One of the best cideries in the U.S. is in Vermont

It’s the season of the apple and a Vermont cidery using freshly pressed apples was just recognized nationally for its craft beverages.

USA Today released a list of the 10 best cideries in the U.S. on Wednesday, part of its 2026 10Best Reader’s Choice Awards, and Vermont Cider Lab in Essex, Vermont ranked No. 8. The cidery’s Cassa Frass was also named among the 10 must-taste ciders of the year, ranking No. 10.

“Hard cider has become a go-to choice for those seeking something fresh and flavorful beyond the usual beer options. Its versatility and wide range of styles — from dry and crisp to bold and juicy — make it a standout in the world of craft beverages,” wrote USA Today.

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.

Vermont Cider Lab’s ciders are made from freshly pressed apples and locally sourced ingredients, noted USA Today, and its gluten-free Cassa Frass “combines bright citrus with a spicy ginger profile.”

The cidery’s owners celebrated the recognition in a Facebook post.

“When we started the Vermont Cider Lab, we dreamed of making great dry cider here in our hometown, but also creating a place where people could come together and feel like part of the community,” wrote Vermont Cider Lab officials. “To see our little Vermont cidery recognized alongside some of the best in the country is pretty incredible.”

The No. 1 cidery in the U.S. is Fly Creek Cider Mill & Orchard in Fly Creek, N.Y.

Another New England cider made the list of must-taste ciders this year: Farmstead at Champlain Orchards in Shoreham, Vermont ranked No. 3. The No. 1 must-taste cider is Vacation Station at Urban Orchard Cider Co. in Asheville, N.C.

Cheack out USA Today‘s list of the 10 best cideries in the U.S.

Kristi Palma

Travel writer

 

Kristi Palma is the travel writer for Boston.com, focusing on the six New England states. She covers airlines, hotels, and things to do across Boston and New England. She is the author of the award-winning Scenic Six, a weekly travel newsletter.