Visiting wineries in the Lake Champlain Islands of Vermont promises a delightful and unique experience. The wineries offer a chance to explore the region's scenic beauty while indulging in exquisite wines crafted with local expertise. From picturesque vineyards overlooking the lake to charming tasting rooms, these wineries provide a perfect blend of natural splendor, warm hospitality, and the opportunity to sample exceptional wines made from locally grown grapes.

Snow Farm Vineyard 

Experience Snow Farm Vineyard, located on the picturesque shores of Lake Champlain in South Hero, Vermont. Indulge in exquisite wines, enjoy a delightful picnic amidst the vineyard, and wander the historic farm. Immerse yourself in a truly unique vineyard and winery experience, surrounded by expansive landscapes that capture the essence of the Islands. Don't miss their lively outdoor concert series, every Thursday evening throughout the summer months.  Learn More

Ellison Estate Vineyard

Ellison Estate Vineyard is a regenerative farm with a tasting room on the beautiful East Shore of Grand Isle, Vermont, which is open from 12-5 pm on Fridays and Saturdays. Their tasting room is a vibrant gathering place that aims to craft captivating, native Vermont wines while nurturing a strong sense of community. Their grapes are grown in Grand Isle, Vermont, then processed at their winery basement in Stowe, Vermont. Learn More

Isle La Motte Vineyard

Discover a charming vineyard Isle La Motte, Vermont, spanning nearly two acres. The vineyard is located on Shrine Road, and their daily schedule runs Thursday through Sunday, 1 pm - 6:00 p.m. and includes Monday and holidays. They specialize in Marquette grapes for rich red wines and LaCrescent for exquisite whites and also incorporate additional varieties like Frontenac, Frontenac Blanc, and Louise Swenson for added depth. Learn More

 

Whether you're a wine enthusiast or simply seeking a memorable getaway, a visit to the wineries in the Lake Champlain Islands is sure to leave you with a lasting appreciation for Vermont's wine culture and stunning surroundings.

Looking for more things to do in Vermont’s Lake Champlain Islands? Check out six things to do this summer.

 

Make the most of Summer 2023 by exploring all that the Lake Champlain Islands of Vermont have to offer. We've created a guide for the top must-try activities and events happening in each Champlain Island town to add to your summer bucket list. 

 

1. SUP & Lunch On The Lake | North Hero, VT.

North Hero Marina is offering stand-up paddle board rentals this summer. Enjoy a scenic paddle around Pelots and Carry Bay, and then enjoy lunch or dinner at Drifters, located right at the marina with views of the lake and marina. Learn more here. 

2. Biking & Music In The Park | Isle La Motte, VT.

On July 14th, The Nobby Reed Project will perform at the Isle La Motte Recreational Park. The show is free, and meals are available for purchase. Make a day of this event! Spend the day biking or exploring the scenic town and landmarks like St Anne Shrine, the town beach, The Quarry, Goodsell Ridge, and Isle La Motte Vineyard. Learn more about Music In The Park. 

         

3. Brew Hop & Golf | South Hero & Alburgh, VT.

Visit the Champlain Islands' local breweries, Two Heroes and Kraemer & Kin. Start your day in South Hero at the Two Heroes tasting room at 1 Ferry Road, then take a scenic drive up to the Alburgh Golf Links, where you can play a round of golf and then enjoy a meal and cold beer at Kraemer & Kin. Visit Kraemer & Kin and Two Heroes for more information.

4. MAGIC! With Tom Joyce | South Hero, VT.

Kids Event! On Thursday, July 13th, Tom Joyce will return to perform one of his amazing magic shows! New books and new tricks, all in one exciting event. Ages 4 and up. Learn more here.

5. Staycation at Grand Isle State Park | Grand Isle, VT. 

Grand Isle State Park is Vermont's most visited state park; it has great camping and even nature trails. The extensive shoreline is set up nicely for both fishing and swimming. Make sure to reserve your campsite before you plan your getaway.

6. Beach Day At The Alburgh Dunes | Alburgh, VT.

Soak up summer at one of the longest beaches on Lake Champlain. The Alburgh Dunes is a natural sand beach in south Alburgh that offers day use access to one of the Islands most beautiful beaches. Pack the coolers and sunscreen and enjoy this wonderful Vermont State Park. Visit their website to learn more.

Summer in Vermont is the perfect time to explore the wonders of the Lake Champlain Islands region. Whether attending lively festivals, indulging in local cuisine, or embarking on outdoor adventures, this bucket list will fill your summer with unforgettable experiences. So pack your bags, gather your loved ones, and prepare to create cherished memories by the lake! 

Learn more about Life in the Lake Champlain Islands. 

It's time to celebrate Vermont's sweetest season! The Vermont Maple Sugar Makers' Association is hosting the 2023 Maple Open House across two weekends, March 25 & 26 and April 1 & 2 . During this annual event, local Vermont Maple Sugar Makers invite you into their sugarhouses to celebrate the 2023 crop. The maple experts will teach you about the cherished Vermont tradition. This event includes maple education, guided tours, and delicious sweet maple samples. Keep reading for the inside scoop on the top 10 Vermont sugar houses you simply can't miss.

1. Snow Farm Vineyard

Head to Snow Farm Vineyard in South Hero, Vermont, for their Maple Open House at Fox Hill Maple. They have many activities, such as a guided tour, live music, games, and a pancake dinner! 

Open House Information

2. Palmers Sugar House

Palmer’s Sugar House invites the community to their Maple Open House in Shelburne, Vermont. You can expect to enjoy tours, barnyard animals, and maple breakfast and lunch! Plus, this is only 10 minutes away from Burlington, Vermont. 

