The Old Red Mill on North Main Street in Wilmington has been a lot of things since 1828 – gristmill, sawmill, inn. Its latest chapter might be its best. Valley Craft Ales opened in October 2022, and it has quickly become the anchor of Wilmington’s dining scene.
From Valley View Villa, it is a 12-minute drive west on Route 9 into downtown Wilmington. We tell guests it is the single best non-Mount-Snow dinner reservation in the valley, especially on a Friday or Saturday when there is live music on the deck.
The Old Red Mill, A Quick History
The building is one of the most photographed structures in town. Built in 1828, it spent the better part of two centuries as a working mill on the Deerfield River – grinding grain, sawing timber, and at various points operating as an inn and tavern. The mill went dark for years before a multi-year restoration brought it back as a brewery and pizzeria.
Walk in and the building does most of the work for you. Exposed beams, original stonework, wide-plank floors, and high ceilings you cannot fake into a new build. The Deerfield runs along the back of the property, and on a warm afternoon the river deck is the best outdoor dining seat in town. You can hear the water under your conversation.
The Space and Vibe
Casual and unhurried. Families with kids, couples on a date night, and groups of friends rolling in from the mountain all mix comfortably. Dogs are welcome on the deck. There is no dress code and no pretense – jeans and a base layer are perfectly fine. The lighting is warm, the room is loud in the right way, and the staff treats locals and weekenders the same.
The Beer
Head brewer Travis Charlow (formerly of Snow Republic up the road in West Dover) keeps a mix of 5 flagship beers on tap and a rotating set of seasonals. The core lineup ranges from a crisp Italian pilsner to a rich coffee porter, with an American IPA anchoring the middle.
The rotating specials are where it gets interesting. Past releases have included a Russian imperial donut stout made with local raspberry cordial donuts, a key lime margarita gose, and a series of double IPAs with New Zealand hops. The range is wider than you would expect from a small-town taproom.
Flights are the move on a first visit – pick four pours and split them across the table. If you do not drink beer, they carry local cider, Vermont wine, and cocktails.
The Pizza
Valley Craft Ales runs a coal-fired oven at high heat, and the pizza is the real deal – thin crust, slightly charred edges, quality toppings. The menu rotates with the season but a classic Margherita and a few creative seasonal specials are usually on it. Salads, starters, and a handful of larger plates round out the menu, but the pizza is clearly the star.
Order this first time around: a Margherita to anchor the table, one of the day’s specialty pies, and a basket of fries with garlic aioli to pass around with the flights.
Live Music and Events
The taproom hosts live music on weekends – typically Friday or Saturday nights. Check their Instagram (@valleycraftales) or website for the current schedule. It is not a concert venue; it is a brewery with music, which is a much better ratio.
Our Take From the Villa
Of the three breweries in the Mount Snow corridor, Valley Craft is the one we send guests to when they want a proper dinner out. The 12-minute drive from Valley View Villa makes it an easy plan – ski or hike during the day, hot tub at the house, head into Wilmington for dinner around 7. The Old Red Mill is a destination on its own, even before you factor in the beer and the pizza.
The Details
📍 18 North Main Street, Wilmington, VT 05363
📞 (802) 289-0032
🕐 Hours vary seasonally – check valleycraftales.com or call to confirm before driving over
🐕 Dogs welcome on the river deck
👨👩👧 Family-friendly
🚗 12 minutes west of Valley View Villa on Route 9
How It Fits the Local Brewery Scene
The Mount Snow corridor has three standout breweries, each with a different personality.
Snow Republic in West Dover is the most accessible – right on Route 100 near the mountain, open daily, dogs welcome, solid food menu. It is the après-ski default.
Beer Naked Brewery on Hogback Mountain pairs pizza and pints with a 100-mile view from Route 9. It is the scenic option.
Valley Craft Ales brings the historic building, the river, and the pizza. All three are worth a visit, and on a longer trip, hitting all three makes for a solid self-guided brewery tour through the valley.
For the full brewery tour, see our craft breweries guide.
What’s on the Valley Craft Ales Menu
The Valley Craft Ales menu leans on two signatures: coal-fired pizza and rotating small-batch beer. Pizzas run around a dozen options at any given time, from classic red-sauce Margheritas to seasonal builds that lean on Vermont producers – expect to see farmhouse cheeses, local sausage, and whatever the kitchen is doing with produce that week. Salads, wings, and a handful of shareable snacks round out the food side.
The beer program is where it gets interesting. Twelve to fourteen taps rotate constantly – rustic farmhouse ales, hop-forward IPAs, dark stouts in winter, lighter sessionable pours in summer. Flights are the move if you’re deciding what to take back to the villa in a growler. They also stock a small selection of wine and craft cider.
For the current menu and tap list, check valleycraftales.com or their Instagram – both update weekly. Reservations are recommended on Fridays and Saturdays, and the deck fills fast when the weather turns.
🗺️ More to Explore Near Mount Snow
- Beer Naked Brewery — Pints and pizza at 2,410 feet on Hogback
- American Flatbread — Wood-fired pizza in West Dover
- Craft Breweries of the Deerfield Valley — The full brewery roundup
- Things to Do in Wilmington, VT — Downtown shops, dining, and walks
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Valley Craft Ales kid-friendly?
Yes. Families are welcome and the casual taproom layout works for all ages, especially earlier in the evening. The river deck is a fun spot for kids in summer.
Do I need a reservation at Valley Craft Ales?
Reservations are not always required, but Friday and Saturday nights during ski season and peak foliage can fill up. Call ahead during holiday weeks if your group is more than four.
How far is Valley Craft Ales from Valley View Villa?
About 12 minutes by car, west on Route 9 into downtown Wilmington. It is the closest brewery to the villa with a full sit-down restaurant.
Is Valley Craft Ales dog-friendly?
Dogs are welcome on the outdoor river deck. Check current policy before you arrive – indoor seating typically excludes pets.
