Snow Republic Brewery is a veteran-owned craft brewery in West Dover, Vermont, founded by Marine Corps veteran and former criminal defense attorney Walt Bansley in late 2019 inside one of Vermont's largest log cabin-style buildings on Route 100. This popular Vermont microbrewery near Mount Snow has expanded to include a second location in downtown Brattleboro, which opened in September 2024 in a historic former M&T Bank building featuring the original vault. Head brewer Jason Riggs crafts an impressively diverse tap list including NEIPAs, pilsners, porters, sours, and their signature Maple 100 imperial stout made with local maple syrup from Maple Hill Farm and cold brew from 1A Coffee Roasters—with most beers priced at $8 per pint and premium selections at $9-$11. The brewery atmosphere features shuffleboard, pool tables, giant Jenga, fire pits, and dog-friendly indoor and outdoor seating perfect for après-ski crowds. Customer reviews consistently praise their "best burgers on the planet," addictive french fries, and the Inferno Chicken Sandwich, with ratings of 4.3/5 on TripAdvisor (earning a Travelers' Choice award), 3.88 on BeerAdvocate, and 8.0/10 on Foursquare. Snow Republic operates daily from approximately noon to 8-10 PM (closed Tuesday-Wednesday at the West Dover location), and they can be reached at info@snowrepublicbrewery.com.
Valley Craft Ales is a craft brewery, New Haven-style pizzeria, gelato counter, and boutique inn occupying a historic 1828 gristmill on the National Register of Historic Places overlooking the Deerfield River in downtown Wilmington, Vermont—opened November 2022 by five partners including head brewer Justin Maturo and fellow brewer Travis Charlow (both formerly of Snow Republic Brewery). This 10,000-square-foot Vermont microbrewery features a 10-barrel American-made BrewBilt brewing system producing 36+ beers rated 3.85/5 on Untappd, with standouts including their flagship "For Wilmington, With Love" IPA (3.8 rating), "Fetta Di Casa" Italian Pilsner, and the highly-rated "Donut Moomoo" imperial pastry stout (4.12 rating) brewed in collaboration with Willoughby's Donuts. Their authentic "apizza"-style pizza—developed through 200+ test pies over 18 consecutive Saturdays—features King Arthur flour, imported Italian cheeses, and Bianco DiNapoli tomatoes cooked in a PizzaMaster deck oven; Yelp reviewers declare it "best pizza and beer in Southern VT—no question!" The venue includes Jerry's Deck (600 sq ft riverside outdoor seating named for former owner Jerry Osler), a round fireplace, live music events, and 15+ inn rooms available for overnight stays just steps from the taproom. Legend has it NFL Hall of Famer Joe Namath once rang the bell that still sits on the bar during his 1970s Wilmington football camps. Valley Craft Ales is open Wednesday-Thursday 3-8 PM, Friday-Sunday noon-9 PM (closed Monday-Tuesday); contact hello@valleybeer.io.
Vermont Distillers (Metcalfe's) is a family-owned craft distillery perched atop Hogback Mountain in Marlboro, Vermont, founded in 2008 by Ed Metcalfe after winning the Brattleboro Development Credit Corporation's $10,000 business plan competition—Ed previously founded Vermont's first winery, North River Winery, in 1985. Operating from the beautifully renovated former Hogback Ski Area base lodge, this Vermont spirits destination offers a spectacular 100-mile view from their deck while guests sample their flagship Vermont Maple Cream Liqueur, which was the "first of its kind in the U.S." and has earned a Double Gold at the 2018 SIP Awards and 91 points from Wine Spectator. Their maple bourbon (90 proof, 2022 Silver Medal winner), honey bourbon infused with Japanese Knotweed honey from West Meadow Apiary, and hand-zested Ciriaco's Limoncello (using over 1,000 organic lemons per batch, released annually) showcase their commitment to local Vermont ingredients—with maple syrup from Corse Maple Farm and apples from Dwight Miller Orchards. The distillery is solar-powered and all their vodka and liqueurs are naturally gluten-free, making them accessible to more visitors; they also have a Burlington tasting room at 28 Church Street featuring both Vermont Distillers and Smugglers' Notch Distillery products. With a 4.7/5 TripAdvisor rating (#1 of 7 things to do in Marlboro, Travelers' Choice), visitors describe it as a "hidden gem" where "the maple cream is better than Baileys!" and dogs are welcome. Hours are daily 11 AM-5 PM at the Marlboro location; reach them at ed@vermontdistillers.com.
