Imagine it. Lounging with friends on a sunny patio, sipping a new beverage that you love. Unfortunately in the days of COVID-19, this daydream is postponed.
Continue readingSpring 2020
Fall 2019
FALL FOR HUDSON VALLEY WINE.
There’s something about fall that feels festive, especially in the Hudson Valley. Every weekend, the calendar is crammed with fairs and festivals set among colorful landscapes and cool weather.
Instead of searching several sites for things to do this season, bookmark the Events Page on hvwinemag.com. Make it your go-to resource for wine and craft beverage events all year long. From harvest time to the holidays, we have your weekends covered!
There are more than 75 wine, cider, beer and craft beverage events taking place now through the end of the year. Highlights follow for a few of them. Hope to see you out there this fall!
Harvest Events
Time to harvest the grapes means it’s time to celebrate a bountiful season!
Weekends thru Oct 20 | Grape Stomping Brotherhood Winery
Sept 21-22 | Grape Stomping Robibero Winery
Oct 5 | Harvest Bonfire & Chili Fest Hudson-Chatham Winery
Oct 12-13 | Harvest Grape Stomping Benmarl Winery
Oct 13 | Annual Fall Fest Nostrano Vineyards
Cider Events
Fall = apples, so our thoughts naturally turn to hard cider. Here’s where to enjoy it.
Sept 21-Oct 27 | Fall Harvest Festival Weekends Treasury Cider
Oct 5 | Bad Seed Farm Dinner Bad Seed Cider Company
Nov 9-10 | 11th Annual Naked Flock Cider Experience Applewood Winery
Celebrate Craft Beverages
Come out to meet the newest makers and products in beer, cider, and spirits.
Sept 29 | Escapemaker’s Applepalooza (NYC)
Oct 12 | 7th Annual Craft: Beer, Spirits & Food Festival at Bethel Woods
Oct 26 | Hops on the Hudson Harvest Beer and Cider Festival
Holiday Happenings
Welcome in winter and the New Year at these festivities.
Nov 2 | Red Wine & Chocolate Whitecliff Vineyard & Winery
Nov 23-24, Dec 7-8, Dec 14-15 | Wreath Fineries at the Wineries Shawangunk Wine Trail wineries
Dec 6 | Annual Tree Lighting Brotherhood Winery
Dec 14 | Jingle & Mingle Nostrano Vineyards
Summer 2019
SUMMER PLANS “TBD”? You get 14 weekends this summer to get out and have fun. Where to start? Online, of course.
Continue readingSpring 2019
WAKE UP!
That’s what we’re thinking, as we look at the remnants of snow outside our windows. We’ve been doubting Punxsutawney Phil’s early spring declaration all along, but we take comfort knowing that soon enough, we’ll see tell-tale signs of a new season that will bring fresh crops to craft beverage makers throughout the Hudson Valley.
This year, there will be even more producers to visit and new products to taste. Look for the updated edition of our Hudson Valley Wine + Craft Beverage Map due out this spring with more than 40 new tasting rooms listed! Read on about a few we’re really looking forward to visiting.
Even here at HVWM HQ, things are coming to life…specifically, our new website, launching soon. We’ll announce it on Facebook and Twitter, so follow us there. And look out for the summer print edition of Hudson Valley Wine Magazine, due out late May.
Two New Places to Catch a View and a Sip This Spring!
Speaking of awakenings, add these to your weekend bucket list.
Helderberg Meadworks has a new tasting room in Esperance open on Fridays from 5–9pm and weekends from 12–5pm, where you can sample multiple varieties of craft mead, hard cider, and switchel made on premises from locally-produced honey and apples.
Shady Knoll Orchards & Distillery will have its grand opening on May 4th! Situated on a country farm in Millbrook that dates back to the late 1700s, this small family-owned and operated craft distillery is initially producing apple brandy and rye whisky.
Rip Van Winkle Wine, Brew & Beverage Festival
May 11, 11:30am–5:00pm | 1 Main Street, Catskill Point, Catskill
This has been a highly anticipated event in Catskill for the past 13 years, and Hudson Valley Wine Magazine has sponsored it for most of them! It’s an idyllic spring day of sipping wine and craft beverages, sampling cheese, baked goods and treats, and enjoying live music on the banks of the Hudson River.
