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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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/

Monday, February 17, 2014

Colebrook Country Wines - Award Winning Wines from the Upper Hudson Valley


Based in the beautiful town of Gansevoort, New York, Colebrook Country Wines has been delighting enthusiasts, newcomers and critics for years. According to Saratoga Farmers Market director, Rick Green wrote, “John Cameron and his partner, Fran Morrison, have been shaking it up with their own take on Empire State grapes. Since starting at the Troy Farmers’ Markets almost a decade ago, Colebrook Wine has now expanded to ten different markets, yet still maintains a steadfast presence at the Saratoga Farmers’ Market every Wednesday and Saturday.”

 

Cameron is the winemaker. “Morrison assists Cameron with his tasks but also serves as bookkeeper and saleswoman,” according to Anne Marie French of the Saratogian. “During the summer months Morrison attends 12 farmers' markets each week, sometimes going to two to three in the same day. She said most of the wine sales happen there but people do call and make arrangements to stop by their Colebrook Road location.”

"It's fun," Morrison said of the farmers' markets. "I meet new people and they get curious. We talk."

 


“Colebrook Country Wines is tucked away in a residential neighborhood and without the sign out front you might never realize what you're missing,” wrote French. “Inside an oversized garage is everything needed to make 14 varieties of award-winning wine. Making wine was something John Cameron had done for years as a hobby. When he met Fran Morrison the pair decided to turn it into a small business. Eight years later they are still at it and both have turned it into their full-time jobs.”

 

"He was making wine way before we met," Morrison told French. "He just needed a partner to help with everything."

Rick Green continued, “Despite its growth, Colebrook Wine remains a two-person operation, true to its humble beginnings.”

“Wine-making started as hobby for us,” John told Green, adding that he and Fran began their venture into vino with a batch of dandelion wine. “From there, we decided we’d give it a try as a business,” he explains.

“We're small time," Morrison said. "If it needs to be done we do it."

“The duo does everything from obtaining grapes from around the state, to fermenting them in their small winery in Wilton, to bottling and labeling the wine, to selling it at the markets,” wrote Green.


Offering a wide variety of award-winning wines- made only with fresh and local ingredients- makes it very easy for people to find the perfect choice to fit their palette. At the 2010 Florida State Fair & International Wine Competition, Colebrook Country Wines received numerous medals for their Dry Oak Chardonnay, Signature Rose, Special Reserve Pinot Noir and Cabernet Sauvignon. Similarly, they also were awarded with the Gold Medal at the 2010 Finger Lakes International Competition for their Cranapple Chardonnay.

 
 
Aside from their topnotch wines, the hospitality and warmth that the customer receives from owners John Cameron and Fran Morrison and other employees is what really sets Colebrook Country Wines apart. When you walk in the ambiance is not like a store, but rather feels very homey. Don’t have time to visit the shop? No worries, their wines are available at a multitude of Farmer’s Markets across the area- including Saratoga, Queensbury, Cambridge, Keene, Willsborough and Schroon Lake during the summer and Troy during the winter months.  

John’s also maintained the flexibility to explore all sorts of unique flavors—an area in which Colebrook Wines seems to have found its niche. From black raspberry red to cran-apple, strawberry blush to green apple Riesling, and even peach and blueberry wines, Colebrook has an array of flavors that won’t often be found in an ordinary liquor store. There are also flavored ports in the repertoire, including white chocolate, toasted caramel, and orange chocolate.

Green reported, “According to John, it was the desire to expand beyond the basic reds and whites that drove him and Fran to start experimenting with different flavors.” 

“We wanted to diversify,” John explained, “Some people like sweet wine, some people dry, but I like to have something for every taste bud.” 

Also, Colebrook Country Wines will host your next event or party, catering a diverse selection of wines and cheeses. In sum, whether it be their award-winning wines, excellent service, or sensational catering amenity, Colebrook Country Wines will be on the top of your list for years to come.  

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Prepared with help from HWVC Media Staffer Tyler Estey

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