Travel
You’ll find it in Essex.
For those seeking apple cider in the hard version this season, a cidery in Vermont is impressing tasters with fresh-pressed apples from local farms, according to USA Today readers.
The publication released a list of the 10 best cideries in the U.S. on Wednesday, part of its 2025 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards, and Vermont Cider Lab in Essex ranked No. 4.
Here’s what USA Today wrote about Vermont Cider Lab:
Vermont Cider Lab uses fresh-pressed apples from nearby farms to make its naturally gluten-free hard cider with blends like ginger lemon, blueberry basil, and cranberry. The tasting room offers views of their production area, reinforcing their farm-to-glass storytelling and commitment to locally sourced ingredients.
Chris Line, co-owner of Vermont Cider Lab, credits his cidery’s “passion for quality and hospitality” for its success.
“We are incredibly humbled and honored to have been nominated and voted as one of the top 10 cideries in the country by USA Today,” wrote Line, in a statement. “This recognition means the world to us, and we are deeply grateful for the support of our loyal customers and community.”
The No. 1 cidery in America is Cider Corps in Mesa, Ariz.
For the 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards lists, USA Today travel experts select 20 nominees in topics from food to lodging, destinations to things to do. Then the publication asks readers to cast votes to determine the top 10.
Check out USA Today‘s list of the 10 best cideries in the U.S.
Heading to Vermont this fall season? Find out what it’s like in Stowe during peak foliage, plan your trip around a great cider doughnut spot, or book a colorful romantic weekend near an apple orchard.
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