Participants are still signing on, but so far include: Awestruck Cider, Brookview Station Winery, Chatham Brewing, KAS Spirits, Pazdar Winery, Taconic Distillery, and Whitecliff Vineyard. Check the Facebook page for updates.
Tickets are $25.00, and available online. The rain or shine festival is hosted by The Fortnightly Club of Catskill, and proceeds benefit the local community.
Shawangunk Wine Trail’s Wines & Bites
May 18–19 | 10:00am–5:00pm | Shawangunk Wine Trail wineries
Get those taste buds ready for a day of snacking and sipping along the Shawangunk Wine Trail! Each of the fifteen member wineries has selected a scrumptious tasting of cheese, meat, salad, pasta, or dessert paired with their wine tastings.
You’ll receive a souvenir wine glass at the starting winery of your choice. Then continue on a self-guided Trail tour at your own pace over the course of two days, or just Sunday. Online maps provide directions with various starting points, depending on which winery you visit first.
Tickets are $29.73 per person for Sunday only, or $46.55 per person for both days. A designated driver ticket is available for $18.54. Buy them here.
Winter 2018
THE NICE LIST.
We’ve done our best to be good this year…we’ve certainly been busy trying! We published the 10th Anniversary issues of Hudson Valley Wine Magazine, as well as a special Shawangunk Wine Trail edition. We sponsored several food and wine events around the region, and continued our work with the Hudson Valley Cabernet Franc Coalition.
We want you to stay on the Nice List too, so below you’ll find some great gift ideas for the favorite people in your life – both tasty beverages and enriching experiences.
We look forward to bringing you more news in 2019 about the Hudson Valley’s remarkable, booming craft beverage industry. Until then…
Cheers and Happy Holidays!
— Linda Pierro, Bob Bedford, Cheryl Elkins, Susan O’Donnell
Experiences Worth Sharing
These culinary experiences are worth trying yourself — and are equally special as last-minute gifts for foodie friends and family.
Hudson Valley Wine Tasting Passport. Give the gift of winery visits! This Passport qualifies you for free tastings at all 15 wineries on the Shawangunk Wine Trail through August 2019.
NY Drinks NY Grand Tasting Tickets. The wineries of the Hudson Valley (and across New York) come to The Rainbow Room in Manhattan for one fabulous evening – March 26, 2019. Try wines from 50 wineries, New York cheeses and charcuterie with artisan breads.
Sweet & Sinful Cupcake & Wine Pairing. Promise your sweetheart a day of tasting and treats at Robibero Winery, just in time for Valentine’s Day.
Beecher’s Wine & Cheese Class. The cheese makers at Beecher’s source milk from the Hudson Valley to make their award-winning cheeses. Take a class at their NYC location to learn about pairing them with different wines.
Surprising Sips for the Holidays
One for you, one for that relative who already has everything.
KAS Krupnikas Spirits. This Lithuanian honey-based spirit, made in Mahopac, makes a great hot drink to ward off winter’s cold. Consider their recipes for the Exotic Orchard Cocktail (above) or the Kas Kafe.
Naked Flock Santa’s Sauce. Hard Cider gets a spicy seasonal twist with the addition of cinnamon, cardamom, and cayenne. Check their Facebook page for a list of retail locations where you can buy it.
Tousey Winery Bloomé. This floral dessert wine, made at a small family-run winery in Germantown, is perfect after dinner with a local cheese board.
Whitecliff Vineyard 2016 Cabernet Franc. Cab Franc is the Hudson Valley’s signature grape, and this vintage just brought home a prestigious Double Gold award from the San Francisco International Wine competition. Pick up your own bottle at the vineyard in Gardiner.
Fall 2018
IT'S NOT FALL UNTIL...
How would you finish that sentence? Here at Hudson Valley Wine Magazine, we don’t call it fall until we’ve spent a day (or several) at an outdoor food and beverage festival, reveling in the tastes of local bounty while colorful leaves swirl around our feet.
If you’re in the same camp, then this issue is for you! We’ve got recommendations for six special seasonal events, both brand new and established favorites that we never miss. Do you have any to add? If so, let us know on Facebook or Twitter.