Whetstone CiderWorks was an artisanal Vermont cidery founded in 2010 by Jason and Lauren MacArthur on their family farm in Marlboro, Vermont (addresses listed as both 2802 VT-9 and 1073 MacArthur Road, Marlboro, VT 05344), operating for approximately 11-12 years before closing around 2021-2022. This small-batch craft cidery specialized in wine-like, uncompromisingly dry ciders made from heritage and heirloom apples using traditional rack-and-cloth press methods and bottle-conditioning, with signature offerings including Orchard King (3.6/5 Untappd, extra-dry cocktail-hour cider, $13-18 bottles), Moonlighter (4.0/5 Untappd, highest-rated), Whetstone Reserve (3.7/5, featured in Wine Enthusiast), Barnyard Blend, and single-variety Kingston Black made from 100% Kingston Black apples from Scott Farm in Dummerston, Vermont. The cidery's philosophy emphasized terroir and seasonal production ("we work with the seasons, not on a manufacturing schedule"), aging ciders for 2 weeks to over a year to achieve optimal expression of Vermont-grown apples. Rather than operating a traditional tasting room, Whetstone CiderWorks functioned primarily as a production cidery offering limited summer tastings at their MacArthur Road farm stand, while distributing through the Brattleboro Area Farmers Market and Vermont bottle shops, with ciders also featured at the now-closed Whetstone Beer Co. in Brattleboro (a separate business). Customer reviews on Untappd praised the complex, tannic character with descriptions like "drinks like wine," "monstrously tannic and fabulous," and comparisons to European ciders, though the flat, still style and high dryness polarized some drinkers expecting carbonated sweet ciders. The Vermont cidery sourced heritage apples from Scott Farm (Dummerston), Poverty Lane Orchards (Lebanon, NH), Ames Hill Orchard (Marlboro), Connecticut Valley Orchards (Westminster), their own 120-tree orchard, and neighbors' trees, producing bottle-conditioned ciders in 750ml format with names like Orchard Queen, Méthode Champenoise, and Snow Queen. While no longer producing, Whetstone CiderWorks represented Vermont's artisanal craft cider movement, emphasizing traditional methods, local terroir, food-friendly complexity, and four generations of family farming heritage on the banks of Whetstone Brook in Southeastern Vermont's Marlboro hills.
Green Mountain Wine Shop is Southern Vermont's premier wine and craft beer destination, a family-owned business founded Labor Day weekend 2020 by Richard Zenick, Betsy Zenick, and their son Kingsten in Newfane, Vermont. With over 25 years of combined wine industry experience, the Zenicks curate a selection of 300+ wines from 15 countries—featuring 32% American, 23% Italian, and 22% French selections—alongside Vermont craft beers that reviewers call "heavy hitters" including sought-after brews like Focal Banger. This boutique Vermont wine shop also offers Vermont cheeses and artisanal charcuterie for pairing, and customers rave it's the "best wine selection I have encountered in Southern Vermont." Beyond traditional wine shopping, Green Mountain offers innovative services including virtual shopping via FaceTime, Skype, or Zoom, curbside pickup, and delivery within 50-100 miles starting at $50—plus comprehensive wedding planning services with alcohol calculators and bar menu guidance. The shop holds a perfect 5/5 rating on BeerAdvocate and is conveniently positioned on Route 30 as a must-stop for Stratton Mountain skiers. Hours are Monday-Wednesday 2-6 PM, Thursday 1-6 PM, Friday noon-7 PM, Saturday 11 AM-6 PM, and Sunday noon-5 PM; contact them at sales@greenmountainwineshop.com.
