Despite what most people think, wine is made in Vermont. Vermont wineries and vineyards have to struggle with a cooler climate and shorter growing season than many grape varieties can tolerate. As a result, Vermont winemakers have focused on using winter-hardy grape varieties that make it possible to develop vineyards in areas that were previously considered too cold to grow grapes.

During the past 10 years, winemaking and grape growing in Vermont has taken off. What started with a few original and intrepid wine-makers has grown into over a dozen registered wineries in the state with even more vineyards, and newcomers are coming on line every year.

Award winning wines from cold hardy grapes are grown here in Vermont using grapes such as Frontenac, Lacrescent, and St. Croix, as well as more traditional varieties like Riesling. Since Vermont's unique climate is also excellent for bee-keeping and growing apples and berries, our meads, ciders, and fruit wines are plentiful. In addition, Vermont wineries produce Ice Wines, which are made from grapes that freeze on the vines, and are among the handful of producers of this specialty dessert wine in the entire country.

For more information on Vermont Winemaking and Wineries, the Vermont Grape and Wine Council has a great website: http://www.vtgrapeandwinecouncil.com