10 Charming Vermont Destinations for Artisanal Cheese and Bread Making
Vermont is a state known for its rugged beauty, but it’s also a haven for food lovers, especially those with a taste for artisanal cheese and freshly baked bread. These places within the region offer the chance to get up close and personal with the craft of cheese and bread making.
Fat Sheep Farm – Hartland, VT
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The Fat Sheep Farm lets visitors try their hand at cheesemaking with its “Cheesemaker For A Day” experience. If you’re craving something more interactive, the “Hands-on Cheesemaking Workshop” offers the chance to create your own cheese, guided by expert cheesemaker Suzy Kaplan. Afterward, kick back and enjoy a cozy farm stay.
King Arthur Flour – Norwich, VT
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King Arthur Flour’s flagship store is heaven for anyone who loves to bake. It offers classes for beginners to experts, covering everything from sourdough to delicate pastries. Their vast selection of baking tools and ingredients makes it easy for home bakers to continue experimenting after the trip.
Shelburne Farms – Shelburne, VT
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Shelburne Farms offers a hands-on workshop where guests can dive into Vermont’s dairy history and make delicious cheese from scratch. Once the class is over, you can relax and enjoy the fruits of your labor. The farm prioritizes sustainability and a farm-to-table approach.
Grafton Village Cheese – Grafton, VT
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Grafton Village Cheese has been perfecting its craft for years. Take a tour to see how traditional methods are used to create some of the best cheeses in Vermont. The Grafton Cheddar is particularly popular, and once you taste it, you’ll understand why.
The Bread & Puppet Theater – Glover, VT
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While famous for its bold and quirky puppetry, The Bread & Puppet Theater also offers bread-making classes in a unique, creative setting. These workshops embrace the spirit of art and community, and there’s no better way to get a taste of Vermont’s culture. Plus, you may just catch one of their colorful puppet shows after kneading some dough.
Mad River Taste Place – Waitsfield, VT
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Mad River Taste Place celebrates Vermont’s food scene in one location. They host a guided tasting tour where visitors can sample some of the state’s finest cheeses, breads, and other artisanal products. It’s a great way to taste your way through Vermont and learn about the local food culture.
Von Trapp Farmstead – Waitsfield, VT
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The Von Trapp Farmstead offers a beautiful blend of history and cheese. The farm, operated by descendants of the famous Von Trapp family, produces award-winning cheeses using old-world techniques. You can tour the farm, taste the cheeses, and even participate in workshops that bring the tradition of cheesemaking to life.
The Farmhouse – Burlington, VT
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The Farmhouse in Burlington may not offer classes, but it’s a foodie’s paradise. Their menu features Vermont cheeses and breads that perfectly highlight the best the state has to offer. With a laid-back, cozy atmosphere and an emphasis on local, sustainable ingredients, it’s a spot that will make you feel right at home.
The Cheese Shop – Middlebury, VT
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At The Cheese Shop in Middlebury, buying cheese is never simply enough; learning about it is the best way to enjoy a worthwhile experience. They offer tastings and education on the process behind Vermont’s famed cheeses.
Highland Farm – South Hero, VT
Credit: Calkins Creamery
Highland Farm offers a serene escape on the shores of Lake Champlain. You can learn how to make cheese, bake bread, and enjoy the quiet beauty of Vermont. Once the class is over, swap hands-on learning for a breathtaking setting by strolling around the farm, meeting the animals, and relaxing by the lake.