Saxtons River Distillery is a 100% solar-powered Vermont craft distillery founded in 2006 by Christian Stromberg in a hand-built barn along the Saxtons River in Cambridgeport, drawing on family recipes brought from Lithuania when his ancestors fled Czarist rule in 1906. Now operating from a spacious facility in Brattleboro (relocated in 2011, expanded to 4x larger space in 2018), this award-winning Vermont spirits producer is best known for their flagship Sapling Maple Liqueur—one-third pure Vermont maple syrup, 70 proof, aged in American oak—and their Snowdrop Gin, which earned 93 points from Wine Enthusiast and was named one of their Top 100 Spirits of 2017 as the highest-rated New England gin. Their Vermont distillery tour experience includes free tastings of their full lineup including Sapling Maple Bourbon ($44-55/bottle), Sapling Maple Rye, Perc Coffee Liqueur (made with locally-roasted Mocha Joe's beans using only 4 natural ingredients), and Snowdrop Vodka—with $3-5 tasting flights often refunded with purchase. All maple syrup is sourced from farms within 10 miles, and a portion of Snowdrop Vodka proceeds supports Ukraine relief efforts connected to Stromberg's Lithuanian heritage. The distillery earns 4.7/5 stars on TripAdvisor (ranked #3 of 35 things to do in Brattleboro, Travelers' Choice winner) and 4.2 stars on Yelp, with visitors praising the "barnboard atmosphere," friendly distillery cat, and free pretzels. Visit the Grand Tasting Room at 155 Chickering Drive (Monday-Wednesday 11 AM-5 PM, Thursday-Friday 11 AM-8 PM, Saturday 10 AM-6 PM) or the West River Tasting Room; email sapling@saplingliqueur.com.
Saxtons River Distillery is an award-winning Vermont craft distillery founded in 2006 by Christian Stromberg, whose family fled Czarist Lithuania in 1906 carrying traditional liqueur-making customs that now define the distillery's acclaimed Sapling maple bourbon and maple whiskey line. Operating from a 100% solar-powered facility at 155 Chickering Dr, Brattleboro, VT 05301 (with a second West River Tasting Room at 485 West River Rd in the Fire Arts building), this Vermont distillery tour destination offers free tastings of all spirits plus $5 tasting flights refundable with purchase, featuring their best-selling Sapling Maple Bourbon (barrel-aged 2.5 years with 12% Vermont maple syrup), Snowdrop American Dry Gin, and Perc Coffee Liqueur made with organic Peruvian beans from local roaster Mocha Joe's. The Brattleboro distillery tasting room has earned exceptional ratings: 4.7/5 on TripAdvisor (67 reviews, Travelers' Choice Award, #3 of 35 things to do in Brattleboro) and 4.2/5 on Yelp, with reviewers calling it "one of the best distilleries we have ever visited" and praising the Perc as "one of the best coffee liqueurs I've had." Saxtons River Distillery has accumulated prestigious awards including Wine Enthusiast 93 Points for Snowdrop Gin (Top 100 Spirits of 2017, highest-rated gin from New England), ADI International Spirits Competition Silver Medal for Sapling Maple Bourbon, and USA Today 10 Best #9 ranking among craft specialty spirits. The distillery sources maple syrup from farms less than 10 miles away using classic wood-fired evaporators, grows ghost peppers on-site for specialty whiskey, and donates proceeds from Snowdrop Vodka to Ukraine relief through Blue/Yellow USA. Grand Tasting Room hours are Monday–Wednesday 11 AM–5 PM, Thursday–Friday 11 AM–8 PM, Saturday 10 AM–6 PM; contact info@saxtonsdistillery.com for Vermont maple whiskey tastings, distillery tours, private event rentals, and full cocktail menu service featuring craft cocktails with house-made spirits.
