Hudson River Valley Wineries

This blog is dedicated to news, events, profiles and reviews of fine food and wine in the Hudson River Valley. We especially feature and spotlight the burgeoning wineries of the Hudson River Region. We accept and will relay information about releases, events, festivals and any toher happening related to food and wine in the Hudson River Valley. Send pertitnent information to hudsonriverwine@yahoo.com

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Location: Catskill, NY, United States

Carlo DeVito has traveled around the US, France, Spain, Chile, Canada, and Italy. He has been a publishing executive for more than 20 years. He shepherded the wine book program of Wine Spectator as well as worked with Kevin Zraly, Oz Clarke, Matt Kramer, Tom Stevenson, Evan Dawson, Greg Moore, Howard Goldberg, and many other wine writers. He has also published Salvatore Calabrese, Jim Meehan, Clay Risen, and Paul Knorr. He has also publisher such writers as Stephen Hawking, E. O Wilson, Philip Caputo, Gilbert King, James McPherson, Michael Lewis, David Margolick, Arthur M. Schlesinger Jr., John Edgar Wideman, Stanley Crouch, Dan Rather, Dee Brown, and Eleanor Clift. He is also the founder of Hudson-Chatham Winery, co-founder of the Hudson Berkshire Beverage Trail, and former president of the Hudson Valley Wine Country. His the author of more than 20 books including The New Single Malt Whiskey, Big Whiskey, and the forthcoming The Spirit of Rye. https://carlodevito.wordpress.com/

Sunday, June 26, 2011

Altamont Vineyard and Winery (NY)


Altamont Vineyard can be found in the Upper Hudson Valley region. The Mohawk and Hudson Valleys of Upstate New York are being increasingly recognized as established wine regions within the United States and North America. At the intersection of these Valleys, Altamont Vineyard and Winery sits at the crest of the Helderberg mountains.


Louis DiCrescenzo, toiled for his grandfather begining at the age of five, worked the vines in their family vineyard in Monte San Biagio, just south of Rome, founded Altamont. Louis, his son Michael, and Deborah Crawford, bring their best techniques of European winemaking to Altamont Vineyard and Winery.

Michael and Louis showed me their place. They have an extensive vineyard, more than 12 acres planted to vines, with more than 20 varieties of grapes grown and harvested. They also buy in a few grapes as well. Michael explains that they grow a number of vines, but there's no question that they are spending a lot of time with Minnesota varieties, as well as those developed by Elmer Swenson, who really helped put Minnesota on the map when it came to grape breeding. I found several promising things. I think Minnesota is doing some wonderful things with their grape program.

I can't review all the wines I tasted, so I'll point to the ones that made an impression on me.


Riesling 2009
Harvested from a young award-winning vineyard in Lodi, NY, this wine is dry and crisp. Flavors of tangerine and grapefruit come through as promised. It's a light, bright, sophisticated refreshing dry white wine. Lovely. If you closed your eyes, you would have thought you were in the Finger Lakes. Very, very good! Deserves to be in any quality reisling conversation.

Cayuga 2008
This was more of a slightly off-dry light white, unsual, since many people prefer to make cayuga sweet. Lots of apple and lemon flavors, with high acidity and a quick finish. Aged in stainless steel. Another bright fresh white wine great to have with food.

St. Pepin 2008
I'd never had St. Pepin before. An Elmer Swenson entry from 1970. Unlike most modern grapes it is a pistillate female and so needs to be planted next to male vines from a close sibling variety to achieve pollination. It's very much resembles its parent Seyval Blanc. We bought a lovely medium-bodied white. Grassy and floral aromas dominate, as promised, with crisp and refreshing mineral flavors. A very nice surprise. Especially good with food.


Leon Millot Reserve
This is Altamont's flagship wine, and it would be a standout no matter what line-up it wa sold in. This Leon Millot is aged in French oak. A big, inky, deep purple wine, with great aromas and flavors. Very Burgundian in it's feel. Very much Rhone-ish in it's feel. Cherry predominates, with cassis and hints of dark raspberries. A slight whiff of vanilla and a hint of mocah or sadle leather. The acidity is not too high, and the tannin are nice but not overwhelming. Easily one of the better read wines of the Hudson Valley region.

