Small Group Brewery & Spirits Tour in Vermont

Vermont’s Small Group Brewery & Spirits Tour: A Delicious Dive into the Green Mountain State’s Artisanal Scene

From the moment you hear about a small-group tour exploring Vermont’s vibrant craft beverage scene, it sounds like the perfect way to spend a day. This 6-hour experience offers a chance to visit some of Vermont’s most renowned breweries, distilleries, and foodie hotspots—all while enjoying the company of a small, intimate group limited to six people. With transportation, expert guides, and multiple tastings, it promises an authentic taste of Vermont’s artisanal spirit and beer culture.

What truly makes this tour stand out is the combination of personalized attention, the variety of stops, and the chance to learn directly from the makers. Our favorite part? The knowledgeable guides who engage with genuine enthusiasm and local insights, making every stop educational and fun. The only possible downside? The cost of $359 per person may seem steep, but when you factor in the exclusive visits, transportation, and the unforgettable local experiences, it offers good value for a day immersed in Vermont’s craft culture.

This tour is ideal for beer and spirits lovers, foodies wanting to explore Vermont’s farm-to-glass ethos, or anyone looking for a unique, well-rounded day of tasting and exploration in a relaxed setting. Now, let’s break down what makes this journey so special.

Key Points

• Small-group intimacy: Limited to just six people for a more personal experience.
• Inclusive transport: Round-trip pickup and drop-off from your accommodation simplifies logistics.
• Diverse stops: Visits to two distilleries, three breweries, and a foodie store.
• Local focus: Emphasis on Vermont’s artisanal, farm-sourced ingredients.
• Expert guides: Knowledgeable, engaging guides who add context and local stories.
• Flexible tasting options: Tastings are available for purchase, giving you control over your experience.

An In-Depth Look at Vermont’s Craft Beverage Tour

This tour kicks off bright and early at around 10:00 am, with pickup directly from your Killington or Woodstock accommodation. Travel is in an air-conditioned vehicle, which makes the roughly 6-hour journey comfortable and relaxed. Since the group is capped at just six participants, you’ll enjoy plenty of opportunities for conversation, questions, and personalized attention from your guide, who in this case has been praised as knowledgeable and engaging—an important factor when exploring such a specialized scene.

First Stop: Vermont Spirits Distilling Co

Our first visit is to Vermont’s oldest craft distillery, Vermont Spirits. This stop is not just a chance to sample award-winning spirits, but also an opportunity to learn about Vermont’s pioneering craft spirits scene. The distillery prides itself on locally sourcing ingredients, many of which come from Vermont farms. Their flagship Vermont Gold Vodka is made from 100% Vermont maple sap—a true industry first—and is renowned for its smoothness and purity.

The distillery also produces spirits like No 14 Bourbon, finished with Vermont maple, and a variety of organic botanicals used in their gins. As one reviewer notes, “Our guide was quite knowledgeable and helpfully engaged,” making the tasting both educational and enjoyable. The visit lasts about 30 minutes, and while samples aren’t included in the ticket price, you can purchase tastings afterward.

Second Stop: Quechee General Store

A quintessential Vermont experience awaits at the Quechee General Store. Here, you’ll find perhaps the best selection of Vermont cheeses, including the famous Cabot cheeses, alongside an impressive array of maple syrups and other farm-produced goods. Since it’s independently owned and proud of its local roots, it’s an authentic stop that offers a taste of Vermont’s culinary craftsmanship.

Reviewers highlight how much they appreciated the “huge selection of Vermont-made products” and the chance to stock up on souvenirs or gifts. This 30-minute stop is perfect for stretching your legs, snapping photos, and soaking in the rustic charm of Vermont’s countryside.

Third Stop: Harpoon Brewery

Next, a visit to the well-known Harpoon Brewery offers a lively vibe and a chance to grab lunch (not included in the tour price but available to purchase). Founded in 1986, Harpoon is an employee-owned brewery famous for its India Pale Ale and a host of other year-round brews like UFO Hefeweizen and UFO Raspberry Hefeweizen. Their seasonal beers, including Octoberfest and Camp Wannamango, add to the local appeal.

Since the brewery is large enough to handle food sales, you can enjoy a casual meal or snack on-site, making it a flexible stop depending on your appetite. The atmosphere is friendly, and the staff are welcoming—perfect for relaxing and sampling some of Vermont’s best-known beers. The tasting here is a highlight for many, with reviews mentioning their “at-home atmosphere” and the quality of the beers.

Fourth Stop: SILO Distillery

Moving from beer to spirits, the Silo Distillery offers a small-batch experience in a truly unique setting. Everything is done in their barn, which itself is charming, complete with a real silo tower—adding a rustic, authentic Vermont touch. Their spirits, including a Vermont-crafted bourbon and other small-batch offerings, are made from Vermont-grown grains sourced from local farms.

Beyond the craft, Silo emphasizes sustainability—recycling water and sending spent grains to local farmers for feed. Visitors often comment on the “amazing barn” ambiance and the engaging tasting sessions, where you learn about the process from grain to glass. This stop lasts about 30 minutes, and tastings are available for purchase.

