Making Glass (and Memories) in Quechee
Around Vermont, everyone seems to have a story about Simon Pearce.
Locals and visitors alike tend to get a glimmer in their eyes as they share memories that took place at the Quechee flagship store: from a romantic meal at the Simon Pearce Restaurant to discovering the glassblowing workshop downstairs to hosting or attending a shower or intimate wedding in the lofted, private dining space.
And then, of course, there’s the love people have for the handmade glass and pottery itself. Longtime fans speak with fondness about the first piece they owned; perhaps it was a wedding gift of handmade champagne flutes, a custom-engraved glass bowl marking a moment, or a set of dishes that’s lasted for decades. What started as a gift often turns into a tradition, with Simon Pearce designs becoming a go-to gift for milestones big and small.
One thing is clear, the mere mention of Simon Pearce evokes a warm feeling for Vermonters and those who love to visit the Green Mountain State.
Simon’s quest to make beautiful handmade designs with a focus on utility puts his ethos squarely at the intersection of design, form, function, and inspiration.
(left)Cocktail served in Benson Martini glass at the Bar in Quechee; (right)Simon Pearce Flagship entrance in Quechee
Known for thoughtfully designed, handmade drinkware, tableware, and home decor, the eponymous brand was founded by Simon Pearce himself in 1971 in his native Kilkenny, Ireland. Simon’s quest to make beautiful handmade designs with a focus on utility puts his ethos squarely at the intersection of design, form, function, and inspiration.
A decade after the brand’s founding, Simon and his wife Pia moved to the United States and purchased an old woolen mill along the banks of the Ottauquechee River. Conveniently situated between Boston, New York, and Montreal, the quaint southeastern Vermont village of Quechee was the perfect place to call home. There, they began to grow the business while raising their family in the old building. Their sons Andrew, Adam, David, and Kevin live close by still.
The Simon Pearce flagship store evolved into an immersive experience as Simon established his glassmaking workshop in the mill’s basement, followed by the restaurant. Taking advantage of the power from the mighty Ottauquechee River, Simon invested in a hydro-powered turbine to offset the energy-intensive glassmaking operation. A few years later, the Simon Pearce Restaurant opened, sourcing ingredients locally and sustainably. Simon often says with a smile, “We were farm-to-table well before it was a trend.”
Today, more than 300,000 guests travel to the Quechee flagship shop, making it a top tourist destination for leaf peepers, skiers, and foodies from New England and beyond. As visitors drive across the covered wooden bridge, the majesty of the rushing waterfall offers a breathtaking first impression. Frozen in winter, flowing in summer, the waterfall sets the mood as the grand old mill building, beautifully restored to its original splendor, welcomes visitors with stately grace.
Simon Pearce Restaurant overlooking the Ottauquechee River
A visit to the mill is a full sensory experience. The heavy, industrial wooden doors—original to the 1800s historic building— open up to a sparkling welcome: a glimmering glass wall installation showcasing the unique work of master glassmakers, past and present. The smell of glassmaking—an earthy combination of fire, charred paper, and smoked wood—fills the air. Through the entryway, illuminated by a cluster of custom-made glass pendants, the Simon Pearce Bar invites visitors to enjoy a local brew, sustainable wine, or bespoke cocktail crafted by the brand’s resident mixologist.
While guests snack on the crispy, perfectly salted hand-cut bar chips, the simple act of sipping a glass of water can elicit a sense of wonder. Served in the brand’s handmade Ascutney Double Old- Fashioned, the brilliant clarity and substantial heft of handmade Simon Pearce glass is said to make everything from water to whiskey taste that much better.
A feast for the eyes, it is quite literally clear to see the brand’s history by strolling through the retail store. The brand’s heritage is showcased by iconic products from Simon’s first design: the Essex Wine glass; to the newest: the Shoreham Whiskey glass, created in collaboration with the neighboring rye whiskey distiller, WhistlePig (a must-visit just across the road in the recently restored Parker building).
While people shop Simon Pearce online from around the world, there’s something about seeing and feeling the designs in person. Visiting the flagship store is an invitation to experience the heirloom quality of the designs in hand. Shoppers are encouraged to pick up the products—to observe the unique aspects of handmade pieces and to feel their natural durability and gravitas.
The dining room experience at the Simon Pearce Restaurant offers an American-style, full-service menu with an extensive Wine Spectator award-winning wine list. The restaurant is a staple for locals and a destination for visitors—for special occasions and casual lunch get-togethers alike. All beverages are served in the brand’s own handblown drinkware and food on its hand-thrown pottery dinnerware.
Andrew Pearce wood board and Simon Pearce Shoreham Whiskey glasses
Hot-air balloon sightings are known to delight diners as the balloons float gracefully along the river—close enough to wave hello. Those fortunate enough to secure a seat on the porch enjoy a bird’s-eye view of the waterfall as it rushes along with its natural fervor. Nature is the inspiration behind the designs and serves as the perfect backdrop for visitors’ immersion in the brand.
Guests return to their favorites, time and time again. It’s a tradition to begin a meal with Irish Brown Bread and Scones or a cup of Vermont Cheddar Soup. While staples such as the Horseradish-Crusted Cod and Herb-Marinated Statler Chicken have been on the menu for decades, new dishes are added as the seasons change. No visit to the restaurant would be complete without a Maple Crème Brûlée or the gorgeous Pavlova to round out the experience.
On the lower level, a crew of talented glassmakers creates hundreds of pieces daily. From the workbenches that the glassmakers sit on to the handcrafted fruitwood molds that shape the molten glass, every part of the process is custom designed by in-house teams.
Simon Pearce Restaurant dining room
Many designs take two makers. For these, pairs of artisans work in tandem. One will gather molten glass from the 2,400ºF furnace using a pontil iron rod that keeps them at a safe distance from the blazing heat; meanwhile, the other will hand-shape glass using custom-designed tools. The spirit of teamwork gives each piece that much more meaning and authenticity.
There is an undeniable elegance in the industrial setting: a reflection of centuries-old craft traditions. Visitors are mesmerized by the artistic flow of the glassblowing process, which manifests like an expertly choreographed dance.
A short 15-minute drive from the Quechee flagship store is the brand’s Windsor headquarters. Home to the company’s offices, visitors are invited to watch glassmaking, observe the pottery process, and end their visit with a trip to the Factory Store: the perfect place to find well-priced seconds—a well-kept secret among fans of the brand’s handmade glass and pottery.
The Simon Pearce pottery workshop in Windsor is abuzz with makers hand-throwing clay pots, glazing dinnerware, and loading hundreds—often as many as 1,000 pieces at a time—onto large carts and into custom-built kilns. The self-guided tour takes visitors onto a catwalk, offering a high-level view into the making of the brand’s beloved pottery pieces. There is a humanity to every piece of glass and each set of pottery Simon Pearce creates; think of it as a celebration of perfect imperfection. Simon himself states, “The human hand can’t do anything perfectly—and that’s the beauty of it.”
Whether it’s a first-time visit to Simon Pearce or a decades-long tradition, the Quechee flagship shop warmly welcomes visitors to gather together to create new memories. Shop Simon Pearce designs at one of their 12 retail stores, from Maine to the mid-Atlantic and online at simonpearce.com.
Burlington pottery and Woodstock wineglasses
