5 Must-Visit Vermont Breweries for Perfect Fall Views (2025)
Vermont leads the nation: more craft breweries per capita than any other state. Picture postcard villages, fiery foliage, world-class beer—autumn here delivers it all.
Beer tours & spectacular views: our breweries offer the perfect pairing. Burlington stands proud as Vermont's craft beer capital, yet eleven beer trails snake across our state, each worth exploring. From Hill Farmstead's Northeast Kingdom hideaway to Manchester Center's upcoming 20-barrel operation, Vermont breweries earn recognition coast to coast.
World-class beer, breathtaking fall scenery—here's where they meet.
These breweries capture autumn's magic: golden ales, crimson maples, unforgettable experiences.
Hill Farmstead Brewery
Image Source: Hill Farmstead Brewery
Greensboro Bend's rolling hills hide a treasure: Hill Farmstead Brewery. Shaun Hill returned from Belgium with brewing wisdom, transforming his family farmstead into a brewing legend.
Hill Farmstead Brewery Overview
403 Hill Road: secluded yet accessible, remote yet welcoming. Over 220 years of Hill family heritage flow through this land. Vermont's agricultural traditions are alive & thriving.
Cell service? Forget about it. Download directions first. Wednesday through Sunday, we welcome visitors. Extended hours Fridays & Saturdays: 11:30 am- 7:00 pm. No rideshare here—bring your designated driver or book Four Points Vermont tours from Stowe.
Hill Farmstead Fall Beer Highlights
Song of Autumn captures the season perfectly: red IPA, Vermont-grown hops from Champlain Valley, Starksboro—5.8% ABV, ruddy red like autumn maples surrounding you.
Our lineup runs deep: lagers to stouts, citrusy IPAs to barrel-aged barley wines. Bourbon, wine, and cognac barrels—each adds character. First visit? Try Hill Farmstead Edward: American pale ale, Chinook & Centennial hops, Simcoe & Columbus finishing strong.
Hill Farmstead Scenic Fall Views
Late September through early October: peak foliage time. Men's Journal named us among "America's Most Scenic Microbreweries." Our outdoor beer garden delivers exceptional leaf peeping.
Picnic tables dot the property. Northeast Kingdom colors stretch endlessly. Rustic charm meets natural beauty—autumn immersion at its finest.
"Pillowy meadows" ablaze in reds, oranges, golds—that's how locals describe our view. Barr Hill Natural Area & Long Pond Natural Area nearby: extend your foliage adventure beyond our brewery grounds.
Foam Brewers
Image Source: www.foambrewers.com
Lake Champlain's waterfront: home to Burlington's most scenic brewery experience. Since 2016, Foam Brewers has crafted imaginative beers for those who appreciate both exceptional taste and breathtaking views.
Foam Brewers Overview
112 Lake Street, directly across from Waterfront Park: small-batch brewing meets vibrant community spirit. "Imaginative beers for enlightened palates"—their motto speaks to both creativity and quality. Cheese & charcuterie boards, live music, local art: this brewery delivers a complete sensory experience.
Seven days a week, indoor comfort meets outdoor relaxation. Community matters here—regular live music shows create an atmosphere that welcomes everyone.
Foam Brewers Fall Beer Highlights
The Fall: Foam's seasonal celebration of Vermont's autumn glory. This 5% ABV German lager takes inspiration from traditional Festbier, then adds distinctive character. Dry-hopped with Northern Brewer & Hallertau Mittelfruh: floral, malty, touched with spice.
"Great for a night around a fire while watching sunset as the leaves begin to fall". At $12 per 12-oz can, Jake Caggige's artistic label captures Vermont's fleeting autumn magic.
Beyond seasonal specialties: crisp lagers, session IPAs, complex sours, robust triple IPAs rotate constantly. House of Fermentology series features Vermont wild ales aged in oak, often incorporating regional fruit & flowers.
Foam Brewers Scenic Fall Views
Westward views of Lake Champlain & the Adirondack Mountains: Foam's location stands unmatched among Vermont breweries. Fall sunsets paint the sky while vibrant foliage frames the distant peaks.
Ample windows, outdoor seating: every seat offers magnificent lake views. Visitors consistently praise the "awesome" location with "great views of Lake Champlain" that elevate every pint.
Weekend evenings bring live music to complement sunset views—Vermont's autumn charm captured in perfect harmony.
The Alchemist
Image Source: Vermont.com
Legendary Status: Cult Following
The Alchemist earned its reputation the hard way. John & Jen Kimmich started with a 60-seat Waterbury brewpub in 2003. Hurricane Irene hit in 2011 and destroyed their original spot. They rebuilt stronger, focused on what matters: world-class beer.
