Small Group Wine & Cider Tour in Vermont

If you’re looking for a way to explore Vermont’s burgeoning wine and cider scene without the hassle of planning, this Small Group Wine & Cider Tour in Vermont offers a charming, personalized experience. With a maximum of six travelers, the tour feels more like a day out with friends than a typical touristy whirlwind, making it ideal for intimate groups celebrating special occasions or simply seeking a relaxed day with good drinks and great views. This tour runs in the warmer months, spring and summer, and is carefully curated to showcase some of the best local producers Vermont has to offer.

What we love most about this experience is the small-group atmosphere—your guide, a seasoned local with over a decade of experience, keeps the day lively and informative. Plus, with door-to-door pickup in Burlington, South Burlington, or Killington, the logistics are smooth and stress-free. One thing to keep in mind is that tasting fees and food options are extra, which is common in this type of tour but worth considering when budgeting. This tour suits wine lovers, cider enthusiasts, and anyone curious to try Vermont’s unique hybrid grape wines or enjoy a scenic day of tasting amid beautiful countryside.

Key Points

• Intimate Group Size: Only up to six guests, ensuring personalized attention and a friendly vibe.
• Flexible Itinerary: Visits to three wineries, a cider house, and a farm store — all with a focus on Vermont’s local products.
• Scenic & Authentic: Opportunities to enjoy Vermont’s landscape, from vineyard views to farm fields and mountain panoramas.
• Food & Drink: Optional local cheeses, charcuterie, and maple syrup add richness to the tasting experience.
• Convenience & Comfort: Hotel pickup, air-conditioned vehicle, and a professional guide make for a hassle-free day.
• Cost & Extras: Tour price includes transportation and guide, but tasting fees (~$40) and food are additional.

Exploring the Vermont Winery & Cider Scene

This tour combines a range of experiences that highlight Vermont’s unique approach to wine and cider production. Because most of Vermont’s wines are crafted from hybrid grapes suited to the state’s climate, you won’t find traditional European varietals here. Instead, the focus is on innovative, climate-adapted wines and locally made ciders. Let’s walk through each stop to understand what makes them special.

Shelburne Vineyard: Vermont’s Pioneers

Your day begins at Shelburne Vineyard, a pioneer in the local wine scene that has been advocating for Vermont wines for over 20 years. The tasting room’s barn-style charm, paired with patio views over the vineyard, sets a rustic yet sophisticated tone. Expect to sample a range of Vermont-grown wines and ciders—from dry to semi-sweet and sweet—crafted from both hybrid grapes and local fruits.

Reviewers highlight the quality of their offerings, noting that the wines “are more than just a novelty; they’re genuinely well-made.” The tasting usually lasts around 45 minutes, and admission is free, though tasting fees are extra if you decide to purchase. You can enhance your visit with local cheeses and charcuterie, making it a nice introduction to Vermont’s terroir.

Charlotte Village Winery: Family-Run Charm

Next, the tour moves to Charlotte Village Winery, established in 2001 by fourth-generation Vermonters. The winery’s roots in blueberries and fruit wines lend a distinctly local flavor to their offerings. You’ll likely enjoy tasting their blueberry wines while gazing over the fields from their welcoming deck—an idyllic backdrop for a relaxed tasting.

Guests often describe the atmosphere as “warm and family-oriented,” which makes the experience feel personal rather than commercial. The focus on fruits and grapes from local farms means you’re tasting Vermont’s agricultural pride in every sip.

Dakin Farm: A Vermont Must-Stop

A tour of Vermont wouldn’t be complete without a visit to a farm store or sugarhouse, and Dakin Farm fits the bill perfectly. This stop provides a taste of Vermont’s most iconic product—maple syrup—with a chance to explore all grades of pure syrup and watch a short educational video about how it’s produced. The farm store also offers smoked meats, artisan cheeses, and local gifts.

Reviewers love the opportunity to see the syrup-making process firsthand and appreciate the chance to sample or purchase maple products directly from the source. It’s a nice break from wine and cider tasting, adding a rich layer of local flavor to the day.

Lincoln Peak Vineyard: Hybrid Grapes & Mountain Views

The penultimate stop is Lincoln Peak Vineyard, which specializes in hybrid grape varieties cultivated in Vermont’s challenging climate. Their vines are carefully maintained, and the owners are dedicated to both heritage and quality. Expect to enjoy tasting their wines on the porch overlooking a pond, with the Adirondack Mountains in the distance—truly a picturesque setting.

