Smugglers' Notch Distillery

Smugglers' Notch Distillery operates out of Waterbury, Vermont, a town that's become something of a hub for craft producers in the state. With a 4.6-star rating from 21 reviewers, it's punching well above its weight for a smaller operation. Waterbury sits at a crossroads between Burlington, Stowe, and Montpelier, making it an easy add to almost any Vermont road trip. The distillery pairs its craft spirits operation with a dedicated wine tasting room, which is an unusual and appealing combination for visitors who don't want to choose between the two.

The tasting room at Smugglers' Notch Distillery lets visitors sample both spirits and wines in a single visit. On the distillery side, you can expect guided tastings of their handcrafted spirits, with staff explaining the local ingredients and production choices behind each bottle. The wine tasting room functions as a separate but connected experience, curating selections that complement the spirits lineup. Together, these two offerings make the stop useful for mixed groups where not everyone shares the same drink preference.

Smugglers' Notch Distillery serves visitors in Waterbury and across central Vermont, drawing guests from Burlington, Montpelier, and Stowe. Its location along Route 2 makes it a convenient stop for travelers moving between the Mad River Valley and the Northeast Kingdom.