Montpelier’s first ‘Fermentation Fest’ is coming to town soon

Barr Hill Gin will host Montpelier's first ever fermentation festival this Saturday.

The festival, which will be held at the Barr Hill distillery, will feature lots of fermentation fun including live performances, Vermont vendors and cocktails.

Becki Auclair is the owner of Vermont Fermentation Adventures and a self described "fermentation fanatic."

"The beauty of fermentation is that it represents how a community can come together and be life giving on all levels."

Auclair will be one of 10 vendors at Montpelier's first Fermentation Fest . She is planning to sell kimchi, sauerkraut, pickles and fermented drinks.

"The fuel for your body is the food that you digest, and there's a huge host of beneficial bacteria that live in your digestive system. Fermented foods are a great partner with those beneficial bacteria," she said.

Auclair says she is excited to connect with her fellow fermenters and help educate festival go-ers. And that is the core of what Fermentation Fest is all about, according to Barr Hill Retail Manager and festival organizer Riva Reynolds.

"Increasingly I think Vermont producers are doing exciting things with artisan fermentation, and it seems like a great way to get people understanding it more and understanding that they can start to look around for more of that."

Reynolds says she wants to remind people that fermentation is more than just beer and spirits. It can also include coffee, chocolate, vegetables and breads— all of which will be present at the festival.

Fermentation Fest will run from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM this upcoming Saturday. Tickets can be purchased online or at the door.