeside in Burlington or deep in the mountains of Stowe, you’ll discover why Vermont is America’s ultimate fall sipping destination.