Cold Hollow Cider Mill | Stowe

The Cold Hollow Cider Mill is a historic cider and maple syrup producer located in Waterbury, Vermont, near Stowe. Renowned for its fresh-pressed apple cider, handmade donuts, and maple products, the mill offers visitors a blend of culinary tradition, hands-on experiences, and Vermont charm. It has become a popular stop for families, tourists, and food enthusiasts exploring the Green Mountains region.

History & Background
Founded in 1974, Cold Hollow Cider Mill started as a small, family-run operation dedicated to preserving Vermont’s apple and cider-making traditions. Over the decades, it has expanded its offerings and facilities while maintaining a commitment to local ingredients, artisanal methods, and community engagement. The mill continues to celebrate Vermont’s agricultural heritage through its products and visitor experiences.

Products & Culinary Offerings
The mill is best known for its fresh-pressed apple cider, which is available year-round and celebrated for its crisp, natural flavor. Other products include:

Apple cider donuts, made daily using traditional recipes.

Maple syrup and maple candy, sourced from local Vermont sugarhouses.

Apple pies, jams, and preserves, highlighting seasonal flavors.

Specialty items, including hard cider and apple-based beverages.

Visitors can sample products on-site and purchase them to take home, making the mill both a culinary and retail destination.

Visitor Experience & Tours
Cold Hollow Cider Mill offers a hands-on, family-friendly experience:

Guests can watch the cider-pressing process and learn about apple cultivation.

Seasonal events showcase apple harvesting, cider-making, and maple sugaring.

The mill’s store provides tasting stations, cooking demonstrations, and gift items.

Children and adults alike enjoy the combination of educational displays and sensory engagement, from the aroma of fresh cider to the sight of apple crates and sugar maple barrels.

Seasonal Highlights

Fall: Peak apple season with cider pressing, festivals, and apple picking nearby.

Winter: Maple products and holiday treats take center stage, with cozy indoor experiences.

Spring: Limited apple products alongside maple syrup tastings as the sugaring season concludes.

Summer: Fresh fruit preserves, cider sampling, and light snacks attract tourists exploring the region.

Scenic & Cultural Setting
Situated along a rural Vermont road, the mill is surrounded by apple orchards, fields, and forested hills, creating a classic Green Mountain landscape. Visitors often combine a stop at the mill with drives through the scenic countryside, taking in views of Mount Mansfield and the surrounding valleys.

Community & Local Significance
Cold Hollow Cider Mill is not only a culinary destination but also a celebrated part of Vermont’s agritourism network. It supports local farmers, promotes sustainable agricultural practices, and hosts community events, reinforcing its role as both a cultural and economic asset.

Atmosphere & Visitor Experience
The mill exudes a warm, rustic charm, with the smell of freshly pressed cider, the taste of sweet donuts, and friendly staff creating a welcoming environment. Visitors experience hands-on learning, sensory delights, and Vermont traditions, making each visit memorable.

Essence of Cold Hollow Cider Mill
Cold Hollow Cider Mill embodies Vermont’s agricultural heritage and culinary culture, offering a rich, interactive experience centered on apples, cider, and maple products. Its combination of taste, education, and scenic rural charm makes it a quintessential stop for anyone exploring northern Vermont.