At DigInVT, we like to eat local and we like to drink local. As you’re planning your Thanksgiving and holiday menu, don’t forget to pair it with a local beverage. Our Vermont cidermakers and winemakers produce the perfect pairings for a local holiday feast.
Here are a few of their recommendations for making your meal unforgettable.
Eden Specialty Ciders, Newport
Eden Ciders is a boutique winery in the heart of the Northeast Kingdom of Vermont. The folks at Eden focus on artisanal drinks that reflect the heritage and climate of this beautiful region. Adam Goddu retail director of Eden, paired Eden ciders with each course.
Welcome cider/cheese course – “Eden Ciders Brut Nature is a bone-dry, Champagne method cider that spends over a year on the lees creating a nuanced mouthfeel that’s the perfect welcome for your guests and a delightful pairing with any creamy, brie-like cheese.”
Entree/Main – “Eden Ciders Guinevere’s Pearls – part of Eden’s Cellar Series (limited production, specialty releases) is an off-dry cider made from 100% Northern Spy apples. Balanced acidity and residual sugar provide great structure for a cider that’s made for roast meats. It will knock it out of the park whether you’re doing a traditional turkey or ham, game meats…anything!”
Dessert – “Windfall Orchard Ice Cider this blend of over 30 varieties of apples comes from Brad Koehler’s incredible collection of heirloom and cider apples in Cornwall, VT. Enjoy it with any assortment of Thanksgiving pies, an after dinner cheese board or drizzle on some local ice cream!”
Citizen Cider, Burlington
Visitors can sample Citizen Cider’s classics and seasonal limited releases, along with the flagship ciders at their tasting room on Pine Street.
“Of course AmeriCran is the perfect combination with your Thanksgiving meal. Made with cranberries from Vt Cranberry Co in Fletcher, VT. Super dry and extra tart, it pairs well with any dish at the Thanksgiving table, a nice balance from the savory dishes and a refreshing cider to add to any meal!”
Stowe Cider, Stowe
The team at Stowe Cider is always developing unique recipes that you won’t find anywhere else. Ciders range from dry and preservative-free to others containing local fruits, hops, and unique barrel-aged offerings. Tuned Up is a cider you can enjoy at any point in the meal. As you can see the folks at Stowe Cider pair it with cranberry topped cheesecake.
Tuned Up is a dry, hazy cider made with cranberry and orange, coming in at 5.5% ABV. Fruit aromas fill the nose and upon first sip, a mild tartness tightens taste buds before the subtly sweet and complementary flavors of apple and orange hit.
Boyden Valley Winery and Spirits, Cambridge
Located in a restored 1875 carriage barn on the picturesque 5th generation Boyden Farm, the folks at Boyden Valley Winery and Spirits craft a variety of award-winning wines, ciders, and spirits that support sustainable agriculture and local farms. They offer a variety of experiences including tastings and free tours of the production facility.
Crafted with locally grown cranberries from the Vermont Cranberry Company, the Boyden Valley Winery Cranberry Wine makes the perfect pairing with turkey for the Thanksgiving table! Try it with some lime seltzer or champagne for a fun spritzer that pairs great with cheese for a appetizer or after dinner digestif.
Glögg is a red wine mulled with cinnamon, clove, cardamom, and orange peel – simply heat it up and serve it hot! Based on a traditional Swedish recipe, the Boyden Valley Winery Glogg is the perfect warm beverage to enjoy around a fireplace after a heavy Thanksgiving meal or pair it with your favorite Thanksgiving pie for dessert.
Maquam, St. Albans
Maquam is a small Vermont family-owned winery producing limited-production non-grape fruit wines. You can find their wines at retail locations around the state.
“Maquam’s Blueberry and VT Maple Syrup wine is tart with a smooth maple syrup finish that pairs nicely with appetizers, including baked brie with fruit, bacon appetizers and fried ravioli. Maquam’s Pear wine is a light easy-going white that pairs wonderfully with Thanksgiving dinner and Maquam’s Apricot dessert wine complements desserts such as pecan pie, cheesecake and is excellent drizzled over ice cream.”
These are just a few of the great locally produced beverages that we have in Vermont. We recommend visiting the many cideries, breweries and wineries in the state to find your favorite.
Source: Dig in VT Trails