Daily Mail Raves About Catskill Wine & Cheese 2012

Fortnightlys help Catskill wine and dine

A variety of fine wines were showcased for tasting Saturday at the Catskill Wine and Cheese Festival, including Hudson-Chatham, Warwick Valley, Cascade and Thousand Islands. | Rob LeDonne photo

By Rob LeDonne
For Hudson-Catskill Newspapers

Published: Sunday, May 13, 2012 2:07 AM EDT

CATSKILL — The Fortnightly Club of Catskill held its annual Wine and Cheese Festival at the Historic Catskill Point Saturday afternoon on the shores of the Hudson River. Fantastic weather brought out large crowds who mulled around the Freightmaster’s building which was decked out with a variety of vendors, and consumed everything from smooth beverages and gourmet food to local goods, and even some live music to boot.

A variety of fine wines were showcased for tasting, including Hudson-Chatham, Warwick Valley, Cascade and Thousand Islands.

Catskill resident Ed Morralli attended with Grandpa Pete’s, a line of sauces and pasta made right here in Greene County. “This is a very worthwhile fundraiser,” said Morrelli referring to the fact that money raised at the sixth annual event goes straight to the Fortnightly Club, which is devoted to improving the community and holds a variety of events throughout the year. One of the Fortnightly Club’s most notable functions is November’s Festival of Trees.

“We do craft and food shows all over the place, so it’s nice to come to something in our own backyard,” explained Morralli.



“This is great, we’re really impressed,” said Tyrone Chrisjohn, who was at the festival with Cafe Tango, an Argentinian/Mexican restaurant out of Saugerties that his wife Analia owns. “We didn’t think it would be this big of a success, so many people came,” said Chrisjohn, who was busy serving piping hot empanadas. “It’s a nice crowd too; everyone is relaxed, friendly and laid-back.”

Greenville resident Carol Peters from High Hill Horse Haven was also on hand to share information about her farm for rescue horses, as well as offer bottles of wine. “This is my second time coming and I always enjoy it,” said Peters, who made up bottles of wine adorned with pictures and logo of the Haven, which she was giving away for a donation. “We had them made up through a site online; it’s just another way for us to get our message out there.”

Theresa’s Crafts and Totes namesake owner Theresa had nothing but praise for the event. “I love it, this turnout has been wonderful,” she said noting that this was her fifth year in business.

“Catskill needs events like this. When we lost the Farmer’s Market, it made us stop selling. With the economy the way it is, small businesses need all the help they can get."

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