Vermont’s position as one of the country’s strongest localvore/foodie states is constantly being reinforced by the accolades of international organizations. Just this week Jasper Hill Farm in Greensboro won top honors for it’s Bayley Hazen Blue at the World Cheese Awards in London. And they weren’t alone, two Grafton Village Cheeses won super gold and Vermont Creamery won eight medals. Clearly the artisan cheese producers of Vermont are setting international standards of excellence.
Perhaps the fastest rising food related industries in Vermont is the hard cider industry. Ten years ago there was one producer of hard cider in Vermont, today there are fifteen. The demand for hard cider produced in Vermont is very strong and growing by the day. This week is being promoted as Cider Week Vermont. A week long celebration of cider tastings, cider mill tours and food and music at many of the stops statewide. Check out the complete calendar of events at the website vermontciderweek.com .
I have been visiting orchards and tasting hard ciders throughout my travels around the state this fall and I’m struck by the sophistication of the hard cider offerings. In addition to a selection of wine at Thanksgiving next week. I will have at least 2 or 3 hard cider choices. Something new for us but I’m sure we won’t be alone.
Posted by Wade I. Treadway