OUR STORY
It takes determination and dedication to be a winegrower in Vermont. This land is not for the faint of heart. At Shelburne Vineyard, we have been pioneers and champions of the Vermont wine region for over two decades.
We love this place: its rivers and valleys, mountains and lakes. We love expressing the terroir of our soils & climate through our wines, and being conscientious stewards of this land. We love being an integral part of the fabric of our community, supporting them as they support us.
Since our first plantings took root in 1998, we have committed our lives to elevating Vermont’s wine region. We craft both classic and modern wines for people who want to connect with their winegrower, support agricultural preservation in Vermont, and appreciate a taste of place never before imagined. We promise to guide, educate, and engage, with the purpose of leading people to discover what Vermont wine offers.
Our people have the curiosity, commitment, and experience to create wines that have established Vermont as a wine region, and will continue to define it into the future. We invite you to explore the next frontier of wine with us!
OUR HISTORY
Forging the Next Frontier of Winegrowing
Seeing great potential in Vermont’s rugged soil and rolling hills, Ken Albert’s pioneering spirit and green thumb led him to plant a handful of hybrid grapevines behind his home in Shelburne, Vermont. His little vineyard in the woods yielded small harvests - just enough for a few bottles - but this experiment proved what was previously thought to be impossible. In 1998, he planted his first larger-scale vineyard, with the vision of bringing cold climate wine to the people of Vermont and beyond.
From Student to Master
With Ken as his mentor, Ethan Joseph began working occasionally for Shelburne Vineyard during his time studying natural resources at the University of Vermont. In early 2008, Ethan seized on an opportunity to work full-time at Shelburne Vineyard, and has since lost himself in the science, art, and mystery of wine. Now with over 10 years of guidance from Ken, plus plenty of self-education and support from his team, Ethan produces a wide variety of Vermont made wines here at Shelburne Vineyard.
Informing the Future of Vermont Wines by Looking to the Past
The modern winegrowing techniques learned from Ken set the foundation for Ethan’s craft. He has since expanded his style to include more traditional winegrowing methods that explore the history of fermentation. Shelburne Vineyard continues to be integral in the growth and development of Vermont wine through close connection to our land , continuous experimentation, and the desire to create interesting, complex and high-quality wines from cold-hardy grapes.
Joining forces with Eden Ciders
In 2023 Shelburne Vineyards and Iapetus wines merged with Vermont cider company Eden Specialty Ciders. Together, we aim to champion Vermont wine and ciders through our dedication to the land.
In combining our efforts, we pave the way for new co-fermentations and learning new ways to interact with our land using low intervention, sustainable agricultural practices.
This is a new chapter in our journey, befitting the 25th anniversary of the first planting done by Ken Albert in 1998. As Ken takes a step back, we’re excited to welcome Eleanor Leger as the CEO of the new combined companies.
Joining Forces with Eden Ciders
This is the story of three small Vermont brands, holding hands in a field of vines and trees, learning from each other, and growing together. At Eden Ciders, Shelburne Vineyard, and Iapetus Wines we’ll work together to bring the fruit of Vermont farms to your glass.
ABOUT EDEN CIDERS
Eden Ciders was founded in 2007 by Eleanor & Albert Leger when they purchased an abandoned dairy farm in West Charleston and made an experimental batch of Ice Cider in the basement of their home. Slowly, they expanded the team to include amazing people like head orchardist Ben Applegate, and built connections with other Vermont orchards passionate about sustainable agriculture and working with our terroir.
Eden is passionate about the quality of flavor that comes from unique apple varieties grown by local, small-scale orchards in Vermont. Producing a wide range of ciders, from driest to sweetest, with different methods of production, using single varieties and blends. Consistent through everything is a commitment to supporting small-scale family orchards, to the use of holistic and regenerative orcharding practices, and to rare tannic and heirloom apple varieties grown expressly for cider making.
Our Connected Landscape
Our team has long felt an affinity for the land we work. We share core values. We are combining forces with the goal of creating scale that allows us to succeed in the Vermont business environment, continuing to pay employees fair wages and farmers fair prices. We’re still a small, Vermont company - now dedicated to vines and branches alike.
Our purpose is to champion Vermont as a uniquely renowned wine and cider region. Through our collaboration, we advance cold climate wine & cider making while respecting our role as farmers and neighbors in the communities we thrive in. We love being an integral part of the fabric of our community, supporting the people in our communities as they support us.
We’re now offering Eden Ciders products in our tasting room, and have an updated selection of bottles available for purchase on their website. By sharing our resources and talents, we’re also expanding our in store reach - be on the lookout for Shelburne Vineyard and Iapetus products on shelves near you!
Past and Future
“Ken and Gail have built something beautiful, successful, and unique in Vermont. Everything we do will be because of the fantastic foundation that has been laid down with such care over the past 25 years. Of course we want to continue to make the highest quality wines that have been their hallmark. But I am particularly struck by their commitment to their local community, and their support of local social service and cultural non-profit organizations. Giving back is a key part of their legacy that I know we will want to continue in that spirit.
”
— ELEANOR LEGER, NEW CEO OF THE COMBINED COMPANIES