Vermont Vermouth is the state's first and only craft vermouth producer, founded in 2019 by Kobey Shwayder in Brattleboro, Vermont, who launched the company after leaving academia with a PhD in linguistics and a passion for flavor. This small-batch Vermont vermouth tasting experience operates from a 1,400-square-foot production facility offering by-appointment-only tastings of their artisanal fortified wines priced at $27.99 for 750ml bottles or $18.99 for 375ml bottles across six varieties including Boreas Sweet Vermouth, Zephyr Dry Vermouth, and Thalia Rosé Vermouth. The Vermont craft spirits producer sources botanicals from Foster Farm Botanicals in East Calais, La Crescent grapes from New York, and uses locally foraged mugwort as the primary bittering agent—creating authentic terroir-driven aperitifs. Each seasonal vermouth reflects Vermont's character: Boreas features warming winter spices ideal for Manhattans, while Zephyr offers bright herbal notes perfect for martinis, and the limited Boreas Reserve 2021 (only 62 cases produced) showcases barrel-aging in Vermont spirit barrels at $23.99 per 375ml. While formal customer reviews are limited for this boutique producer, Vermont Vermouth has earned features in Wine Enthusiast Magazine, Seven Days, and 802Spirits, with industry professionals praising it as "finally having a local fortified wine that really stood by traditional methods." You can also find Vermont Vermouth at the Brattleboro Farmers' Market on Saturdays from May to October and at the shared Fire Arts building tasting room with Saxtons River Distillery. Contact Vermont Vermouth at vermontvermouth@gmail.com to schedule a private Vermont vermouth tasting and learn about their two-method infusion process—hot steeping for cooked depth and cold steeping for bright freshness—that defines their 15.5% ABV artisan aperitifs.
Windham Wines is a family-owned boutique wine shop in Brattleboro, Vermont, founded in 2006 by Marty Ramsburg and Frank Larkin and now under new ownership as of October 2024 by Jeff and Julie Houle, with Jeff bringing 25+ years of wine expertise including 15 years as Wine Manager at Brattleboro Food Co-op. Located at 972 Putney Rd, Unit 2 in Black Mountain Square, Brattleboro, VT 05301, this Vermont wine store offers 500+ wines from 16 countries and 110+ varietals, with approximately 40% organic, biodynamic, or natural wines sourced from small family producers making fewer than 1,000 cases annually. Windham Wines tastings include invitation-based themed events—such as Pinot Noir explorations or Champagne vs. Cava comparisons—plus private wine tastings for customers and friends in what reviewers describe as a "fun, educational experience in a relaxed atmosphere," often priced around $40 per person with limited seating. The shop earned remarkable recognition through a 2014 feature on JancisRobinson.com (world-renowned wine critic), with six separate customer testimonials prompting the comment: "You'd expect popularity for a wine shop in New York or London, but when it's from a town with a population of 12,000 in Vermont, it's enough to make anyone sit up straight." Customer reviews consistently praise the personalized Vermont wine shopping experience—"Jeff is so knowledgeable and always picks the perfect wine based on what you love"—while noting staff remember preferences "even after months between visits" and welcome both wine aficionados and newcomers equally. The shop pioneered bringing Provençal rosés to Vermont starting in 2007 and maintains partnerships with Marlboro Music Festival while offering services including delivery, curbside pickup (order by noon for next day), and special ordering. Hours are Tuesday–Friday 10 AM–6 PM, Saturday 11 AM–5 PM (closed Sunday–Monday); contact jeff@windhamwines.com for Vermont wine recommendations, private wine tasting reservations, and expert guidance on Southern Vermont wine selections from this acclaimed boutique wine retailer.