Fifth Stop: Foley Brothers Brewing (or River Roost in case of closure)

Foley Brothers, part of Neshobe River Brewing, is a microbrewery known for its attention to detail and craft in small batches. Their IPA and innovative recipes appeal to those who really appreciate Vermont’s craft beer scene. The relaxed, “at-home” environment makes it feel like visiting friends rather than a commercial stop.

However, if Foley Brothers is closed on the day of your tour (they are closed Tuesdays), the itinerary switches to River Roost Brewery in White River Junction. This flexibility ensures your experience remains smooth and uninterrupted. Again, sampling options are available for purchase, and the focus is on experimenting with new recipes and flavors.

Final Stop: Long Trail Brewing Company

The tour wraps up at Long Trail Brewing, a Vermont staple inspired by the famous hiking trail. Since 1989, they’ve been creating beers rooted in the local landscape—think Long Trail Ale and Trail Hopper IPA. Located near a river, the setting is scenic, and the friendly staff contribute to the welcoming vibe.

Many reviewers mention how this last stop embodies Vermont’s outdoor and craft beer ethos, with a cozy bar environment perfect for unwinding after a day of tasting. The visit lasts about 45 minutes, letting you savor your last sips before heading back.

Practicalities and What You Can Expect

This tour offers a comprehensive and relaxed pace, allowing you to explore a variety of Vermont’s best food and drink producers without feeling rushed. The small group size means you’ll get plenty of individual attention, ask questions, and enjoy a more personalized experience—not to mention, easier to hear your guide and engage in conversations.

The transportation is air-conditioned, and pickups are arranged from your accommodation, simplifying logistics and saving you from navigating unfamiliar roads. The tour’s duration of about six hours strikes a balance—long enough to cover a lot but not so exhausting as to be overwhelming.

Pricing at $359 per person reflects the curated nature of the experience, the expert guides, and the exclusive visits. While you will need to purchase your tastings and lunch separately, the value lies in the knowledgeable storytelling, behind-the-scenes visits, and memorable Vermont scenery.

Authentic Experiences and Review Highlights

Based on the glowing reviews, travelers especially appreciated the knowledgeable guides—who made complex distillation and brewing processes accessible and engaging. One reviewer mentioned how the guide shared stories about Vermont’s communities, adding depth to the tasting experience.

The stops at Vermont Spirits and Silo Distillery stood out for their authenticity—both in terms of the small-batch, locally sourced spirits and the rustic, welcoming ambiance. The variety of tastings and the chance to purchase unique Vermont-made products meant many left with souvenirs that truly reflect the state’s artisanal spirit.

Some travelers noted the delicious local food options available at Harpoon Brewery and the general store, which complemented their drinks and made the day feel well-rounded.

The Sum Up: Who Will Love This Tour?

This tour is ideal if you’re craving an intimate, educational, and flavorful day exploring Vermont’s craft beverage scene. It’s perfect for beer and spirits enthusiasts, food lovers, and travelers who enjoy learning about local products directly from the makers. The small group setting ensures personalized attention, making it especially appealing for those who prefer a more relaxed, conversational vibe over large, commercial tours.

If you’re someone who appreciates authenticity, quality ingredients, and scenic drives, this experience offers a taste of all three. It’s also great for those wanting a convenient, guided day that combines sightseeing, tasting, and local culture—all without the hassle of planning multiple visits or transportation.

While the price might seem high at first glance, the curated nature of the stops, the expert guides, and the unique Vermont stories make this a worthwhile splurge for a memorable day in the Green Mountain State.

FAQ

Is transportation included?
Yes, round-trip transportation from your accommodation is provided, making the day stress-free and more comfortable.

What is the group size?
The tour is limited to six people, ensuring a personalized and intimate experience.

Are tastings included?
Tastings are available for purchase at each stop; the ticket price covers the tour experience and guide, not the tastings.

Can I buy food during the tour?
Yes, lunch is available for purchase at Harpoon Brewery. You’re also free to buy snacks or souvenirs at stops like Quechee General Store.

What is the tour duration?
It lasts approximately six hours, starting around 10:00 am and returning to your accommodation afterward.

Is this tour suitable for all ages?
Most travelers can participate, but note that the focus is on alcohol tastings, so it’s best suited for adults.

What if it rains?
The tour requires good weather; if canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

How much does it cost?
The price is $359 per person, offering access to exclusive venues, transportation, and expert guidance.

What’s the best time of year for this tour?
While available most of the year, Vermont’s scenery shines in the fall and summer, making these seasons especially picturesque.

Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, confirmation is received within 48 hours, and spots are limited, so booking ahead is recommended.

In essence, this Vermont Small Group Brewery & Spirits Tour is a perfect way to indulge in the state’s artisanal food and drink scene while enjoying the company of like-minded travelers. With thoughtful stops, expert guides, and a focus on local ingredients, it offers a meaningful and delicious glimpse into Vermont’s craft culture.