Vermont

Climate: Cool continental

Soils: Glacial schist, granite, and gneiss

Vermont does not at this point have any official AVAs. Historically Vermont has focused on production of spirits due to its cold climate, which was not conducive to growing grapes. Creation of cold-hardy hybrids changed this, and climate change is due to make Vermont a bit more friendly to winegrowing in the near future. Hybrids include Frontenac, La Crescent, Marquette, and Seyval Blanc, and some cold-climate V. vinifera varieties like Riesling are now being grown successfully. In addition, Vermont is one of the few regions in the world that can produce genuine ice wine.

Most Vermont wineries are located in the northwest of the state near Lake Champlain, which is shared by New York State. This will likely become the state’s first AVA. The lake effect here moderates the climate, allowing vinifera vines to grow well. Recently efforts have increased to name wine routes, create cooperative associations such as the Vermont Grape and Wine Council to aid producers, and market the region. Wineries like La Garagista have garnered national attention and picked up distribution as far away as the West Coast, drawing a focus to the potential for winemaking in Vermont.