Winter is for Wine Along The Shawangunk Wine Trail

(Photo Credit: Glorie Winery)

(SPONSORED)

Winter is the perfect time for a cozy glass of wine as you take in the magical winter wonderland vistas of the Hudson Valley. Just 60 miles north of New York City lies the gorgeous (and nearest wine region to the city in New York State) Shawangunk Wine Trail. Nestled between the Shawangunk Mountains and the Hudson River, the trail features 14 member wineries, which are producing diverse and unique wines to share with locals and visitors in the bucolic Hudson Valley region. Amid stunning landscapes are a range of bed and breakfasts and inns and winter attractions like hiking, spas, antique shopping, skiing and farm-to-table eateries.

Stop into our pop-up shop at 91 South St. at Fulton Stall Market and grab the special edition of Hudson Valley Magazine! Inside the magazine, there is a discount pass for 2-for-1 tastings, discounts on purchases and more for wine trail visitors to use at the 14 wineries.

In addition you can download their Hudson Valley Wine Tasting Passport, which allows you to receive one regular wine tasting at each of their member wineries at your own pace for one low price! This is a great way to start off the year, visiting your favorite wineries and discovering new favorites along the way! At each winery, you will enjoy both old vintages and new releases. When you arrive at each winery, simply present your Passport to your server to receive a stamp and your wine tasting. A $110 value per person for only $35. You can’t beat this deal with a corkscrew!

The 14 Shawangunk Wine Trail wineries are:

Applewood Winery: Enjoy wine tasting at a real farm winery in New York’s Hudson Valley. Discover New York wines at Applewood. The wines are made from their own vineyards, orchards and from across the state. Applewood makes Chardonnays, Cabernet Franc, barrel fermented reds, in addition to that they have delicious fruit wines including Hard Apple Cider. Every wine is produced in a “limited edition” with almost every bottle spoken for as soon as its made. So you’ll only find this special wine at the tasting room and in their online store.

Baldwin Vineyards: Celebrating its 27th year this year, Baldwin Vineyards is a second generation winery. Pat and Jack’s daughter Wendy and her husband Alex are creating an atmosphere where customers want to relax, kick their feet up and enjoy the delicious wines made in the classic Baldwin style. Baldwin Vineyards offers fifteen different wines, including Gold Medal Awarded: Chardonnay, Riesling, Claret and Strawberry wine, plus Merlot, Brut Sparkling wine, Ice wine, Port and Raspberry wine. The Strawberry wine is made from only the freshest strawberries (no other fruit or liquid is added to dilute the intense flavor). Because of its intensity, it synergizes with your favorite dessert, especially cheesecake, ice cream or chocolate desserts. It also tastes great all alone!

Benmarl Winery: Nestled in the lush green hills of Marlboro you will find Benmarl Winery. Overlooking the historic Hudson river valley, it’s 37-acre estate lays claim to the oldest vineyard in America. The winery also holds New York Farm Winery no.1. Although their history runs deep, it is their tireless commitment to quality and consistency that has made them one of the premier wineries in the region. New York wines are making a name for themselves on the world stage and Benmarl is proud to be a leader in this movement. Their focus is on hand crafting wines that capture the essence of where they are sourced. From their estate grown Baco Noir and Cabernet Franc, to the Riesling sourced on Seneca Lake, and merlot from the north fork of Long Island, Benmarl strives to allow their wines to speak of where they are from.

Brimstone Hill Vineyard: Located in the beautiful historic Hudson Valley region, this winery grows and produces elegant country Hudson River region wines. Visitors have a choice of eight graceful wines to taste. Brimstone Hill Vineyard and Winery’s award winning wines have been pleasing the palatable senses of this region for over 29 years! Their cozy tasting room is open year round! They welcome small and large groups to enjoy all four glorious seasons the valley has to offer. An appreciation for wine starts in the vineyard.

Brotherhood Winery: Brotherhood, America’s Oldest Winery, was established in 1839 and is located in the charming village of Washingtonville, in Orange County. Having survived Prohibition by producing sacramental wines, it is recognized by both the National and NY State Register of Historic Places as America’s Oldest Winery. Brotherhood’s unique experience provides visitors with a glimpse of a bygone era and taste of a promising future. Brotherhood is one of the Hudson Valley’s largest wine producers and it benefits from sourcing its grapes from the best grape growing regions in NY state.

Clearview Vineyard: Open Saturdays and Sundays 12PM to 5PM. Wine tasting is $5.00 and includes five or more of their wines plus an 11oz embossed Clearview Vineyard wine glass. Family owned and run vineyard and winery in Warwick, NY. They specialize in both white and red dry wines, growing 8 varieties. All  wines are made from grapes crushed, destemmed and pressed in their winery. Food and live music on the weekends . Travel & Leisure Magazine along with YELP named Clearview Vineyard to their Top 25 vineyards in the US at number 14 in 2017.

Demarest Hill Winery: Demarest Hill Winery is the largest winery in Warwick, New York, stocking over 80 varieties of wine, two ports and ciders, and four vinegars, which include Balsamico, Bombita Red, Apple, and Apple Balsamico. New this year are four ounce containers of Chocolate Grappa spread to use on whatever you fancy. The estate exhibits a gorgeous view of the valley, perfect for picnic lunches in the summer or a relaxing weekend getaway.

Glorie Winery: Glorie Farm Winery has been growing grapes on its Marlboro hillside farm for home winemakers and many valley wineries for nearly 30 years. At an elevation of 800 feet and with southeastern slopes, its location is considered one of the premier vineyard sites in the Hudson Valley, and virtually all visitors’ first reaction upon arrival is to comment on the amazing 35-mile, panoramic view from this spot. Estate-grown grapes make up ninety percent of its wines. Surrounded by the vibrant orchards and vineyards of its 54-acre fruit farm, a large, red-roofed barn built in 1913 was partially renovated between 2004 and 2007 for the winery and a tasting room.

Palaia Winery: Palaia’s tasting room and gift shop are located inside a historic 200 year old barn. Go and sip their award-winning wines and listen to some live music, inside in the winter, or outside under a tent all summer. Set against a backdrop of vineyards and mountains, the stage showcases some of the best musicians and actors in the area. The farm grows 10 acres of premium grapes such as Cabernet Franc, Traminette, Lemberger, Pinot Noir, Seyval Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc and Noire. Palaia has a relaxed, easy atmosphere to enjoy your wine tasting, and a selection of gourmet cheeses and light gourmet fare to complement the wines. Picnic tables are set up with a view of the vineyard and are available all year long.

For a map of all the wineries on the trail, click here.