465: The Integrated Table: Cider, Food, and Farming at 1000 Stone Farm

From Farm to Glass: Cider at 1000 Stone Farm

At 1000 Stone Farm in Brookfield, Vermont, Kyle Doda and Betsy Simpson have built a dynamic model that unites organic farming, community-supported agriculture, small-batch cider. First came the farm and then over ten years, the couple expanded their offerings to include fruit trees, livestock, mushrooms, and now a seasonal restaurant and tasting room: The Farmers Hand Cider House & Kitchen. Besty is the Chef and a graduate of the Culinary Institue of Arts in New York.

Besty Simpson and Kyle Doda

The Orchard & Philosophy

Situated between 1,400–1,700 feet in elevation, the farm grows:

Over 60 varieties of apples
Plums, peaches, cherries, and Perry Pears
Herbs interplanted with vegetables and orchard rows
Livestock including lamb, pork, beef, and poultry
And there is a dedicate grow space for a mushroom buisness

Fruit is fermented on-site with minimal sulfites, both neutral and spirit oak barrels, and some filtered fresh juice for back-sweetening. The cidery prioritizes clean expressions of fruit and soil.

Ciders Tasted During this Recording

Volume One – Off-dry, barrel-aged, lightly back-sweetened
Volume Two – Dry blend with Winesap, Kingston Black, Northern Spy
Volume Three – Porter’s Perfection and Ashmead’s Kernel
Tomcat – Gin barrel-aged cider, 10% ABV
Graf – A farmhouse cider-beer hybrid aged in oak

Gathering at The Farmers Hand

Open seasonally, The Farmers Hand Cider House & Kitchen features hyperlocal meals built around the farm’s own produce and meats. The space invites locals and visitors to connect over cider, community, and shared tables.

There is seating at the bar and also outside on a brand new patio for the 2025 season.

Contact Info for 1000 Stone Farm and The Farmers Hand Cider House & Kitchen

Website: https://www.1000stonefarm.com
Farm Store: Open daily, 8am–8pm (self-serve)
The Farmers Hand: Seasonal hours; check website or Instagram for updates
- June through December Fridays 1-8pm & Saturdays 1-8pm
Location: Brookfield, Vermont

What is 1000 Stone Farm?

1000 Stone Farm is a diversified organic farm in Brookfield, Vermont. It grows over 60 apple varieties and produces vegetables, mushrooms, and pastured meats.

What is The Farmers Hand Cider House & Kitchen?

The Farmers Hand is the seasonal restaurant and tasting room at 1000 Stone Farm. It serves cider made on-site alongside meals crafted from ingredients grown directly on the farm.

Can I visit the farm or tasting room?

Yes! The farm store is open daily from 8am to 8pm (self-serve). The restaurant and cider tasting room is open seasonally—check their website or Instagram for current hours.

What kinds of cider are made at the farm?

Ciders include dry and off-dry blends, barrel-aged selections, a gin-barrel-aged cider called Tomcat, and a Graf made with farmhouse beer wort.

Who makes the food and cider?

Kyle Doda oversees orchards and fermentation. Betsy Simpson, a Culinary Institute of America grad, leads the kitchen and farm-to-table operations.

Mentions in this Cider Chat

Totally Cider Tours UK_Edition 2025
Wolfkin Cider, Seattle Cider
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Season:Season 10

Categories:

Cider and Food, Cider Maker profile, Vermont Cider

Tags:

barrel-aged cider, Brookfield Vermont, farm cidery, farm-to-glass, farm-to-table, graf cider and beer