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Going apple cider tasting at Cold Hollow Cider Mill is something you can’t miss when you visit Stowe, Vermont! First, let me preface this by saying that apple cider is my absolute FAVORITE drink on the planet. And coming from Washington, the top apple-producing state in the country, the bar is set pretty high. That said, the apple cider here was hands down the BEST apple cider of my life. It now makes sense to me that apples are the official state fruit of Vermont – this stuff was out of this world!
Not only can you get delicious apple cider and other treats like apple cider donuts here, but you can also get a tour of the cider-making process and shop the cutest gift shop. We got gifts for every single friend and family member here!
Below are all the details you need to visit!
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Where is Cold Hollow Cider Mill?
Cold Hollow Cider Mill is on Route 100 in Waterbury, Vermont. It’s just 10 minutes outside of the popular town of Stowe and 3 minutes down the road from the Ben & Jerry’s Factory!
Overview of Cold Hollow Cider Mill
| Year founded | 1974 |
| Address | 3600 Waterbury Stowe Rd, Waterbury Center, VT 05677 |
| Hours | 8 am to 6 pm |
| Open? | Yes |
History of Cold Hollow Cider Mill
Cold Hollow Cider Mill has been a Vermont family business since 1974 and has grown to be one of the largest farm operations in the state! It’s the largest producer of cider in New England (over 1 million gallons a year!) and has become the most popular historic cider mill in the northeast with over 350,000 visitors per year. The mill is located in a gorgeous 1800’s Vermont farmhouse that you can’t miss when you head down Route 100.
The experience at Cold Hollow Cider Mill
From the second we parked at the adorable red farmhouse we felt the authenticity of this place. We’d wondered what “real live vermonters” meant on their marketing sign and as soon as we walked in the doors we knew what they meant.
Outside they had wooden boxes full of their famous McIntosh apples where you could pick your poison. Each apple is only 25 cents and you can just drop your quarter in the empty gallon cider jug. I found something so warm and fuzzy about the fact that it’s just an honor system; it really added to the authentic family-first feel here.
After we picked out a few apples we headed into the mill and we were blown away! The store portion of the mill was filled with the cutest local gifts and treats – from sweatshirts, stuffed animals and puzzles to local honey, jams and syrup.
Once we loaded up our arms with gifts for everyone we know, we continued on into the back to take the self-guided tour (more on that below). After having a few too many cider samples (oops), we headed toward the bakery to watch the massive operation that is their donut making process. It’s fascinating to watch them being made and know that in peak season they produce over 800 DOZEN per day.
We walked out with their famous Apple Cider Donut and, of course, a large hot apple cider. Neither of them lasted long and it took everything in us to not go back for seconds.
Maybe it’s the sugar rush talking, but the experience here was definitely in our top 5 experiences in Vermont!
Cold Hollow Cider Mill Tour
In the back left of the main building there is a pressing room where you can watch them press the apples through the glass. It’s so neat to see them pressing the apples using an old-school rack and cloth apple press from the 1920’s. It’s also wild to think that they press over 7 million apples per year! But now that I’ve gotten into juicing a bit myself, I feel like I understand completely. It must take so many apples to make a gallon!
In the same area there is an informational video that plays as well as our favorite part, the tasting tank. This is where you can sample the freshly pressed cider and it’s beyond refreshing! Overall the tour doesn’t take too long and is super fun for the whole family.
What time are Cold Hollow Cider Mill tours?
The mill offers self-guided tours all day during their operating hours 8 am to 6 pm. You can start your tour at any time.
Cold Hollow Cider Mill Hours
The mill is open from 8 am to 6 pm, 7 days a week! They are open year-round and only close for Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.
Is Cold Hollow Cider Mill Open?
Yes! Cold Hollow Cider Mill is open and accepting visitors. Don’t forget to wear a mask and stay socially distanced from other visitors. (October 2020)
Where can I buy Cold Hollow Cider?
You can buy the cider by the half-gallon online here along with tons more of their local Vermont products. This way you can continue to fuel the sure-found addiction once you get home! Note: they only ship cider October 1 to March 1.
Things to do nearby
With the Ben & Jerry’s factory just 3 minutes down the road and the incredible town of Stowe 10 minutes away, there are tons of things to do around the cider mill. Definitely spend some time exploring all the best things to do in Stowe, and if you’re visiting in the fall consider going on a New England Fall Foliage road trip!
Where to stay nearby
I’d recommend staying in Stowe, one of our favorite towns ever!
- The Trapp Family Lodge is beautiful and historic
- Sun & Ski Inn and Suites is more modern and has great walkability into the town of Stowe
- The Lodge at Spruce Peak is a gorgeous lodge that is in the perfect location if you’re wanting to ski.
Check out all of the accommodations in Stowe here.
Read next
- 14 things to do in Stowe Vermont
- Top 10 places for New England Fall Foliage
- Acadia National Park: 12 Can’t Miss Activities
Have a great time cider tasting!
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