Speaking of fall, look out for the hot-off-the-press print issue that includes a decade’s worth of editors picks, local farm market finds, and a feature on the region’s newest winemakers.
Featured Events
RENSSELAER COUNTY HARVEST HOP
September 22 | 3–6pm | S & S Farm Brewery, Nassau
Sip, sample, and celebrate the bounty of Rensselaer County at this new event to welcome the harvest season. Local brewers, farmers, artisanal vendors, and Gourmelli’s food truck will offer their wares. Enjoy family-friendly activities and live music by Big Creek. Admission is free.
STORMVILLE AIRPORT’S WINE, CIDER AND FOOD TRUCK FESTIVAL
September 29 | 11am–5pm | Stormville Airport, Stormville, NY
Returning to the Stormville Airport, this second annual festival celebrates local, regional and national wines, ciders, and spirits. More than 40 craft beverage producers will be sampling their products, and 15+ food trucks will serve up tantalizing tastes in American, BBQ, Greek, Italian, Mexican cuisine – as well as delicious desserts! The day also includes live music; an artisan market; Jenga and cornhole tournaments; a custom car, truck and bike show; and a kids’ zone offering family fun for all ages. Lawn chairs and blankets are welcomed.
Admission is $5.00 per person; kids 12 and under are free. A $40.00 Wine Fest ticket includes a souvenir tasting glass for sampling. Designated driver tickets are $15.00 per person.
Save These Dates for Even More Fun!
CRAFT: BEER, SPIRITS & FOOD FESTIVAL AT BETHEL WOODS
October 13 | 1–5pm | Bethel Woods Center for the Arts, Bethel
Sample craft brews, hard ciders, spirits, and mead from 40+ regional producers. New this year – a delicious selection of food and artisan vendors! VIP ticket holders gain early entry, exclusive dining event and lounge, and free museum admission. VIP tickets are $85. General Admission: $45. Designated Driver Tickets: $20.
CIDER IN THE MOUNTAINS
October 13-14 | 12–6pm | Scribner’s Catskill Lodge, Hunter
This hard cider-focused event brings a select group of cider makers together to offer samples and sell their handcrafted beverages. Enjoy seasonal food, live music, games and fun for the whole family. Admission: $40 (tasting plus entry); $20 entry only; $10 kids.
CATSKILLS BEVERAGE TRAIL FESTIVAL
November 3 | 1–5pm | Windham Mountain Resort, Windham
This festival focuses on tastes – not only of craft beverages, but also delicious food made from the bounty of the Upper Hudson Valley. Join the celebration and sample beer, wine, cider, and spirits from more than 50 New York State producers.
Local food delicacies includes specialty food vendors with fresh produce, artisanal cheeses, baked goods, maple syrup, and cider doughnuts. Additionally, several food trucks will serve international cuisines.
Tickets are $45/person at the door, or $35 online. Overnight hotel packages are available with local properties.
Spotlight on our Special Issue
We’re excited to announce the release of our special Shawangunk Wine Trail edition of Hudson Valley Wine Magazine produced with support from Taste NY! Pick up a copy at Applepalooza and look for it in Manhattan and Brooklyn in early October.
For the issue’s Talking Terroir feature, our team spent the afternoon with noted celebrity Chef Marc Murphy who grilled up an improvised feast at the Hudson Valley home of his wine and beverage director David Lombardo. On the menu — bounty from local dairy, meat, and produce farms, and one wine from each of the 13 wineries on the Shawangunk Wine Trail. Read what happens when those bottled are opened, and the steak and corn come off the plancha.
Summer 2018
SAVOR THE DAYS.
Summer means more hours to spend outdoors, savoring the scenery that earns the Hudson Valley world renown. Toasting these superlative vistas seems only appropriate, so in this issue, we’ve identified some of the most picturesque places we know to raise a glass to a splendid view.
Also, be on the lookout for the 10th Anniversary issue of Hudson Valley Wine Magazine! We cover tastemaker predictions for craft beverages, up-and-coming grape varieties, and what’s new in mead and spirits. As always, check in with us on Facebook and Twitter!
Six Scenic Sips in the Hudson Valley
Whether you prefer a view of the river, mountains, farmland—or all three at once—you can find great places to enjoy a view over a delicious craft beverage. Here are six suggested sights worth seeking out this summer.
