New Lake Champlain Tasting Trail Start of International Culinary Route
Montpelier, Vt.—Vermont’s agritourism officials have announced the creation of a new tasting trail in the Champlain Valley, which includes 50 Vermont producers, restaurants, farms, farmers’ markets, breweries, cideries, and wineries along Lake Champlain.
The Lake Champlain Tasting Trail—developed by the Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets, the Vermont Agency of Commerce & Community Development, the Vermont Department of Tourism and Marketing, the Vermont Fresh Network, and University of Vermont Extension—is part of an initiative to develop an international culinary route between Vermont, New York, and Canada.
Visitors can plan their own personalized route along the Lake Champlain Tasting Trail by visiting DigInVT.com to see all participating farms, restaurants, and attractions. The culinary route includes locations in Franklin, Grand Isle, Chittenden, and Addison counties that meet certain criteria and standards for a robust visitor experience.
“Years of strong collaboration have set the table for developing Vermont’s Lake Champlain Tasting Trail,” says Vermont Agency of Agriculture Deputy Secretary Alyson Eastman. "The DigInVT online platform provides a richly populated starting point for discovering more of Vermont's culinary and agricultural experiences—and the Lake Champlain Tasting Trail is the perfect example of that in action.”
The Lake Champlain Tasting Trail is part of a broader effort among officials from Vermont, New York, Quebec, and Ontario to create a trail focused on authentic farm and food experiences, which would become the first culinary trail in the world to span an international border.
“Cross-border travel and trade is a priority for Vermont,” says Wendy Knight, Commissioner of the Vermont Department of Tourism and Marketing. “We are excited to be part of an international tourism initiative based on cooperation and commonality with our Canadian and New York State neighbors.”
“An international trail of this scale and scope is an opportunity for Vermont to showcase the high quality, authentic experiences our farms and attractions consistently deliver,” adds Chuck Ross, director of University of Vermont Extension.
For more information on the Lake Champlain Tasting Trail and ways to plan your own adventure along the route, visit DigInVT.com. For businesses interested in learning more about participating, contact DigInVT at diginvt@vermontfresh.net.
About the Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets
The Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets facilitates, supports and encourages the growth and viability of agriculture in Vermont while protecting the working landscape, human health, animal health, plant health, consumers and the environment.
About the Department of Tourism and Marketing
Located within the Agency of Commerce & Community Development, the Department of Tourism and Marketing promotes Vermont’s travel, recreation, cultural and historic attractions, and illuminates the state’s vibrant economy, businesses, and innovative entrepreneurs. VermontVacation.com. ThinkVermont.com.
About Vermont Fresh Network
The Vermont Fresh Network (VFN) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, building a strong local food system through the connections between farmers, chefs, and consumers who value their contribution to healthy communities, environment, and local economies. Since 1996, we have worked to ensure that the farmer-chef connection is a strong part of agricultural development and that consumers can support this work by where they choose to dine. For more information on Vermont Fresh Network, visit www.vermontfresh.net.
About the University of Vermont Extension
For more than 100 years, University of Vermont (UVM) Extension has delivered education tailored to local needs. Faculty and staff, located in 12 offices around the state, help improve the quality of life of Vermonters through research-based educational programs and practical information. UVM Extension integrates higher education, research and outreach to help individuals and communities put knowledge to work in their families and homes, farms, businesses, towns and the natural environment.