Open House Information

3. Shelburne Farms  

Visit Shelburne Farms in Shelburne, Vermont, to see the sugarhouse and take an interactive tour to learn about the sugaring process. Then enjoy activities such as a scavenger hunt and sugar on snow! They will have a variety of samples and guided tours, plus a stroll through the woods full of maple trees. 

Open House Information

4. Gange Maple 

Gange Maple in Swanton, Vermont, has cultivated maple syrup in northern Vermont for five generations! Their open house festivities include delicious maple creemees, educational information, and a walk in the sugaring woods. 

Maple Open House Information

5. SugarTree Maple Farm

In Williston, Vermont, Sugartree Maple Farm will have a tour of their sugarhouse, maple hotdogs, and even maple adult beverages by Bevo Catering company. 

Open House Information

6. Mountainview Mapleworks at the Giroux Family Farm

Visit Mountainview Mapleworks, in Richmond, Vermont, to see their family-run operation that includes a solar-powered sugarhouse! They will have trails to see the running sap, excellent maple samples, and even maple coffee and doughnuts! There is ample parking, and they will also have Vermont maple syrup for sale.

Open House Information

7. Palmer Lane Maple

Palmer Lane Maple in Jericho, Vermont, will have many sweet treats such as maple cream donuts, maple hot dogs, creemees and much more! They are also collecting items for their local food shelf. If you bring two small food items, you get a small bag of maple cotton candy for free!

Open House Information

8. End-O-Road Maple

End-O-Road Maple’s open house in Jericho, Vermont, will have maple goodies, an opportunity to feed their sheep. Voted one of the top sugarhouses in Chittenden county, this is a must-see spot! 

Open House Information

9. Browns River Maple 

This local family-owned and operated sugar house in Essex Junction, Vermont, will have tours, samples, and snacks. Browns River Maple will also have a fundraiser going on for Dragonheart Vermont.

Open House Information

10. Mcbride’s Family Maple

Head to Westford, Vermont, to check out Mcbride’s family maple’s small but highly efficient solar-powered operation!  They will have sugar-making demonstrations, samples, and lots of information for visitors.

Open House information

Read the entire guide of all Vermont sugarhouses participating in the 2023 Maple Open House weekends here. 

Looking for a unique gift this holiday season? There are plenty of options right in the Champlain Islands! This holiday season we challenge you to shop local and support Grand Isle County businesses. Below are just some of the shops and talented local artisans located right here in the Islands.

1. Island Craft Shop, South Hero

The Island Craft Shop is the oldest artisan cooperative in Grand Isle County and features over 21 artisans with a wide variety of handmade goods. They are open from 10am - 4pm on Friday, November 25 and every Saturday and Sunday until December 19. For more information check out their Facebook Page.

2. Arbor Farm Market, South Hero

Arbor Farm Market features a variety of farm fresh products as well as many items from Vermont makers. You can visit them Wednesdays-Sundays to browse the great gifts such as handcrafted jewelry and pretty pottery pieces. Shop

3. Dusty Pine Wood Design, Grand Isle

Dusty Pine Wood Design is a maker of quality wood decor and furniture based in Grand Isle. They specialize in custom builds and gifts with a focus on utilizing reclaimed materials. To see their holiday market schedule and shop visit DustyPineWoodDesign.com

4. Island Charm, Alburgh

Artisan Handcrafted Jewelry. Beautiful beaded jewelry, charms and more. All items, whether unique jewelry or decorative wind chimes, are handcrafted in Alburgh, VT. Follow them on Facebook or shop on IslandCharmVermont.com

5. Grand Isle Art Works, Grand Isle

The Grand Isle Art Works has a variety of fine arts and crafts ranging from glass, mixed media, clay, wood, photography and much more! They feature makers across Vermont as well as Island artisans. Shop

6. Hero's Welcome General Store, North Hero

When in doubt, head to Hero’s Welcome in the North Hero Village. This general store is an Island staple, packed with games, books, gag gifts, household items, clothing, and a wide selection of local goods! Shop 

7. Viva Marketplace, South Hero

Viva Marketplace while it is closed for the season they are holding three Saturday holiday markets. You can expect to find curated gifts, jewelry, clothing, and many other items made right in Vermont. Shop

This list highlights just some of the great small businesses that are here in The Champlain Islands. What other small businesses do you like to support? Let us know in the comments.

 

Kick off the season of giving in The Islands! Coldwell Banker Islands Realty invites you to our second annual Holiday Hoopla on Saturday, December 3rd from 10am - 1pm at our office in South Hero, VT. 

We are grateful to be a part of The Champlain Islands community and to have another year guiding our clients home. To show our appreciation, we’ll be hosting a Holiday Hoopla with a wreath giveaway, hot cocoa bar by Let's Pretend Catering and pictures with Santa. Wreaths are from Northeast Kingdom Balsam and are first come, first serve so arrive early!

In the giving spirit? We will be accepting donations for the NVRA Winter Coat Drive. Please bring a new or used coat. All coats collected will be donated to Spectrum Youth & Family Services.

All are welcome to join this cheerful community event. We look forward to seeing you! Make sure to follow Coldwell Banker Islands Realty for updates. Follow our Facebook event page for more updates.

 

This will be a weekend filled with Holiday fun. Visit out Holiday Hoopla and then check out these other events happening in The Islands.

• Champlain Islands Christmas Parade
• CIFM Winter Market
• Viva Marketplace Holiday Market