Organic Apple Orchard - Shelburne Orchards, Vermont

Hank Hagar delivers apples to all of our stores during harvest. Nick can’t remember how long Hank’s been around, but “it feels like forever.” Hank loves to sit on his porch at sunset, beverage in hand, and gaze out over the lake.

LuAnn Rotax is our dear salt-of-the-earth soul. Lu seasonally hand sorts and hand packs all of the apples and has been here about 15 years. Otherwise, she can be found lending a hand in gardens around the county.

Terry Hotaling is our only year-round employee, and has been working with Nick for about 25 years. Terry still looks forward to coming to work every day. He also loves to sail and work on old wooden boats.

Nick Cowles, owner, lovingly oversees the place and gets to live right here! He is also a baker, guitar picker, and songwriter. Many days, you'll catch Nick and Terry swapping jokes at their favorite lunchtime spot.

We have a certified organic apple orchard as well as an ecological, low spray orchard. There are close to 80 acres of apple trees. The organic orchard was first certified in 1990. At that point, we had been in the program for three years. Our “Eco” apples are very low spray. We use many of the same organic controls, in addition to the use of compost and seaweed foliar sprays.

Early apples include Paula Reds and Jersey Macs. During the season, we also have McIntosh, Cortland, Empire, Red Delicious, Golden Delicious, Honey Crisp, Liberty, Mutzu (Crispin), Macoun, Fuji, Gala, and Hubbardton Nonesuch. Antique apples include Northern Spy, Cox Orange Pippen, Roxbury Russet, Golden Russet, Spartan, and Tolman Sweet. Different apples ripen at different times, so feel free to call and see what's perfect for picking!

In 1997 we received the first ever annual…

This award was sponsored by the Vermont Sustainable Agriculture Round Table, with representatives from NOFA Vermont, Center for Sustainable Agriculture, the Women's Agricultural Network, and the Vermont Department of Agriculture. It was an honor to receive this praise from the governor. Part of the criteria is our commitment to the development of low spray, organic practices, and the educational programs we've provided throughout the state.

photo credits: Stephen Brooks, Brett Carpenter, Kevin Clayton, Cindy Cowles, Brent Harrewyn, Terry Hotaling, Amie Humphrey, David Humphrey, Megan Humphrey, Nick Seifert, Tucker Watson, and Natalie Stultz

Shelburne Orchards | 216 Orchard Road | Shelburne VT 05482
(p) 802-985-2753 | (f) 802-985-8763
info@shelburneorchards.com
Nick Cowles, Proprietor