The Best of the Hudson Valley

Congratulations goes out to the Shawangunk Wine Trail as it won the "Best of the Hudson Valley" in the category of "International Wine Event" for Around the World in 80 Miles. This event is held every June, Father's Day Weekend. Each of the 10 wineries on the trail adopt a country and serve food from that country paired with their wines. Each customer receives a passport and as they travel to each winery, they have the opportunity to taste food from the adopted country, paired with the wines and their passport stamped. At the end of the day, they can turn their passport in for a chance to win a case of wine.

Congratulations goes out to Benmarl Winery who received "Best of the Hudson Valley" in the category of "Best place to sample Sangria."

Congratulations goes out to Whitecliff Vineyards . Their Awosting White won the Best Cocktail Wine.

Congratulations goes out to Warwick Valley Winery & Distillery who won the Best Distilled Fruit Beverages.

Congratulations to the Wine Trail and it's members!!

Harvest

I spoke to Whitecliff Vineyards & Winery today and they told me they have been harvesting Seyval all week. It looks like a banner crop. Much to their surprise, it looks like they will be harvesting Chardonnay next week.

This is a great time to visit all the wineries and experience the "Crush." It's quite an experience.

Hudson Valley Harvest

Well it's harvest time in the Hudson Valley. Usually harvest starts the second or third week in September. Not this year...this year we are looking at an early start to harvest! Some vineyards will start harvesting Seyval this week...two weeks early.

As you travel about the next few weeks you will be able to see harvest at its best at area vineyards. As the grapes get delivered to the wineries...you will be able to witness Hudson Valley wine making up close and personal.

Hudson Heritage White

As you go wine tasting in the Hudson Valley you will run across a white wine called "Hudson Heritage White." This wine is available at many of the wineries. Although the same name, each winery will craft their own version of "Hudson Heritage White."

What does that mean...It is common practice in France for regions to have a clearly defined wine styles, with strict parameters established and enforced for grapes and blends that qualify. The growers in the Hudson Valley are using that platform to build their own identity and understanding for Hudson Valley Wines.

The Hudson Valley Grape Growers Association has selected Seyval Blanc as the primary grape for wines that will qualify for the new designation, with Vignoles, Vidal or Cayuga White allowed for blending. In time consumers will see wines labeled "Hudson Heritage White" and the wine will be a light and easy-drinking white wine.