February 22, 2023 – With more breweries per capita than any other state and a thriving craft beer scene with a reputation for producing high-quality beer, Vermont is a must-visit destination for beer enthusiasts.
Whether you’re visiting one of the well-known breweries or discovering a new favorite at a small, family-run taproom, Vermont’s beer scene has something for everyone.
Check out our list of local breweries within a 1-hours drive from Mount Snow and our favorite not to be missed award-winning breweries from across the State.
We’ve also included a list of local beer festivals that bring together breweries from Vermont and beyond, giving visitors a chance to sample a wide variety of beers and meet the brewers behind them.
Local Vermont breweries
West Dover and Wilmington
The veteran-owned Snow Republic Brewery on Route 100 about three miles south of Mount Snow is West Dover’s only brewery. They serve a wide selection of beers on tap in a dog and kid-friendly taproom. They serve pub fare and pizza.
Valley Craft Ales is a new addition to the local beer scene and is located in the historical 19th-century Old Red Mill building in Wilmington. They serve wood-fired pizza and are also an inn and music and event venue. Look for their canned beers with minimalist labeling in local stores.
Marlboro
Beer Naked Brewery has a rotating selection of brews, from hoppy IPAs to American ales to sours. They also have a selection of craft beers from other Vermont breweries on tap. Located on the top of Hogback Mountain, their taproom also boasts a gorgeous 100-mile view and serves wood-fired pizza.
Brattleboro
The Hermit Thrush Brewery in downtown Brattleboro specializes in sour beers, using wild yeasts to create complex, tart flavors. Their taproom is a great place to sample a flight of sours and is open 7 days a week.
The Whetstone Beer Co. in Brattleboro offers an array of craft beers at its scenic location on the Connecticut River with both indoor and outdoor seating. The Whetstone Station also offers a full menu of pub fare and hosts regular events, including live music and trivia nights.
Bennington
The veteran-owned Farm Road Brewing brews all of its beers onsite in both classic and innovative styles. Its taproom with a dozen taps in downtown Bennington is the only place you can find them.
Harvest Brewing is a nano-brewery in downtown Bennington. They make beers in a range of styles from hazy New England IPAs to dark porters. The draft menu in their taproom is constantly evolving and they have a short kitchen menu.
The Madison Brewing Company has a pub and restaurant with a wide draft selection from New England Style IPAs to traditional old-world styles. They also have a full bar and a children’s menu. And they can beers weekly which means there are always fresh cans available.
Not to be missed non-local Vermont breweries
More than a few folks would argue that Hill Farmstead Brewery makes some of the best beer in the world. We’re not going to disagree. Known for its innovative and well-crafted beers, the brewery has been named the best in the world by RateBeer multiple times. And while their gorgeous taproom located on a quintessentially Vermont dirt road in Greensboro is almost a 3-hour drive from West Dover, we’re always happy to make a visit to restock our beer fridge. You can’t buy it in local stores, but you can often find it on tap at the River Garden Marketplace in downtown Brattleboro.
The Alchemist is a family-owned brewery in Waterbury and Stowe that makes phenomenal IPAs. Their flagship beer, Heady Topper, is a highly sought-after double IPA with a cult following. They distribute their Heady Topper and Focal Banger throughout the state, with the occasional out-of-state shipment. You can find them in some local stores, including the Brattleboro Food Coop and Ratus in Wilmington. They also sometimes have it at Mount Snow and I’ve enjoyed a can outside at the Retreat Farm in Brattleboro.
Local Beer Festivals
March
The Vermont Craft Beer and Chili Stroll
March 31, Wilmington, VT
Stroll through historic downtown Wilmington while enjoying local shops, great chili, and some of the best Vermont craft beers. Tasting stations and live music will be located throughout businesses in the downtown area.
April
Winter Brewers Festival at Mount Snow
April 1, West Dover, VT
Enjoy live music, beer, and cider from a variety of breweries in the main base lodge at Mount Snow. The adult 21+ ticket includes admissions, a souvenir glass, and two drink tickets. Tickets for designated drivers and minors are also available for $5.
Southern Vermont HomeBrew Festival – winter edition!
April 29, Bennington, VT
Since 2015, the Southern Vermont HomeBrew Festival has highlighted the exceptional homebrewing in the region. Over 30+ of the best regional HomeBrewers will offer samples of over 100 beverages, including beer, cider, wine, and mead. Expect a variety of styles, including sours, pastry stouts, NEIPAs, porters, pilsners, fruited Meads, Belgians, hard ciders, wines, and more.
May
Brattleboro Brewers Festival: Cheers to 11 years
May 27, Brattleboro, VT
The Brattleboro Brewers Festival has built a highly recognizable tri-state event in Southern Vermont and raised thousands of dollars for local charities. What started out as a local beer event with a few hundred tasters has grown into a craft beer and cider festival with a few thousand tasters. There will be live bands and even a keg toss tournament, as well as specialty food and craft vendors and food trucks.
September
14th annual Vermont Wine and Harvest Festival
September 22-23, Wilmington and West Dover, VT
Set against the backdrop of Vermont’s fall foliage, this festival showcases Vermont wineries, distilleries, cider makers, and breweries. The event kicks off with a stroll and soup contest on Friday evening in historic downtown Wilmington. This is followed by the grand tasting and artisan expo at Mount Snow on Saturday with over 60 vendors. Visitors can also buy tickets to ride the Bluebird ski lift for a spectacular view of the foliage.
