The Complete Guide to Raspberry Picking in Vermont

There's something that soothes the soul about Vermont mornings during July. Dew clings to grass, and the air seems alive. I can still remember my first raspberry pick at Champlain Orchards. A gentle breeze caressed my arms when I extended my hands for a clump of ripe raspberries, their sweetness filling the air. There's a reason for why raspberry picking during Vermont summers is not just a hobby—it's a well-loved summer tradition.

At Champlain Orchards, that connection is embedded in sustainability and community. Families come together. Children play in the fields. Bakers search for ripe fruit. Nature enthusiasts reconnect with the earth. Planning a visit? Here's what you need to know.

When Is Raspberry Season in Vermont?

Raspberry season usually starts in early July and continues through mid-October, weather permitting. As reported by Vermont's Department of Agriculture, the long growing season renders raspberries one of the easiest pick-your-own fruits to find in the state.

• Summer Raspberries (July–August): Mid-summer is ideal for red, black, and gold raspberries. These are your sweet-tart, juicy standbys—ideal for snacking, baking, or tossing into salads.
• Fall Raspberries (September–October): Cooler nights create intensely sweet berries. This late-season harvest carries deeper flavor—ideal for jams and freezing.

Always check the farm’s Pick-Your-Own update before heading out. Nature, after all, doesn’t follow a calendar.

How to Dress and What to Bring

Trust me—wearing the right gear makes all the difference.

• Closed-toe shoes (paths can get muddy)
• Lightweight clothes (the sun can surprise you)
• Hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen
• Reusable water bottle
• A camera for those picturesque moments
• Cash or card for farm stand sales

Raspberry Picking Tips from the Field

A trick I learned early on: if the berry won't easily slide off, it's not yet ripe. Here's what the professionals at Champlain Orchards suggest:

• Color check: Berries that are fully ripe are deep red (or black/gold, depending on the variety). Pass on pale or streaky ones.
• Touch test: Ripe berries come off with a light pull. No fight, no issue.
• Be gentle: The fruits are delicate. Gently drop them into your basket so they won't be crushed.
• Look below: Many of the best ones will be hidden under leaves or buried deep in the patch.

Research at Oregon State University found that berries picked at the height of ripeness have more antioxidants and taste. That's justification enough to slow down.

Why Pick Champlain Orchards?

For more than 25 years, Champlain Orchards has followed sustainable agriculture. They farm organically in order to produce more nutritious fruit and conserve the land. Research at Washington State University found that berries that are grown organically contain more helpful compounds than those that are conventionally grown.

Purchasing from this farm supports soil health, biodiversity, and a community-based food system.

Beyond the Patch: Make It a Day

Don’t leave after filling your basket. Visit the farm market—you’ll find homemade pies, fresh cider, local cheeses, and other Vermont-made goodies.

Want to savor the harvest later? Try:

• Freezing berries on trays, then storing them
• Making jam (the staff might even share a recipe)
• Blending into smoothies
• Crafting raspberry cocktails
• Creating fruit vinegars for salads

Plan Your Visit

Raspicking isn't about the fruit—well, not entirely—it's about making memories. Locals and visitors alike get to experience a piece of Vermont when participating in this summer ritual.

Visit Champlain Orchards' website for hours, prices, and today's conditions. Then take a basket, round up your friends or family, and come make a memory among the berry rows.