From quick trips to the Hudson Valley to a leisurely road trip far upstate, the options are endless around here when it comes to finding beautiful vineyards and amazing wine. Particularly this time of year, these weekend getaways are filled with sunshine, surrounded by colorful blossoms, and doused in rich, local wine. The perfect relaxing, yet adventurous (and oh-so-delicious) escape awaits! Of course, don’t forget to bring along a designated driver if you’re partaking in the wine tasting fun. With Father’s Day on the horizon, all you EscapeMakers have the perfect excuse for a wine weekend escape! Check out some of our favorites below.
Treat yourself to a weekend in the Finger Lakes Region and cruise along the famous Cayuga Lake Wine Trail, which has been around for 30+ years. The trail is the first organized and longest running wine trail, comprised of 16 members including 15 wineries, a cidery, meadery and four distilleries. These wineries have won over 5,000 national and international medals and six Governor’s Cups. See breathtaking views of Cayuga Lake, Taughannock Falls, and the rolling vineyards all weekend long. Stay for the weekend and check out one of the local inns or B&Bs in the bustling Ithaca, NY area.
Mark your calendar for our upcoming Farms & Wineries Weekend in the Hudson Valley! Bring your mom, dad, sweetie or friends up to Dutchess County via Metro-North Railroad on Saturday, June 9th or Sunday, June 10th for a day filled with wine, farm fresh eats, and beautiful views! On this tour, you can select your own farm fresh stops via our hop on/off looper shuttles. Take in the warm breeze of early June while visiting the charming Village of Millerton. Explore McEnroe Organic Farm, its garden and cider bar; sample award-winning wines at Millbrook Vineyards & Winery or Cascade Mountain Winery; tap into sweet samples and learn about maple syrup-making at Soukup Farms; or sign up for an animal sanctuary tour at Lucky Orphan’s Horse Rescue.
Also in the Hudson Valley, and just a short jaunt from NYC, you can visit the first micro-winery in Westchester County, South Salem Winery. They are located in the hamlet of South Salem, N.Y. in northern Westchester County. With their wine room adjacent to a greenhouse, they are set amidst the grounds of the lush and beautiful Gossett Bros. Nursery. Truly a micro-winery, South Salem is producing small batches of hand-crafted wine with grapes from Orient Point and the Finger Lakes. They are currently offering 2016 NYS Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Vidal Blanc, Chardonnay, Merlot, and a Rosé of Merlot. They also sell NYS Hard Cider and Champagne. A perfect Sunday Funday day trip with family and friends!
The Catskills are brimming with refreshing craft beverages! Travel through the countryside of Sullivan County on the Good Taste Artisanal Beverage Trail and sample the distinct flavors of their brewmasters, distillers, vintners and cider makers. When it comes to wine, try the 2010 Black Bear Cabernet Franc at the Bashakill Vineyards in Wurstboro and the 2012 Pinot Noir-Elizabeth’s Vineyards from Eminence Road Winery in Long Eddy. You’ll find tastings, food and special events all season long.
Head up to Central New York to experience the Cooperstown Beverage Trail. Cooperstown has a centuries-old history of fine drink, going back well before baseball became America’s pastime. Once the hops-growing capital of North America, it now boasts breweries, wineries, a distillery and an historic cider mill,each one making world-class beverages for all to enjoy. New York State’s first official cuisine trail, it was originally comprised of four establishments (two of which were Bear Pond Winery and Fly Creek Cider Mill). Today, additional wine-makers on the trail include Rustic Ridge Winery and Pail Shop Vineyards. All of these locations offer tastings, educational tours, shopping and gorgeous grounds. Explore one stop or the entire 37-mile trail!
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