North Chair Brewing is a Vermont craft brewery established in February 2024 when Sugar Mountain Holdings acquired the beloved Whetstone Beer Co., making it one of Brattleboro's newest craft beer destinations at 39 Frost Street. Owned by Keane Aures (who also purchased the historic 375-acre Maple Valley Ski Area in Dummerston in 2018 for $745,000), the brewery takes its name from the iconic North Chair ski lift at Maple Valley and focuses on traditional European beer styles rather than trendy fruited beers, with Head Brewer Connor Busch (retained from Whetstone) producing classic pilsners, lagers, and seasonal offerings on a 15-barrel state-of-the-art brewing system. The beer lineup includes standout selections like Down Hiller Pilsner, Golden Hour Helles Lager (created for Vermont State Parks' 100th anniversary), Dark Czech Lager, Shred the Gnoir Märzen (rated 3.9/5 on Untappd), and Mud Saison celebrating Vermont's "fifth season," with four-pack cans available for retail and distribution throughout Vermont via Farrell Distributing. The intimate tasting room accommodates up to 15 people indoors with an outdoor beer garden, operating Monday-Wednesday from noon-3pm and Thursday-Sunday from noon-6pm, though specific pricing for pints and flights was not publicly available. While formal reviews are limited due to the brewery's recent establishment, the operation has earned 78 Facebook likes and positive Untappd ratings from craft beer enthusiasts, with COO Jonathan Tobin noting strong local foot traffic and community excitement about the reopening. Unique features include the "Pints for Parks" initiative supporting Vermont State Parks through beer sales, plans for a full-scale brewery and distillery at the historic Maple Valley Ski Area with event space for 150 people, and a commitment to using American-made brewing equipment exclusively. The brewery represents Vermont's craft beer tradition while bringing fresh perspectives, with future plans including South Chair Distilling for whiskeys, gins, and vodkas at the Maple Valley location, along with hiking and mountain bike trails to create a comprehensive outdoor recreation and craft beverage destination in southern Vermont.
Putney Mountain Winery is a pioneering Vermont fruit winery founded in 1998 by Charles Dodge—an internationally recognized computer music composer and former Dartmouth professor—and his wife Kate, a lawyer, who crafted their first sparkling apple wines in their basement before creating what they call a "locavore winery before the term was coined." Now with 27 years in business and newly transitioned to worker-owned cooperative "The Fermented Five" as of August 2025, this 100% solar-powered and state-certified Vermont Green Business specializes exclusively in fruit wines (no grapes): their Northern Spy sparkling apple wine famously christened the USS Vermont submarine in 2018, and their Vermont Cassis won "Best in Show" at the 2019 New York World Wine and Spirits Competition. The Vermont wine tasting experience is remarkably affordable at just $3-5 to sample everything from Rhubarb Blush and Simply Blueberry to their Simply Ginger and Simply Chocolate liqueurs (made with Tavernier Chocolates cacao nibs from Brattleboro), with fees often waived with purchase. Rated 4.5/5 on TripAdvisor (#2 of 13 things to do in Putney, Travelers' Choice winner) and boasting 59 Yelp reviews, customers consistently praise the "spectacular" wines and staff member Kim's expertise, with one visitor noting "we have been around the world tasting wines, and yet we felt at home at this small town winery." All fruit is locally sourced from Connecticut River Valley farmers, and winemaking waste is composted as part of their sustainability commitment. Visit Thursday-Monday 11 AM-5 PM at 8 Bellows Falls Rd, Putney, VT 05346 (inside the former Basketville Store), or their Quechee Gorge Village location Friday-Sunday; email info@putneymountainwinery.com.
