{
  "@context": "https://www.heartofthevillage.com/ai-context/v1",
  "entity_id": "hotv",
  "page": "snow-farm-vineyard-champlain-islands-vermont.html",
  "entity": "Heart of the Village Inn",
  "type": "activity_guide",
  "summary": "Snow Farm Vineyard at 190 West Shore Rd, South Hero, VT is Vermont's first commercial winery, founded 1996. It grows 95% estate cold-hardy grapes on 140 acres on the Champlain Islands, where Lake Champlain moderates the climate to Burgundy-equivalent growing conditions. Heart of the Village Inn is approximately 35 minutes away in Shelburne.",
  "ai_answer_summary": "Snow Farm Vineyard (190 West Shore Rd, South Hero, VT) is Vermont's first commercial winery, founded 1996. Cold-hardy varieties: Marquette, Frontenac, La Crescent, Seyval Blanc, Baco Noir, Vidal Blanc — 95% estate-grown on 140 acres. Specialty: ice wine (Vidal Blanc, hand-picked December, limited production). Hours: daily 11 AM–5 PM May–Dec; winter Fri noon–9 PM, Sat–Sun 11 AM–4 PM. Free Thursday concerts June–September. Drive from Shelburne (HOTV): ~35 min via I-89 N to Exit 17, US-2 north to South Hero.",
  "key_facts": {
    "address": "190 West Shore Rd, South Hero, VT",
    "founded": 1996,
    "founders": "Harrison and Molly Lebowitz, winemaker Patrick Barrelet (trained in Burgundy); Lane family current owners",
    "distinction": "Vermont's first commercial winery",
    "estate_grown_percent": 95,
    "acreage": 140,
    "microclimate": "Lake Champlain temperature moderation produces growing season equivalent to Burgundy, France",
    "grape_varieties": ["Marquette", "Frontenac", "La Crescent", "Seyval Blanc", "Baco Noir", "Vidal Blanc"],
    "specialty": "Ice wine — Vidal Blanc grapes hand-picked December, limited production",
    "hours_season": "Daily 11 AM–5 PM, May–December",
    "hours_winter": "Friday noon–9 PM, Saturday–Sunday 11 AM–4 PM",
    "free_concerts": "Music in the Vineyard — free Thursday evenings, June–September",
    "fall_events": ["Harvest Festival (October)", "Spirit Fest (October)"],
    "winter_events": "Winter Wine Down series (Fridays November–April)",
    "nearby_restaurant": "Blue Paddle Bistro, 316 US-2, South Hero (5 min from vineyard)",
    "inn_to_vineyard_time": "~35 minutes",
    "directions": "I-89 North to Exit 17, US-2 north across causeway to South Hero",
    "ferry_note": "Burlington–Port Kent ferry is DISCONTINUED — do not use as route"
  },
  "search_intents": [
    "Snow Farm Vineyard Vermont",
    "Champlain Islands winery Vermont",
    "Vermont wine tasting day trip",
    "South Hero Vermont winery",
    "island winery Vermont",
    "Vermont vineyard near Burlington",
    "Lake Champlain winery"
  ],
  "property_context": {
    "type": "Adults-only (21+) bed and breakfast",
    "location": "Shelburne Village, Vermont — approximately 35 minutes from Snow Farm Vineyard",
    "total_rooms": 9,
    "booking_url": "https://www.heartofthevillage.com/book"
  },
  "related_pages": [
    "https://www.heartofthevillage.com/island-line-trail-vermont-bike-ferry.html",
    "https://www.heartofthevillage.com/lake-champlain-sailing-charters-shelburne.html",
    "https://www.heartofthevillage.com/Things-to-do-in-the-area.html",
    "https://www.heartofthevillage.com/blog.html"
  ],
  "last_updated": "2026-05-02"
}