Cold Hollow Cider Mill Tour — Waterbury Center, Vermont

Discover the Cold Hollow Cider Mill Tour in Vermont

The Cold Hollow Cider Mill Tour in Waterbury Center, VT, is one of New England’s sweetest and most authentic farm-to-bottle experiences. Nestled in the Green Mountains just minutes from Stowe, this working cider mill invites visitors to watch traditional cider-making in action — from fresh apples to delicious, all-natural Vermont cider.

The self-guided tour lets guests peer into the production area through large viewing windows, where apples are washed, ground, and pressed using the mill’s classic racks-and-cloths press. In addition to cider-making, the mill features a bakery serving its famous cider donuts, a tasting room for hard ciders, and a country store filled with local Vermont goods, maple products, and homemade jams.

Why it’s special:
Cold Hollow combines the charm of a family-run farm with the flavor of Vermont craftsmanship. Visitors experience authentic cider production, taste award-winning hard ciders, and enjoy the cozy atmosphere of one of Vermont’s most beloved destinations.

History/Story of Cold Hollow Cider Mill

Cold Hollow Cider Mill was founded in 1974 by Eric and Francine Chittenden, who wanted to preserve Vermont’s traditional cider-pressing techniques while making them accessible to visitors. They transformed a 1950s dairy barn into a working cider mill, blending history, hospitality, and local flavor.

Over the decades, Cold Hollow has become a Vermont landmark, producing millions of gallons of cider while staying true to its roots. It’s now also home to the Hard Cider Tasting Room, offering small-batch craft ciders made right on-site.

What You’ll See & Do on the Cold Hollow Cider Mill Tour

• Watch cider being made on the original rack-and-cloth cider press (in operation daily during harvest season).

• Learn how Vermont apples are pressed into fresh cider and bottled.

• Sample free tastes of sweet cider and Cold Hollow’s famous cider donuts.

• Explore the Hard Cider Tasting Room, featuring flights of locally made hard cider.

• Visit the bakery and café for Vermont specialties like paninis, soups, and maple desserts.

• Browse the country store filled with local goods, maple syrup, jams, honey, and Vermont gifts.

Hands-On Elements: Sample cider and donuts, watch live pressing, and enjoy tastings in the cider bar.

Photo/Video Policy: Photography welcome throughout the mill and shop.

Souvenirs & Extras:

• Fresh cider jugs, cider donuts, Vermont maple syrup, and artisan gifts

• Bottled hard cider and seasonal specialties

Pricing of Cold Hollow Cider Mill Tour

• Admission: Free (self-guided viewing and tastings)

• Hard Cider Tastings: ~$10–$15 per flight (ages 21+)

• Guided Group Tours: Available by reservation (pricing varies)

Practical Info for Visiting Cold Hollow Cider Mill

Duration: ~30–60 minutes
Format: Self-guided tour + optional cider tastings + café visit
Schedule & Seasonality: Open daily year-round (9 AM–6 PM in summer, 9 AM–5 PM in winter); cider pressing demonstrations daily in fall
Audience: Families, foodies, couples, school groups, and cider lovers
Accessibility: Fully wheelchair accessible
Safety & Restrictions:

• Pets not permitted inside buildings (welcome outdoors)

• Must be 21+ for hard cider tastings

Languages: English
Group & School Visits: Group reservations available; educational programs for kids on apple farming and cider making

What to Bring/Wear: Comfortable clothing, appetite for donuts and cider
Facilities: Bakery, café, tasting room, country store, restrooms, free parking
Closures & Downtime: Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day

Location & Booking

Getting There: Located between Waterbury and Stowe on Route 100; free parking available onsite
Booking: No reservation needed for self-guided tours; group bookings via ColdHollow.com
Cancellation & Refunds: Not applicable (free entry)
On-Site Extras: Café, hard cider bar, bakery, and seasonal events

Nearby

• Ben & Jerry’s Factory Tour (Waterbury)

• Stowe Mountain Resort

• Cabot Farmers’ Store

FAQs About Visiting the Cold Hollow Cider Mill

Is the tour free?
Yes, the self-guided cider mill tour and tastings of sweet cider are free.

Do they press cider year-round?
Cider pressing occurs daily in the fall harvest season, with recorded demonstrations or video displays during other times.

Can I taste hard cider?
Yes, visitors 21+ can sample small-batch hard ciders in the onsite tasting room.

Are there food options?
Yes — the café serves soups, sandwiches, and desserts made with local Vermont ingredients.

Can kids join the tour?
Absolutely! Families and children love watching the cider press and tasting cider donuts.

Do I need to book ahead?
No reservations are required for individuals; group tours should schedule in advance.