From the Heights. At the top of Mt. Zion Mountain in Marlboro you’ll find Glorie Farm Winery. You’ll also find expansive views of the valley for miles in all directions.
Treehouse Treat. If you loved watching the world from a treehouse as a kid, you’ll love the treehouse tasting room built on a 50-foot tree at the Angry Orchard in Walden.
Over the River. There’s a reason many events are held at Benmarl Winery in Marlboro. From the lawn, you get an unobstructed view of the Hudson River and the surrounding valley landscape.
Panoramic Perfection. At every turn, the views from Hillrock Estate Distillery in Ancram are the forested rolling hills of the Hudson Highlands and the distant Berkshire Mountains.
Farm Finery. All the elements of a lovely rustic farm vista are in place at Applewood Winery (top) in Warwick: orchard views, green lawns, comfortable picnic tables, split rail fences, and an expansive pond. Just breathe in the photo that tops this newsletter!
Seasonal Sipping
Perfect on a hot summer day, this sangria recipe is a favorite at Benmarl Winery!
Strawberry Mojito Sangria
1 bottle Benmarl Semi Sweet Riesling
2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced
Juice from 1 lime, plus slices for garnish
8 large mint sprigs
Club soda
Light rum
In a large pitcher, muddle mint with lime juice. Remove mint, then add wine and strawberries and refrigerate for at least 4 hours. To serve: stir well, pour in ice-filled glasses and add 2 ounces of rum and top with club soda. Garnish with fresh mint and a lime slice. Enjoy!
Spring 2018
PROMISES, PROMISES.
When we launched the first issue of Hudson Valley Wine Magazine ten years ago, we promised to keep our readers on top of craft beverage trends and news coming from the Hudson Valley. A full decade later, we’re still committed to that mission. This issue highlights emerging trends we’re excitedly watching this year…just see below!
Spring brings its own promises…mainly, that warmer weather will soon coax new crops of grapes, hops, apples, rye — and all the other bounty that’s transformed into craft beverages by the region’s talented producers. Look for more stories about them in the summer print edition of Hudson Valley Wine Magazine, due out in June. Meanwhile, join us on Facebook and Twitter!
Trends for 2018 (we like what we see!)
1. Rosé Remains Hot. And it’s not just for summer. Look for new releases in a variety of styles and grapes – from producers like Nostrano, Whitecliff and Glorie Farm. Spoiler alert: there are a few Rosé hard ciders in the works, too!
2. Wine To Go. Wineries are starting to offer tastes on tap. Grab a glass for the lawn, or fill a canteen from a keg at Millbrook Vineyards & Winery.
3. Craft Crossovers. Pique your palate with new blended flavors. How about a Gin Botanical hard cider from Applewood, or Cyser—the love child of mead and cider—from Helderberg Meadworks?
4. Satellite Tasting Rooms. Producers are sharing their wares in new territories. This season, visit the Hudson-Chatham tasting room in Troy, or Brooklyn Cider House and Bad Seed Cidery; each with new digs in Brooklyn.
5. Estate Grown Wines. Recent plantings will yield more grapes for terroir-driven wines. Watch for the rise of Cabernet Francs from Hudson Valley Cab Franc Coalition members, and more wines from heritage grapes that weathered last year’s roller coaster temps.
6. Garden to Glass Beverages. “Farm market fresh” takes on a new meaning with more veggies—like carrots, beets, herbs, and grasses—in craft beverages from producers across all categories.
7. Longer, Later Hours. Looser regulations mean longer tasting room visits. Linger over the fire pit as the sun sets over the vineyard at Robibero Winery, or settle in on “Speakeasy Saturday” at Orchard Hill Cider Mill.
8. More Small Batch Experiments. Limited releases will include one-off brews, wines from small vineyard blocks, limited bottlings of unfiltered ciders, and tasting-room-only options.
9. Food Truck Phenom. Gourmet food trucks have become regular fixtures at wineries, cideries, and breweries, dishing out tasty pairings.
10. No- or Low-ABV Choices. Health-conscious drinkers have more options for no- or low-alcohol beverages. On the menu: mocktails made with switchels and shrubs, and 0% ABV sparklings and carbonated ciders made from local fruit.