Most reviews note that the wines are “delicious,” with a special emphasis on the care and craftsmanship that goes into each bottle. A cheese and charcuterie plate accompanies the tastings, rounding out the experience with some local produce.

Woodchuck Cider House: Vermont’s Cider Icon

The final stop is Woodchuck, the biggest name in Vermont cider, with a reputation for quality and innovation. Since 2011, Woodchuck’s ciders have topped sales across the country. With 20 varieties on tap, the barn-style tasting room provides a fun, relaxed environment to sample ciders from traditional to experimental.

Guests often comment on the friendly atmosphere and the chance to try a wide variety of flavors—perfect for cider aficionados or newcomers alike. The tour concludes here, giving you the chance to purchase bottles before heading back.

How the Tour Works

The entire experience lasts around 6 hours, roughly from 10:30 a.m. start to mid-afternoon finish. The transportation is in an air-conditioned vehicle, with door-to-door pickup available—eliminating the need to navigate Vermont’s rural roads on your own. The small-group size ensures personalized service, with a knowledgeable guide leading the way and sharing insights about each location.

Pricing at $359 per person offers good value for the convenience, especially considering the guided experience, transportation, and access to premium local producers. Keep in mind, tasting fees (around $40) and food are extra, but most guests find these additional costs worthwhile for the quality of the products and the depth of the experience.

Authenticity and Practicality

Based on reviews, the guides are praised for their friendliness and local expertise. They help make the day relaxed and educational, sharing interesting tidbits about Vermont’s wine and cider industry. Guests have appreciated the scenic views at almost every stop, whether it’s the vineyard overlooking the mountains or the farm fields at Charlotte.

Most participants find the pace perfect, with enough time at each stop for tasting, exploring, and enjoying the surroundings without feeling rushed. The small group size fosters conversation and camaraderie, which many say enhances the overall experience.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This tour is ideal for wine and cider enthusiasts who want to discover Vermont’s unique beverages in a relaxed setting. It’s also perfect for small groups of friends or couples celebrating a special occasion, as the intimate setting allows for a personalized experience. If you’re interested in local food, farm visits, and scenic landscapes, this tour hits all those marks.

It’s worth noting that this experience is available only in spring and summer, making it a seasonal highlight for visitors during warmer months. If you’re traveling solo, the small group size means you’ll likely make some new friends, but the experience also works well for private bookings.

The Sum Up

This Small Group Wine & Cider Tour in Vermont offers a well-rounded, authentic taste of Vermont’s local drinks scene. From pioneering vineyards to family-run wineries, and from cider houses to farm stores, it’s a journey through the state’s agricultural and artisanal culture. The focus on small groups, scenic vistas, and high-quality products makes it a standout choice for those wanting a relaxed, immersive experience.

While tasting fees and additional food costs are extra, the overall value lies in the convenience, personalized attention, and opportunity to try Vermont’s distinctive hybrid wine varieties and craft ciders. It’s especially suited for couples, friends, or small groups eager to explore Vermont’s rural charm while enjoying some of the best local beverages.

If you’re after a day of tasty discoveries, scenic views, and authentic Vermont hospitality, this tour ticks all the boxes. It’s a thoughtful way to experience Vermont beyond the usual tourist spots, blending wine, cider, and farm-fresh delights into one memorable outing.

FAQs

Is hotel pickup available?
Yes, the tour offers door-to-door pickup in Burlington, South Burlington, and Killington, making it easy to start your day without worrying about transportation.

Are tasting fees included?
No, tasting fees (around $40 total) are extra and payable at each location. Food such as cheese and charcuterie are also available for purchase.

What is the group size?
The maximum group size is six people, ensuring a small, intimate experience with personalized attention from your guide.

How long does the tour last?
The entire experience lasts approximately six hours, beginning at around 10:30 a.m. and concluding in the mid-afternoon.

Can I participate if I don’t drink alcohol?
You can still enjoy the scenic stops and learn about Vermont’s local products, but tasting is limited to those of legal drinking age at each location. Drinking in the van is strictly prohibited.

What should I wear or bring?
Comfortable shoes for walking at farms and vineyards, and layers if the weather varies. Most tasting stops are outdoors or in barns, so be prepared for different environments.

Overall, this Vermont wine and cider tour is a delightful way to savor regional specialties, enjoy stunning landscapes, and make new friends—perfect for those seeking an authentic, laid-back adventure with a splash of sophistication.