Altamont is one of the rising stars of the Hudson Valley Region. They are gaining a solid following and are producing good wines. They are certainly a star in the Upper Hudson Valley area. If you're looking for a nice tastingroom setting, and a solid list of wines, Altamont isn't only a good bet, it's a great treat. Jessica Harding is behind the counter, and greets you with the friendly smile, while "Bottle Shock" plays behind her on a hi-def television. Treat yourself, and go visit them!

Sunday, June 19, 2011

Edible Hudson Valley Raves About Whitecliff Vineyard



In the Summer 2011 issue, Edible Hudson Valley magazine, a James Beard award-winning magazine (just this last May - congrats once again!), published a tremendous article (written by widely published food writer Victoria Spencer) on Michael and Yancey Migliore and their award-winning winery, Whitecliff Vineyard.








NYCR Raves About the Hudson Valley: Part 1


June 17, 2011
A First Impression of the Hudson Valley Wine Country, Part 1
By Julia Burke, Beer Editor

I had absolutely no expectations as I drove east on the thruway on my very first trip to the Hudson Valley wine country. David Jackson of Hudson-Chatham Winery and his wife Kathy were kind enough to invite me to their home and show me around, and I could think of no better way to spend one of the first beautiful weekends of summer than exploring a new wine scene.

What was in store was a fascinating, vibrant and diverse region with a young-but-exciting quality wine industry, gorgeous farmland, exciting local beer and spirits, an amazing array of edible bounty, and passionate people who believe in the future of the Hudson Valley.



After a five-hour drive it was beer o’clock, so I began my Hudson Valley experience with a visit to Chatham Brewing.

A tucked-away site literally located in an alley, Chatham’s entrance welcomed me with a hop garden and the sight of locals lining up to fill growlers and kegs. I opted to taste through their full lineup and was solidly impressed. The beers showed great malt presence and balance: the maple amber wasn’t too sweet, the IPAs not too bitter, the porter not too roasty, all with well-integrated and clean flavors and crisp, smooth mouthfeel.

Brewmaster Matt explained that he’s all about Old World styles; it shows in his well-made, elegant brews. My two favorites were the porter and the 8-barrel IPA.

Growlers in hand, I was ready for a day of adventure. My hosts had a full weekend planned; after lunch in Chatham we visited two beautiful farms, Chatham Shepherding and Kinderhook, offering local cheeses, meats and eggs, and even stopped at a distillery before heading to Hudson-Chatham for wine tasting.

I was particularly impressed by Harvest Spirits, a distillery making apple vodka, applejack, pear brandy and some fun experimental stuff including grappa, frozen applejack and — to my delight — eisbock using Chatham Brewing Company’s ESB.

Read the rest at:
http://www.lenndevours.com/2011/06/a-first-impression-of-the-hudson-valley-wine-country-part-1.html

Sunday, June 12, 2011

HUDSON BERKSHIRE BEVERAGE TRAIL
SATURDAY, JUNE 25, 2011
STRAWBERRY FIELDS EVENT


On Saturday & Sunday, June 25, the Hudson Berkshire Beverage Trail is conducting its second group event of the season. This one is called “Strawberry Fields Sip & Savor,” and will feature a strawberry delicacy at each of the participating venues. For example, there will be strawberry sangria at the Hudson-Chatham Winery, chocolate-covered strawberries at Furnace Brook Winery, vodka-soaked strawberries with fresh cream at Harvest Spirits, and strawberries in phyllo at Brookview Station Winery. There will be lots to sip and savor this weekend on the premier beverage trail in the Northeast!

Guests may visit any trail member of their choice, and pay the normal tasting fees, or buy a Trail Passport, and receive a great discount, that gets them into all the participating trail locations FREE!

