Snow Farm Vineyard & Winery

Snow Farm Vineyard & Distillery is located on an island in Lake Champlain, in Vermont’s Champlain Islands. Founded in the mid-1990s by Dave and Julie Lane, the project began with a mission to preserve agricultural land and prevent it from being lost to development.

In 1996, Snow Farm became Vermont’s first commercial vineyard and winery, with the first vines planted in 1997 and the tasting room opening the same year. The estate continues to serve as a model for sustainable agriculture, promoting the importance of keeping farmland active and productive.

The vineyard benefits from a unique microclimate created by Lake Champlain, which moderates temperatures and extends the growing season, making it comparable to cool-climate regions like Burgundy. This allows Snow Farm to successfully cultivate grape varieties in an otherwise challenging northern climate.

Snow Farm produces a diverse range of cool-climate wines that reflect the unique conditions of Vermont.

The winery focuses on varieties such as Seyval Blanc, Vidal Blanc, and Riesling for whites, alongside reds like Leon Millot, Baco Noir, and proprietary blends. These wines are known for their freshness, balance, and vibrant character.

Thanks to Vermont’s cold winters, Snow Farm also specializes in late-harvest and dessert wines, including a true Vidal Blanc Ice Wine, harvested by hand in freezing conditions to achieve high sugar concentration and intense flavors.

The result is a portfolio of distinctive wines that showcase both innovation and the potential of Vermont’s emerging wine region.