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 c