Passport Members get:
complimentary free tasting flights of wine, beers, and spirits at all locations on the specified date
free strawberry treats
This is a great value! Passports will be available for $15 on the day of the event at each participating venue!
Special Designated Driver Passport: $5 with complimentary strawberries!

Monday, June 06, 2011

Hudson Valley Art & Wine Premiere's in Catskill June 11, 2011





HUDSON VALLEY ART & WINE – A GRAND CELEBRATIONTRAVELING EXHIBIT

OPENS IN CATSKILL, THE BIRTHPLACE OF AMERICAN ART

A juried exhibition and wine tasting featuring 18 Hudson Valley artists and theirvisual interpretations of 12 regional wineries.
Saturday, June 11, Preview from 4:00 to 6:00 pm;

Artist's Reception from 6:00 to 8:00 pm


WHO: Presented by Hudson Valley Wine Magazine and M Gallery

WHAT: Hudson Valley Art & Wine – A Grand Celebration View the traveling exhibit of works by Hudson Valley artists inspired by the region’s wineries and vineyards. Sample wines by several of the wineries, including Hudson-Chatham Winery, Palaia Vineyards, and Millbrook Vineyards and Winery.

WHEN:
Saturday, June 11, 2011
Preview from 4:00 to 6:00 pm; Artist's reception from 6:00 to 8:00 pm.
Exhibit runs through July 10.

WHERE: M Gallery350 Main Street, Catskill, NY 12414

WHY: Showcasing the artwork inspired by the local wineries will generate attention and support for the Hudson Valley’s artists and winemakers — and promote the cultural vitality of the Hudson Valley region. Historic Catskill, NY was home to landscape artist Thomas Cole, founder of The Hudson River School of Art, America's first art movement.

WINERY & ARTIST "PAIRS"
Applewood Winery & Jan Horton (acrylic);
Applewood Winery & Crista Pisano (oils);
Benmarl Winery & Sasha Chermayeff (oils);
Brookview Station Winery & Judy Reynolds (oils);
Brotherhood, America’s Oldest Winery & Lee Anne Morgan (Fine Art Photography);
Brotherhood, America’s Oldest Winery & Barbara Rubin (oils);
Glorie Farm Winery & Virginia Donovan (oils);
Glorie Farm Winery & Patrick Milbourn (oils);
Hudson-Chatham Winery & Joan Damiani (oil & photography);
Hudson-Chatham Winery & Anne Gabriele (photography);
Millbrook Winery & Vineyards & Susan Togut (mixed media);
Millbrook Winery & Vineyards & K. Velis Turan (mixed media fiber);
Palaia Vineyards & Paul Gould (oils);
Robibero Family Vineyards & David Borenstein (mixed media);
Stoutridge Vineyards & Paola Bari (overglaze on porcelain);
Warwick Valley Winery & Distillery & John Laurenzi (acrylics);
Whitecliff Vineyard & Robert Breur (sculpture in clay and wood);
Whitecliff Vineyard & Vince Natale (oil and graphite);


About the Hudson Valley Art & Wine – A Grand Celebration

One year ago, Hudson Valley Wine Magazine paired 18 jury-selected Hudson Valley artists with 12 Hudson Valley wineries to create original works of art inspired by the wineries and reflecting the beauty of this historic region. The exhibit premiered on May 21, 2011 at Lyndhurst, a National Trust Historic site in Westchester, NY, the gateway to the Hudson Valley. The exhibit will travel to various galleries in the Hudson Valley throughout 2011.


About M Gallery and Catskill, NY
Catskill became a landmark when long-time resident and artist, Thomas Cole, introduced the Hudson River School of Painting. American art was forever changed by Cole’s influence as founder and father of the movement. He impressed countless numbers of talented and noted painters — Church, Blakelock, Inness, Durand and others — who claimed glory using the backdrop of the magnificent Catskill region. The history continues, inspired by dramatic panoramas, tumultuous skies, exceptional light, and the bold profile of a timeless mountain range. Artist Patrick Milbourn, owner of M Gallery, paints signature landscapes and fine art portraits that convey a sense of history and lifestyle. Milbourn has received a variety of awards and accolades from the Pastel Society of America, the National Academy of Art, the Salmagundi Club and the prestigious American Academy of Arts and Letters.


