A look into our vibrant wine culture

by Jennifer Dawson

The East Coast wine scene is gaining a lot of buzz as oenophiles are starting to discover amazing wines from this part of the US, particularly in Vermont.

Ethan Joseph, who makes wine at Shelburne Vineyard, recently told SevenFifty Daily that Vermont wines are now in demand all over the country. “We get good press, and other regions are looking to us,” he adds.

The region’s success is encouraging grape growers to join the scene, and the state’s wine bars are also getting a lot of support from fans of natural wines from vineyards that practice sustainable and regenerative agriculture. Whether you’re looking to try some new vino or just want something a little stronger than the state’s famous apple cider, here are some of the best wine bars to check out in Vermont.

The Wine Vault- 1 Elm St., Waterbury Village Historic District

Visiting wineries, vineyards, and tasting rooms is a must for experts and newbies alike since it allows them to discover new favorites and purchase bottles to add to their collection. For decades, California wine regions such as Napa Valley and Sonoma Valley have been the go-to for finding quality wines, and vineyards in these areas have started to offer wine tasting tours and experiences to introduce visitors to winemaking traditions. But in recent years, more wine enthusiasts are heading to Vermont to taste lesser known wine varietals, and many believe that this region will be the wine industry’s future since it’s where hardy and disease-resistant grapes are grown. 

Apart from the vineyards, though, wine bars that offer tasting experiences are also putting Vermont on the map. One such establishment is The Wine Vault, which has been attracting wine novices and experts since it opened in 2019. This shop sells hundreds of wines from all over the world, as well as biodynamic and organic wines. The Wine Vault has wine tastings every Friday from 4 PM to 7 PM, and they often invite wine makers and experts to lead the tastings to give customers a rewarding experience. Plan on attending a wine tasting, or visit after lunch to choose a bottle of wine for your weekend get-together. The Wine Vault is open from noon to 6 PM on Wednesdays and Thursdays, and from noon to 7 PM on Fridays and Saturdays.

Cork Restaurant & Natural Wine Shop- 539 Moscow Road, Stowe

For those who want to enjoy a good meal and some locally made natural wine, look no further than Cork Restaurant & Natural Wine Shop. This family-owned business has been around since 2015, and sisters Danielle and Katie Nichols say that each of the wines in their establishment have a story behind them. And while natural wines may be rare, the duo has made it a point to make their products accessible as the average bottle on their shelves is under $25. They have a curated menu that has 12 appetizers and 8 mains, and most of their dishes are vegetarian-friendly, such as their Grilled Eggplant and White Bean Hummus. If you love biodynamic wines, consider joining their wine club which enables you to taste two different wines a month for $50.

Salt & Bubbles Wine Bar and Market- 21 Essex Way Suite 412, Essex Junction

Salt & Bubbles Wine Bar and Market is another Vermont establishment that supports sustainability in the wine industry. This wine bar focuses on ethically-made wines, ciders, and beers, and their menu features everything from salty bites like Whipped Feta to filling appetizers such as Lamb Meatballs. If you’re visiting with a couple of friends or family members, ask the staff to make a charcuterie and cheese board for you, which costs only $40. Can’t decide which wine to get? Sample different wines by ordering a flight of any 4 wines for $16 so you can have a taste before choosing your wine. If you want to discover new wines, sign up to become a member of their Coupe Club, which entitles you to one bottle of wine every month, 10 percent off on dining and wine purchases, plus first access to all of their ticketed events and winetasting classes. 

Vermont is ushering in a new era in the wine industry. In the coming years, it’s expected that more winemakers will be heading to the region to learn innovative grape-growing techniques, and we’ll also surely see a lot more wine bars opening in the state. With a thriving and lively wine scene, novices and experts should definitely add Vermont to their list of must-visit regions for amazing experiences, good food, and great wine.