La Garagista Farm + Winery

  • Founded by restaurateurs Deirdre Heekin and Caleb Barber, La Garagista is a leading light in Vermont's burgeoning wine scene. Their unique, natural wines, crafted from hybrid grapes on a historic homestead farm, are putting Vermont on the map.

    La Garagista embraces regenerative, biodynamic, and permaculture practices, growing not just grapes but also vegetables, fruits, and herbs. This dedication to the land extends to their "last-minute" pop-up tasting rooms, showcasing their commitment to a truly local experience.

  • A Tapestry of Terroir: The winery's four distinct vineyards showcase a fascinating diversity. Soil composition, microclimates, and grape selection all contribute to their unique personalities. Clay, limestone, schist, and loam offer a variety of growing conditions, further influenced by hot days, cool nights, and variations in breezes from the lake or mountains.

    The winery has carefully chosen cold-hardy grape varieties suited to this terrain. La Crescent, Marquette, Frontenac Gris, Frontenac Blanc, and Frontenac Noir grapes thrive alongside Brianna and St. Croix. The homefarm vineyard even boasts a touch of Riesling and Blaufrankisch for added complexity.

  • Farm to Glass Philosophy: The founders believe in a holistic approach, where their interconnected farm fosters vibrant organic agriculture. This focus on the land translates into expressive, natural wines that capture the essence of their Vermont terroir.

 

Wines

  • La Garagista Vinu Jancu

    A flagship wine from La Garagista. Skin-fermented La Crescent that showcases the grape’s vibrant explosion of fruit with a nutty, floral frame.

  • La Garagista Loups-Garoux Reserve

    An homage to Valpolicella Ripasso, this bold wine offers dried and fresh fruits on the nose with hints of fresh herbs.

  • La Garagista Damejeanne

    This 100% Marquette is a bright, fruity, lively offering that will develop tertiary qualities beautifully with age. A wonderful example of what this grape can do.