For more information about theHudson Valley Art & Wine – A Grand Celebration, please visit HudsonValleyArtandWine.com

Sunday, June 05, 2011

MILLBROOK WINERY LAUNCHES DAY TRIP PACKAGE


Millbrook Vineyards & Winery announces the launch of their new Vineyard Express weekend getaway package - an exclusive round trip escape to Hudson Valley Wine Country. Millbrook, widely considered to be the Hudson Valley’s finest winery, is offering van shuttle service between the winery and the Poughkeepsie train station for wine lovers traveling via Metro-North from NYC Grand Central Terminal. The Vineyard Express will operate on Saturdays and Sundays from June through October.

Although within day-trip distance to many wineries throughout the state, many New Yorkers have long been burdened by the lack of transportation options to wineries. Millbrook’s Vineyard Express is an all-inclusive package including round trip transportation from the Poughkeepsie train station, a gift bag filled with wine goods, lunch at Millbrook’s Vineyard Grille that includes a glass of wine, and a guided tour of the winery followed by a portfolio wine tasting. Vineyard Express guests who purchase six bottles of wine or more will also enjoy free shipping of their wine back to their home or office. The cost is $75 per person excluding train fare. Guests under the age of 21 may reserve a spot on the shuttle for a discounted price. Reservations are now being accepted for all weekends beginning June 4, 2011.

“People often forget some of New York State’s best wines are grown and bottled just an hour and half north of the City,” said David Bova, General Manager and Vice President, Millbrook Vineyards & Winery. “Whether guests want to taste our wine, hike along our scenic vineyard trail or view the art exhibit in our lofted gallery; a day at the winery should be fun and carefree - we don’t want people to worry about a thing when they visit Millbrook.”

Day-trippers from NYC may choose from two Metro-North/Grand Central Terminal departure times - 8:47AM or 10:52AM - in order to meet Millbrook Winery’s Vineyard Shuttle. The shuttle will meet and pick up guests at the front of the Poughkeepsie train station twice a day at 10:45AM and 12:45PM and offer three return drop-off times. (Millbrook Winery’s Vineyard Shuttle may vary during the year according to MTA timetables). Reservations are required as seating on the shuttle is limited. For more information and online reservation booking visit www.MillbrookWine.com/Visiting-Us/Vineyard-Express or call 1-(845)-677-8383 x11.

Current Menu (subject to change throughout the season)

Grilled Angus Beef Burger on a Telera roll (lettuce, tomato, pickle): $8.00
Wine suggestions: Hunt Country Red, Cab Franc

Spicy Garden Burger on a Telera roll (lettuce, tomato, pickle) $8.00
Wine suggestions: NY Chardonnay

Grilled Chicken Breast with Chipotle Aioli on a Rosemary Ciabatta roll $9.00
Wine suggestions: Chardonnay Proprietor’s Special Reserve

Ahi Tuna Sandwich with Cusabi Cream on a Rosemary Ciabatta roll $10.00
Wine suggestions: Tocai Friulano


All sandwiches will be served with choice of a side salad – options will include a green salad, pasta salad or slaw.

Other current a la carte items:
Coffee: $2.00
Cookie: $1.50
Snack Bar: $1.00
Izzy Sodas: $2.00
Apple: $1.00
Water: $1.00

Hours: Every Saturday and Sunday, 12 – 3 pm
Dates: May 28 through the end of October

For more information readers can visit: http://www.millbrookwine.com/visiting-us/vineyard-grille-a-cafe

Saturday, June 04, 2011

Shawangunk Wine Trail 2011 Event Dates


2011 Event Dates

Here are the event dates for the Shawangunk Trail Events for 2011!

