Photos courtesy of the Southern Vermont Homebrew Festival
Vermont Business Magazine Embrace the vibrant hues and crisp air of the season at Southern Vermont's quintessential autumn event. Delight in freshly-pressed apple cider, warm apple cider donuts, and heartwarming live music. Savor a smoky barbeque, gather around cozy fire pits, and toast to some of the finest homebrews in the land! All this and more awaits you at the 14th Annual Southern Vermont Homebrew Festival: Fall Edition, taking place on Saturday, October 7th at the Bennington Sports Center, formerly the Catamount School, on Main Street in downtown Bennington.
Crafting a Seasonal Sensation
Established in 2015, the Southern Vermont Homebrew Festival aims to spotlight the extraordinary talent of homebrewers across the Northeast. This year, festival organizers Hopridge Farms and the Southwestern Vermont Chamber of Commerce are transforming the event into a fall-themed extravaganza, featuring the very best of homebrewing from Vermont, Massachusetts, New York, and beyond.
A Cornucopia of Tastings
Festival-goers can expect unlimited tastings of an array of beverages, including beer, wine, cider, mead, and more. Over 28 homebrewers will be offering more than 120 artisanal samples to savor and enjoy.
Competing for Autumn Glory
This year's festival invites the region’s top homebrewers to vie for the title of "Best Home Brewery." Other awards, based on patron’s votes, include Favorite Beer, VIP Hour Beverage, and Favorite Non-Beer Beverage. Plus we have a Beer Industry Judging Panel assembled by former Home Brew participant Seth Barrows who now owns and operates Farm Road Brewing. They will pick their favorite beverage and that will be announced at the end of the festival.
The Art of Homebrewing
Homebrewing is not just a hobby, but a craft that allows individuals to create personalized beverages. Whether you're looking to save money, experiment with recipes, or reduce your environmental footprint, homebrewing offers something for everyone.
A Fall Festival Like No Other
Matt Harrington, Executive Director of the Southwestern Vermont Chamber of Commerce, elaborates on what sets this year's festival apart: “We wanted to provide a truly unique Vermont fall experience, complete with flannel attire, sizzling fire pits, seasonal ciders, and maybe even some pumpkin-flavored brews. We intentionally scheduled the event for a holiday weekend to maximize exposure and offer travelers an authentic Vermont autumn activity.”
A Platform for Aspiring Brewers
The Homebrew Festivals have empowered many budding brewers to transition into professional roles, further enriching the craft beer scene in the region. Over the past seven years the festival has encouraged many of its amateur brewers to enter into the professional industry. One brewer joined a local brewery as their brewery master, while five others have opened up their own breweries including two in Bennington (Farm Road Brewing and Harvest Brewing), another in Fort Edward, NY (Slick Fin Brewing Company), 1Way Brewing in MA, and another in Ballston Spa, NY (Speckled Pig).
“As these festivals have evolved since the first one in 2015, a constant has been the incredible beverages brought by the home brewers,” said Will Gardner, Founder and Co-Organizer of the festivals. “We have developed a home brewing family and it's much like a family reunion. Most of the brewers know one another exclusively from meeting at the festival and look forward to interacting with each other twice a year. In addition to the home brewing family, we have created and nurtured a relaxed, fun, and comfortable atmosphere. This is the driving force behind our planning and we are pleased to see it come to fruition festival after festival.”
The Sounds and Tastes of Fall
Live music will be performed throughout the day by Horsey Cow and the Ray Gifford Band, whose repertoire perfectly complements the festival's autumnal atmosphere. In addition, WatsonWheeler Cider will offer fresh-pressed apple cider, while Propagation Piece Orchard will keep the warm apple cider donuts coming all day long.
Ticket Information
VIP ticket holders can enter at noon for an exclusive tasting session, while general admission runs from 1pm - 4pm. Purchase tickets at www.vthomebrewfests.com
. Each ticket includes unlimited sampling and the chance to vote for the winners. Designated Driver/Non-Drinking tickets are also available.
Acknowledgments
The organizers would like to extend gratitude to this year’s sponsors: Presenting Sponsor Coggins Auto Group, VIP Hour Sponsor Fidium Fiber, and Brewer Sponsor The Bank of Bennington. Special thanks to the host, the Bennington Sports Center, and media sponsors, The Bennington Banner and CAT-TV. They would also like to thank supporting sponsors Silver Therapeutics, Culligan Water, Farm Road Brewing, Ramuntos Pizza, WatsonWheeler Cider, Propagation Piece Orchard, J.K. Adams, and Hannaford of Bennington.
Vendors Add a Splash of Variety
From a grilled cheese food truck, hot sauces, candied bacon, artisan pottery, festival merchandise, artisan candles, fresh pressed apple cider and warm apple cider donuts, to the outdoor Grill and a family of brewers, the festival promises all the fall feels covered!
For more information and to secure your tickets, visit https://www.vthomebrewfests.com
.
Let the splendor of fall and the spirit of community warm your hearts this season at the Southern Vermont Homebrew Festival: Fall Edition. We can't wait to celebrate the beauty of autumn with you!
Source: (Bennington, Vermont) –– Southwestern Vermont Chamber of Commerce
Bennington Sports Center
VT
United States