Backroads of Vermont

Head to Vermont (with stop in New Hampshire) for a unique experience. Travel the backroads with a professional local who will guide the bus on a scenic Vermont tour as you go from winery to winery to Distillery.

Join the day’s tour guide, Kelly Socia (of Vermont Backroad Tours) as he winds the bus on the backroads of Vermont. He has been providing scenic tours of Vermont for the last 10 years.  Along with these tours, he has also facilitated hundreds of winery and brewery tours throughout Vermont. As a native Vermonter, Kelly was raised on a dairy farm. He is knowledgeable of all things Vermont including the: wildlife, history, culture, geography, and politics.  Along with experiencing Vermont wineries, you will be immersed on a cultural and scenic tour of Vermont.

After picking Kelly up, our first tasting is at Putney Winery which is located inside Basketville. The Dodges began making wines in the 1990s. Charles, then a professor of music at Dartmouth College, became intrigued by his graduate students’ stories of brewing beer for fun. He even considered trying that himself. On his way home one day, he had an epiphany when he stopped at a local orchard (knowing that he and his wife have enjoyed many wines together). It was then and there, he decided to stick with Vermont tradition and craft delicious fruit wines from the delectable local produce.

Moving on to the next stop, enjoy lunch at Honora Winery.  The winery received its name from the CEO’s great-grandmother who was named Honor. The Latin translation of Honor is Honora.  Meal Choice of: The Beer Drinker (Tommy Knocker Brats, simmered in Stout served with Sweet and Sour Red Cabbage, Caramelized Onion Noodle Kugel, and a Flight of 4 Beers), or The Wine Drinker (Chicken Chardonnay served with Rice Pilaf, Spicy, Sweet, Salty Carrots, and a tasting of 3 wines).

Our next  tasting of the day will be at Saxtons River Distillery.  Having fled Czarist-controlled Lithuania in 1906, the family strongly desired to assimilate into American society, but kept alive familiar Lithuanian traditions and customs, including making flavorful liqueurs. The tradition of crafting fine liqueurs has been passed from generation to generation, and they are pleased to share our unique liqueur with you. Saxton River Distillery Vermont spirits combine old-world heritage with the flavor and tradition of Vermont.

Make a stop in NH for a tasting at the Summit Winery, which is a family owned and run boutique winery producing just north of 680 cases for its 2016 season. Owners Darren (Wine Maker) and Judy Horn (Wine Maker Liaison & Chief of Moral Support) find that the art is in the process. Attention to details and cleanliness are the keystones of making great wine. It is this deep belief that has led The Summit Winery to expand their wine list from five, to eight and soon ten different wines. Don’t let your palate miss out!