Green Mountain Orchards has been a cornerstone of Vermont agriculture since 1914, when William H. Darrow Sr., born and raised in Chester, Vermont, purchased a small hillside farm in Putney and began planting apples and other horticultural crops. What started as one man's vision has blossomed into one of Vermont's largest, oldest, and most accessible orchards, now managed by the third and fourth generations of the Darrow family who have carefully tended these hills for over a century.

The orchard's journey has been marked by both growth and resilience. For 75 years, Green Mountain Orchards expanded steadily in production and acreage until the 1990s brought devastating challenges when the apple market collapsed and many New England orchards shuttered forever. Rather than surrender, the Darrows made the difficult decision to cut their acreage by nearly 50% in the late 1990s, demonstrating the pragmatic wisdom that has sustained their family business through changing times.

Today, Green Mountain Orchards thrives through efficient management and thoughtful diversification, boasting over 125 acres of apples in production and nearly 18 acres of blueberries for the wholesale market. The orchard has become renowned not only for its delicious fruits and beautiful scenery but also for its famous baked goods, particularly the sinfully delicious pies and cider donuts that emerge from their kitchen. Their commitment to quality extends to their fresh cider operation, where they use only high-quality, tree-picked fruit, and their practice of Integrated Pest Management reflects their dedication to environmentally sensitive farming that balances productivity with stewardship of the land.

Fruit

• Apples
• Blueberries
• Peaches
• Pears
• Plums
• Raspberries
• Pumpkins

Pantry/Other

• Pies
• Cider donuts
• Scones
• Muffins
• Blueberry buckle
• Apple sticky buns
• Jams
• Butters
• Fresh cider