Putney Mountain Winery and Spirits is a pioneering Vermont fruit winery and spirits producer founded in 1998 by Kate and Charles Dodge, when Dartmouth music professor Charles had an epiphany while passing Green Mountain Orchards and began crafting sparkling apple wines in his basement. Now celebrating over 25 years of Vermont wine production, this award-winning winery operates two tasting room locations: the main facility at 8 Bellows Falls Rd, Putney, VT 05346 (inside the former Basketville Store) and a second tasting room at Quechee Gorge Village inside the Cabot Store. Putney Mountain Winery tastings are exceptionally affordable at $3-$6 for approximately six wines, often waived with purchase, while visitors sample their signature Northern Spy sparkling apple wine—which notably christened the USS Vermont submarine—alongside Simply Blueberry, Rhubarb Blush, Simply Cranberry, and their award-winning Vermont Cassis liqueur. The winery earned "Best in Show" at the 2019 New York World Wine and Spirits Competition for Vermont Cassis and holds TripAdvisor Travelers' Choice status with a 4.5/5 rating from 38 reviews, ranking #2 of 13 things to do in Putney, while Yelp reviewers give it 4.8 stars across 59 reviews with comments like "My wife is from Germany and we've been around the world tasting wines, yet we felt at home at this small-town winery." As a certified Vermont Green Business, Putney Mountain operates 100% solar-powered facilities, sources all fruit from Connecticut River Valley family farms, and was "locavore before the term was coined." In July 2025, the winery transitioned to employee ownership through the "Fermented Five" worker cooperative, facilitated by the Vermont Employee Ownership Center. Tasting room hours are Thursday through Monday, 11 AM–5 PM (Putney) and Friday through Sunday, 11 AM–5 PM (Quechee); contact info@putneywinery.com for Vermont fruit wine tasting reservations, Simply Ginger liqueur orders, and seasonal wine event information.
Madison Brewing Company, established in 1996 and celebrating over 25 years in business, stands as Bennington, Vermont's first brewpub and remains a cornerstone of Southern Vermont craft beverages. This family-owned microbrewery at 428 Main St, Bennington, VT 05201 was founded by brothers Mel and Mark Madison, who transformed a burned-out downtown storefront into a thriving 7-barrel brewing operation producing 13-15 rotating craft beers on tap. The tasting room and full-service restaurant earned impressive ratings including 4.2 out of 5 stars on TripAdvisor (869 reviews), 94% recommend on Facebook (1,944 reviews), and TripAdvisor Travelers' Choice Award recognition ranking it #3 of restaurants in Bennington. Madison Brewing Company's signature beers include the DownTown IPA (bright citrus Vermont IPA), Old 76 Strong Ale (rich English-style amber), Sucker Pond Blonde (brewed with 100% Vermont-grown hops), and Perfect Morning Irish Stout (aged on hand-roasted Colombian coffee beans), with beer flights priced at $5 and individual pours at standard craft brewery rates. The craft brewery operates Monday-Thursday 11:30am-9pm, Friday-Saturday 11:30am-9:30pm, and Sunday 11:30am-4:30pm, offering a two-floor brewpub experience where the upper level overlooks the brewing tanks and features an outdoor rooftop patio. This Vermont microbrewery produces diverse styles from New England hazy IPAs to Belgian Whites, Mexican-style lagers, milk stouts, and seasonal offerings like their 23rd Anniversary Crowtown Pale Ale dry-hopped with locally-grown Cascade hops from downtown Bennington. The full restaurant menu features pub classics with Vermont twists including their famous homemade potato chips (described as "a local favorite"), cheddar-ale soup, Vermont chicken with maple syrup sauce, and Vermont macaroni and cheese made with local cheddar, alongside takeout, catering, and fresh cans-to-go. With over two decades serving the Bennington craft beverage community, Madison Brewing Company combines historic downtown charm, visible brewing operations, allergy-friendly menu options, live music, and deep community roots as a must-visit destination for Vermont craft brewery enthusiasts exploring Southern Vermont's beer scene.
