Champlain Valley Wine

The Champlain Valley is Vermont's most favorable wine-growing region, where Lake Champlain's thermal mass creates a microclimate several degrees warmer than the surrounding Green Mountains. This narrow band of moderated climate allows cold-hardy hybrid grapes to survive Vermont's zone 4-5 winters and produce wines with genuine character. Shelburne Vineyard near Burlington was a pioneer, and Lincoln Peak Vineyard in Middlebury has earned national recognition for Marquette and La Crescent. The valley also produces Vermont's distinctive ice ciders, made from naturally frozen apple juice pressed in winter. The combination of lake views, Green Mountain backdrops, and a vibrant farm-to-table food culture makes the Champlain Valley one of New England's most appealing wine destinations.