The Alchemist Overview
Stowe Location: Complete Craft Experience
100 Cottage Club Road houses its state-of-the-art facility. Indoor & outdoor spaces welcome beer pilgrims from everywhere. Their Beer Café offers something special: Heady Topper on cask—creamy texture, dense head, famous aromas preserved.
Thursday through Sunday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.: the brewery opens its doors. Hand-painted ceiling murals create a shrine-like atmosphere for devoted visitors. Beyond the headliners, expect Kolsch styles, Saisons, Stouts—quality across the board.
The Alchemist Fall Beer Highlights
Harvest Ale: Autumn's Perfect Match
Harvest Ale captures fall's essence: 100% Munich malt, 75 pounds of fresh green hops. Rich malty body meets pronounced hop character, dry-hopped twice for maximum impact.
The lineup extends far beyond Heady Topper. Focal Banger American IPA draws crowds, and Wild Child Kriek cherry sour surprises visitors—four-packs around $13—exceptional value for world-class brewing.
The Alchemist Scenic Fall Views
Mountain Backdrop: Vermont at Its Finest
Adirondack chairs dot the expansive beer garden. Cornhole, disk golf, and vibrant autumn colors surround you. Mountains frame the scene, and sunset creates magic during evening visits.
Food trucks rotate through, and live music fills fall evenings. World-class beer meets Vermont's quintessential autumn experience: this is what our state does best.
von Trapp Brewing
Image Source: von Trapp Brewing
Family heritage meets Vermont hills: the von Trapp story continues. From "The Sound of Music" to award-winning lagers, this Austrian-American brewing legacy creates something truly special.
von Trapp Brewing Legacy
2024 Great American Beer Fest "Brewery of the Year"—the recognition speaks volumes. "A little of Austria, a lot of Vermont®" captures their essence perfectly. Since 2010, our family has crafted authentic Austrian lagers on 2,600 acres of Stowe mountain beauty.
The Bierhall connects directly to our brewery: fresh brews, Austrian-inspired dishes, and family traditions alive. Bratwurst with sauerkraut, pretzels with cheddar lager soup—each meal honors our heritage while celebrating Vermont craftsmanship.
von Trapp Fall Beer Selection
Oktoberfest: Traditional Märzen-style perfection. Light & dark Munich malts create notes of graham cracker, caramel, bread crust. Hallertau and Tettnang hops contribute floral and peppery aromas. Available July 15 through October 15—autumn's golden companion.
Trösten follows close behind: "comforting" in name, comforting in nature. This dark lager offers chestnut and toast notes from Carafa and smoked malts, yet finishes light and smooth. Perfect for cool Vermont evenings. Available October 15—late autumn's embrace.
von Trapp Mountain Views
Sweeping Lodge grounds provide unmatched fall splendor—our Bierhall features ski-in, ski-out patios with fire pits—cozy warmth against autumn's brilliant backdrop.
Hiking trails, mountain biking, farm tours, and disc golf: adventure awaits across our property. After exploring, gather beside outdoor fires with fresh craft lagers.
The third Saturday in September brings our Oktoberfest celebration: oompah bands, stein-holding competitions, German food, and authentic Austrian beer: family tradition, Vermont style.
Long Trail Brewing Company
Image Source: Long Trail Brewing Company
Vermont's iconic 273-mile hiking path inspires our name, our beers, and our values. Since 1989, we've crafted trail-worthy brews at the junction of Routes 4 and 100A in Bridgewater Corners—a cornerstone of Vermont's brewing heritage.
Long Trail Brewing Overview
Mountain Brewers, we called ourselves first. Started in the basement of Bridgewater Corners' Old Woolen Mill with one mission: create affordable American alternatives to pricey European imports. Our commitment to Vermont craftsmanship runs deep.
Our spacious riverside pub honors Munich's famous Hofbräu House—a genuine German beer hall experience. Open daily at noon, we welcome visitors to warm, inviting spaces where beer flows generously and comfort food satisfies hungry travelers.
Long Trail Fall Beer Highlights
Autumn brings Harvest: our seasonal brown ale captures the essence of Vermont perfectly. Vermont maple syrup added during brewing creates distinctive sweetness—autumn in every sip. 4.4% ABV, 18 IBU, balanced & accessible. This fall specialty marks the culmination of our growing season.
Our flagship Long Trail Ale® launched our brewing journey—altbier style, year-round favorite. Heritage meets innovation in every pour.
Long Trail Scenic Fall Views
Ottauquechee River setting: spectacular autumn opportunities await. Heated outdoor spaces include our enclosed "Beer Tent" with river views. Four reservation-only "sugar sheds" accommodate eight guests for 120-minute experiences.
Each shed features: heaters, Bluetooth speakers, and whole food & beverage service. Bring layers—Vermont autumn demands preparation.
Pet-friendly Airbnb accommodations available: extend your brewery visit into a complete fall getaway.