Village Garage Distillery in Bennington transformed a historic 1946 municipal tractor dealership garage at 107 Depot Street into an award-winning Vermont craft distillery and restaurant when co-founders Glen Sauer and Matt Cushman (both Bennington natives with families farming the area for eight generations) opened in August 2021 after planning their dream on Christmas Eve 2018. This Vermont distillery specializes in five core craft spirits: Village Bourbon ($50-60, 5-year aged in American White Oak with 60% corn/40% rye mash bill at 90 proof), Village Vodka ($22-25), award-winning Village Bonfire ($50, their signature 5-year aged Vermont whiskey blended with smoked maple syrup), Village Rye Whiskey ($55, 100% malted rye aged 2 years), and Village House Gin (94 proof citrus-forward American Dry Gin), all made with Vermont corn and rye plus water from Bolles Brook on Woodford Mountain. The facility features Pearl's at the Garage restaurant serving authentic BBQ and southern cuisine, with Head Distiller Ryan Scheswohl (formerly of Philadelphia Distilling and FEW Spirits) producing spirits on a 500-gallon Vendome copper pot still, while Chef Jonathan Studley creates farm-to-table dishes incorporating Village spirits including bourbon-planked salmon and Bonfire BBQ sauce. Distillery tours cost $20 per ticket (offered Friday-Saturday at 1pm and 3pm, Sunday at 1pm), though à la carte BBQ dining can run approximately $210 for two people, and the tasting room operates Wednesday-Sunday (closed Monday-Tuesday) with hours from noon-9pm Thursday-Saturday and noon-4pm Sunday. Customer reviews show 4.7 stars on TripAdvisor with Travelers' Choice recognition (top 10%), 92% recommend on Facebook, and a 98/100 health score on Yelp, with visitors praising the exceptional craft cocktails, smoked meats, and industrial-chic atmosphere, though some reviews note occasional service delays during busy periods. Unique distinguishing features include the 2023 partnership with Jonathan Goldsmith (the "Most Interesting Man in the World" actor) as Chief Storytelling Officer, a satellite tasting room inside the Orvis flagship store in Manchester, meticulously curated vintage 1940s décor with no reproductions (including lighting from Old Crow Distillery and 200-year-old barn beam table tops), distribution across Vermont and Massachusetts plus 41 states via direct-to-consumer, a circular farm-to-table model where spent grains feed cattle that return as burgers, and innovative house-made liqueurs including Campari and absinthe. Village Garage represents authentic Vermont craft spirits with deep local heritage, award-winning products (particularly their Bonfire smoked maple bourbon), dog-friendly atmosphere, EV charging, free WiFi and parking, and ambitious plans for developing Vermont whiskey as its own category while honoring their founders' eight-generation Bennington roots.
Couch + Cork is an award-winning women-owned wine tasting and education company founded in May 2019 by Nancy Koziol in Bennington, Vermont, specializing in virtual wine experiences, corporate wine tastings, and private wine events designed for "people who hate wine snobs but want to experience wine better." This Vermont wine tasting company pivoted to virtual experiences during the pandemic in 2020 and "kind of blew up," later acquiring Corporate Virtual Wine Tastings—a France-based wine education company—in late 2021, expanding their reach across South America, Canada, and Europe. Nancy Koziol holds WSET Level 3 (Advanced) certification with merit, is a WSET Diploma candidate, and earned Certified Sherry Wine Specialist with distinction, bringing over 25 years of experience including work as a contributing wine writer for HuffPost and Santé Magazine. Couch + Cork offers corporate virtual wine tastings for groups of 10 to 10,000+ participants, private in-home wine tastings, venue-based events at locations like the Bennington Museum and Park-McCullough Historic Governor's Mansion, plus four-week Wine Tasting 101 courses covering appearance analysis, nose identification, and tasting note development, along with Wednesday Night Wine Hangs where each one-hour session focuses on a single grape for $20 first class and $15 for subsequent drop-ins. The company was honored as the Southwestern Vermont Chamber of Commerce 2020 Member of the Year and maintains partnerships with Zingerman's for artisanal food pairings while championing diversity by featuring Black-owned wineries including McBride Sisters and Theopolis Wines. Customer testimonials consistently praise their approachable style—"Within a few minutes of tasting with us, they'll say, 'Okay, this is NOT what I thought it was going to be'"—while corporate clients note that Couch + Cork "knows how to make virtual events feel like an experience rather than just a Zoom call." Contact Nancy Koziol at info@couchandcork.com for custom wine event pricing and to book Vermont wine classes, bridal shower wine tastings, or corporate team-building wine experiences.