Around the World
June 18th & 19th
10 to 6
Each of the 11 wineries along the trail adopts a different country. Maybe it is France, Spain, Italy or Greece; you never know where you might land. At each winery savor the foods and atmosphere of that "country" while you sample the regional wines that make each winery unique. Your Passport includes "visas" good for a day of touring and a souvenir wine glass.
Adair Vineyards will represent Mexico
Applewood will represent Cuba
Baldwin Vineyards will represent Italy
Benmarl Vineyards will represent Ghana
Brimstone Hill Vineyards will represent Greece
Brotherhood Winery will represent France
Glorie Farm Winery will represent Chile
Palaia Winery will represent Belgium
Stoutridge Vineyards will represent Germany
Warwick Winery will represent Spain
Whitecliff Vineyards will represent United States

Sixteenth Annual Bounty Of The Hudson
To Be Held At
Adair Vineyards
July 30th & 31st
Noon to 5 PM
A rotating event held at a different winery each year including all of the Hudson River Region wineries and many top food purveyors and restaurants from the Hudson Valley. Bounty location for 2011 heads back to Adair Vineyards at the Northern End of the Trail to the New Paltz area.

Wreath Fineries At The Wineries
November 19th & 20th, December 3rd & 4th and
December 10th & 11th
What a great way to spend a day, shop for your holiday gifts while you sample fine wines Participants receive a grapevine wreath, a souvenir wine glass, a Shawangunk Wine Trail ornament and an ornament from their starting winery, as they continue along the trail they celebrate the holiday season while sampling uniquely crafted wines at each. As you continue along the trail you pick up an ornament specially chosen by each winery, giving you a total of 12 ornaments to decorate your wreath. This is where the Hudson Valley shops for fine wines and unique gifts in the region. Reservations are required. This event sells out quickly. Tickets will be available soon on eventbrite.com

Call Wendy at 845-256-8456 with any questions
or email gunkswine.com

Shawangunk Unveils New Logo & Passport FOR 2011



From the Shawangunk Trail:

Our New Brochure & Passport
Our New brochure with Passport Program is here! Once you have your new brochure, tuck it in your bag or car so it is always with you, just in case you take a detour to one of our 11 wineries. The next time you purchase a tasting at one of the wine trail wineries, have it stamped (stamps will not be given during wine trail events) then tuck it away again until you have all 11 stamps. Make sure you fill in the information on the first page, turn in the passport at your last winery visit for an opportunity to win a fabulous trip to the Hudson Valley.

Sample Prize Package*
Complimentary Wine Tastings at all 11 wineries


2-night compliments of
Cromwell Manor House
Cornwall NY
http://www.cromwellmanor.com/

9-Holes of Golf for Two
Winding Hills Golf Course
Montgomery NY
http://www.cromwellmanor.com/

Dinner At
Landmark Inn
Warwick NY
http://www.landmarkinnwarwick.com/

Sunday Brunch at
Glenmere Mansion
Chester NY
http://glenmeremansion.com/

Other great drawings may include:
A Two Night Stay at
Fox Hill Bed & Breakfast
New Paltz NY
http://www.foxhillbandb.com/

A Two Night Stay at
Buttermilk Falls Inn & Spa
Milton NY
http://www.buttermilkfallsinn.com/

A Hudson River Dance or Dinner Cruise on the
River Rose
Newburgh NY
http://www.riverrosecruises.com/

We always welcome your comments and suggestions. You may contact us at shawangunkwinetrail@gmail.com with any questions.

CONGRATS TO THE FOLKS DOWN IN THE GUNKS! GREAT NEW LOGO!

Friday, June 03, 2011

HUDSON BERKSHIRE WINE & FOOD FESTIVAL MAY 5 & 6, 2012






SAVE THE DATE!

The first annual Hudson Berkshire Wine & Food Festival will be held at the Columbia County Fair grounds on May 5 & 6, 2012.

Local wines, beers, and spirits as well as local artisanal foods from the Hudson River and Berkshire Mountain regions will abound in this first ever fall wine festival.

More to come!