You might have heard of the wonders that Hudson Valley has to offer. From the fresh produce to the stunning views, there’s no shortage of reasons to love this region. But did you know that Hudson Valley is also home to some of the best wineries in the country?
Now, imagine being able to see those sights while sipping on some of the best wine in the world. That’s what you can expect when you go on a wine tour in Hudson Valley.
Whether you’re a seasoned wine connoisseur or just getting started, a wine tour is a perfect way to explore all that Hudson Valley proposes to its guests. You’ll be able to explore some of the most popular wineries in the region, as well as some hidden gems that you might not have otherwise had the chance to visit. You’ll get to sample a variety of wines, learn about the different wine-making processes, and even get a behind-the-scenes look at how some of these amazing wines are made.
Planning your wine tour in Hudson Valley
When you’re planning your wine tour in Hudson Valley, there are a few things that you’ll need to keep in mind. First, you’ll need to decide which type of tour you want to go on. There are group tours available, as well as private tours. Group tours are a great way to meet new people and learn about different wines, while private tours offer a more intimate experience.
You’ll also need to decide how many wineries you want to visit on your wine tour in Hudson Valley. Most tours will include 3-4 wineries and that would do. We’ll enlarge upon this a bit later.
Finally, you’ll need to make sure that you have a designated driver. While you’re on the tour, you’ll be sampling a lot of different wines, so it’s important to have someone who can drive you around. Booking a professional limo service might do the job.
Here’s a list of the 3 most important steps you should go through to make sure your wine tour in Hudson Valley will go as smooth as possible:
1. If you can, plan your wine tour in Hudson Valley early in the day.
Tasting rooms may get congested around noon during peak season. You won’t have time to talk about the wines with your server. Make arrangements for a winery with comfortable picnic/dining options early in the day.
Of course, visiting during the off-season or midweek is preferable. The winemakers are in full swing during the crush, which lasts from late August to late October.
During the harvest, don’t expect to see the winemaker for more than a couple of minutes. Wineries are closed on holidays such as Christmas, New Year, and Easter, and many have limited operating hours throughout the year. To book your wine tour in Hudson Valley, call them to double-check ahead of time, or go online to be sure.
2. Visit no more than three or four wineries on any given day.
You don’t want to micromanage two or more locations, because you won’t have enough time to comprehend what’s going on at each one. Allow for enough time for the flavors to mingle by lingering. Give yourself plenty of time to enjoy the wines and get the most out of your visit.
Don’t be discouraged by the need to make a reservation at a winery. Some wineries demand appointments because of their usage permits, or to ensure that they have staff on hand to offer customers the attention they require, while some only have a small parking lot.
Appointments are usually scheduled the day before your arrival, but the earlier the notice is received, the better.
3. Explore beyond your favorite wines.
A winemaker’s style is unique to him or her, therefore the flavor of the wine, be it Chardonnay, Merlot, or you name it, will be different at each vineyard. You could sample one new grape variety at each session. Alternatively, you may narrow it down even more and just try Merlots—that way, you may see how a wine changes from one vineyard to another, from one winemaker to another.
Remember, however, that some wineries may produce only a couple of bottles of a particular wine at a time, owing to their still-developing or expanding vineyards or because they source the grapes from various locations rather than nearby.
Keep in mind that vintages can change as a winery grows or when it switches origins.
Where to book the best wine tour in Hudson Valley
Some of the most important wine tours in Hudson Valley are to the following wineries:
1. Benmarl Winery
This historic winery was founded in 1847, making it one of the oldest in the region. Here is where you can have a sip of your favorite red wine, discover new flavors of white wine, or let yourself be impressed by the rosés. They have it all!
2. Brotherhood Winery
This is the largest winery in New York State, and it’s located in the beautiful Hudson Valley region. They offer a wide variety of wines, from dry reds to sweet whites, and you’re sure to find something that you’ll love.
3. Clinton Vineyards
This family-owned winery has been producing award-winning wines for over 30 years. They have a nice selection of red and white wines, as well as fantastic sparkling wine for every scenario.
4. Glorie Farm Winery
This picturesque farm winery is located in the heart of the Hudson Valley. They offer a collection of red and white wines, as well as a rosé that’s sure to please any palate. It’s definitely one of the best choices when looking for a wine tour in Hudson Valley.
5. Millbrook Vineyards & Winery
This stunning winery is located in the beautiful Hudson Valley region. They possess a wide variety of red and white wines, as well as sparkling wine that’s perfect for any occasion.
6. Wagners Vineyard
This family-owned winery has been producing award-winning wines for over 30 years. Red, white, or sparkling, you can have it all!
Whether you’re a wine lover or just looking for a new and exciting way to explore Hudson Valley, wine tastings are the perfect way to do it. So come join a wine tour in Hudson Valley and see for yourself why Hudson Valley is one of the most popular wine regions in the world. Remember to ask as many questions as possible — you will learn impressive things while enjoying the best flavors ever. Cheers!
Mirela Letailleur is a Romanian travel blogger living in the South of France. She writes on The Travel Bunny travel blog about affordable travel in Europe. Creator of unique free travel guides, and local travel expert. Problem solver. Wannabe coffee guru.
Other articles to help you plan your trip to New York state
Top 7 things you must see on a visit to Long Island
Entering the USA: How to get an ESTA – a fail-proof guide!
The most elite events in the United States