THE WINERIES AND DISTILLERIES OF THE HUDSON VALLEY

There’s nothing like visiting the Hudson Valley wineries in late summer or fall. By October, when “leaf-peeping” becomes a common subject of conversation across the Hudson Valley, the vineyards are already experiencing their own form of colorful magic. Actually, here it’s called “veraison,” or the process of berry ripening, and it can begin as early as August.

Don’t wait to experience the color of the Valley’s landscapes around you changing – from verdant green to yellows, oranges, and finally to earthy brown tones, witness the not-so-subtle changes of grapes ripening right on the vine – from light greens and yellows, to vibrant reds and deep purples – right now.

Of course, the leaves on the vines will change color too, but as the berry ripening continues over the next few months, the fruit also changes from acidic to sweet and fruity, with luscious aromas. It’s the perfect time to plan a winery visit or two and to enjoy the vistas as well as the colorful fruit hanging on the vines. Throughout these pages, you’ll learn what’s going on at some of the Hudson Valley’s vineyards and wineries this upcoming season, during the inevitable “changing of the colors” and of course, the busy harvest season ahead. We’ve featured seventeen wineries in their own words, as always, so you can get a feel for the place as you plan your visit. In this issue, we’ve also included one of the Hudson Valley’s own distilleries, where another type of fruit ripening comes into play.

This summer and fall visit the Hudson Valley and do your “peeping” at the vineyards. Can’t you just taste the wine?