Just a 45-minute drive from Manhattan in New York is the glorious Hudson Valley, a region containing some of the oldest wineries in the United States.
Filled with natural beauty and many attractions, including historic sites, dainty villages, mansions, mountain ranges, and wineries, it’s no wonder Hudson Valley is such a popular vacation destination.
So, if you’re thinking of heading down to Hudson Valley for a getaway packed with magnificent wine drinking, here are the best Hudson Valley wineries and vineyards you need to visit.
What Wine Is Hudson Valley Known For?
Like most of New York, Hudson Valley is home to many grape varieties, including Cabernet Franc, Gamay, Syrah, and Albariño. Hybrid varieties like Noiret, Chelois, Seyval, and Baco Noir are also popularly grown throughout the area.
The unique climate and soil are particularly beneficial for Native American, French-American, and European grape varieties. The Hudson River itself acts as a massive thermal regulator, protecting the vines from the harshest winter freezes and helping to extend the growing season into the autumn.
This “river effect” creates a microclimate that allows delicate European varietals to thrive alongside rugged local hybrids.
10 Best Hudson Valley Wineries
Without further ado, here are the best wineries you need to visit on your trip.
Hudson Valley Wineries & Vineyards Map:
Benmarl Winery: Delicious Baco Noir
- Address: 156 Highland Ave, Marlboro, NY 12542
- Contact Number: (845) 236-4265
- Website: https://benmarl.com/
With sweeping views of the Hudson River Valley, Benmarl Winery is a gorgeous historic estate that makes small-batch wines. Holding the claim to the oldest vineyard site in America, the winery is committed to producing consistently high-quality wines that represent the essence of the valley.
They hand-craft a wide range of wines, from estate-grown Baco Noir and Cabernet Franc to Riesling sourced from Seneca Lake and Merlot from the North Fork of Long Island. Each one captures the characteristics and soul of its roots.
Tastings typically range from $15 to $20 per person and include a flight of four wines. The outside deck area is a sight to behold, giving you a slice of nature as you sip on sumptuous wines. Groups of up to 10 people can often be accommodated in their stunning courtyard under the tasting tent.
The winery currently prioritizes reservations, so be sure to book ahead to guarantee a spot. It’s open daily with extended hours on Friday and Saturday. Benmarl Winery is both family and dog-friendly!
Editor’s Note: Try the winery’s estate-grown Baco Noir, with strong flavors of Bing cherry and herbal notes. It’s even more delicious when paired with venison, lamb, or wild mushroom risotto.
Warwick Valley Winery & Distillery: Gorgeous and Expansive Grounds
- Address: 114 Little York Road, Warwick, NY 10990
- Contact Number: (845) 258-4858
- Website: https://wvwinery.com/
Nestled in the foothills of Hudson Valley, Warwick Valley Winery & Distillery is a family-run estate that spans over 120 acres. It boasts scenic grounds, orchards, and gardens, providing a peaceful retreat and charming backdrop for sipping wine.
The winery offers critically acclaimed wines, spirits, and the famous Doc’s Cider. Tastings are done in their rustic tasting room, and there is seasonal apple picking available in the fall.
Wine tastings typically start around $10 per person, and they often include a souvenir wine glass. Tours of their Black Dirt Distillery are also available by reservation if you’re interested in learning more about their spirits and how they make them.
Warwick Winery & Distillery generally operates on a first-come, first-served basis for outdoor seating. You can bring your own chairs and blankets to enjoy wine and food on the lawn, which offers magnificent views of the estate.
Editor’s Note: Why not try the winery’s Black Dirt Red? It has a vibrant ruby color and mouthwatering aromas of dark fruit. If you prefer something lighter, their Doc’s Draft Ciders are a must-try.
Brotherhood Winery: America’s Oldest Winery
- Address: 100 Brotherhood Plaza Dr, Washingtonville, NY 10992
- Contact Number: (845) 496-3661
- Website: https://brotherhood-winery.com/
Brotherhood Winery is the oldest winery in America, established in 1839. Their stunning estate is situated in the small town of Washingtonville and is home to a variety of delectable wines, including red, white, and sparkling.
The winery offers tours, tastings, and private events in their modern and sophisticated tasting room. Standard tasting flights typically cost around $15 to $20 per person.
If you want to experience the history of their 1800s cellars, be sure to book a Private Tour & Tasting. These are extremely popular and often sell out in advance.
If you’re looking for the perfect venue for private events, their majestic Grand Monarque Hall features towering ceilings and antique wrought iron chandeliers. It can accommodate up to 220 seated guests, and the English cobblestone patio is a favorite for weddings and photoshoots.
Editor’s Note: To celebrate their long history, the winery released a Cabernet Sauvignon called 1839. It is a bold choice and a fantastic representation of their legacy.
Magnanini Winery: Delectable Italian-style Food
- Address: 172 Strawridge Road, Wallkill, NY 12589
- Contact Number: (845) 895-2767
- Website: https://magwine.com/
Next up is the magnificent Magnanini Winery, well-known for their phenomenal wines, estate-distilled spirits, and authentic Italian cuisine.
The tasting room has a welcoming rustic atmosphere. Tastings generally cost around $15 per person and include several samples of their estate-grown and bottled wines. They also offer grappa cocktails and house-made dry-cured meats.
On Fridays and weekends, the winery offers a multi-course Italian dining experience that is a local favorite. Magnanini Winery is also available for weddings and can accommodate up to 190 guests on their covered deck and formal garden.
Editor’s Note: The Bianco Amabile is a gentle blend of Seyval Blanc and Cayuga. It features notes of apricot and cantaloupe, pairing perfectly with veal or poultry.
Millbrook Vineyards & Winery: Activities Galore
- Address: 26 Wing Road, Millbrook, NY 12545
- Contact Number: (845) 677-8383
- Website: https://www.millbrookwine.com/
Located in the charming village of Millbrook, Millbrook Vineyards & Winery is often called “Hudson Valley’s flagship winery.” It features phenomenal views and one of the most professional tasting programs in the state.
Open daily, the estate offers an assortment of wine tastings. Portfolio Wine Tastings generally cost $15 to $20, while Reserve Wine Tastings (usually available on weekends) are priced higher and include their premium estate designates.
You can enjoy wine by the bottle or glass in their gorgeous taproom and terrace, which offers views of the Catskill Mountains. Millbrook is also one of the few wineries in the region to grow **Tocai Friulano**, a rare Italian white grape that has become a local signature.
Editor’s Note: During the summer, Millbrook hosts an outdoor jazz concert series. It is an amazing way to experience the vineyard with music and food from local trucks.
Glorie Farm Winery: Personalized Boutique Experience
- Address: 40 Mountain Road, Marlboro, NY 12542
- Contact Number: (845) 236-3265
- Website: https://www.gloriewine.com/
Located high on a hill in Marlboro, Glorie Farm Winery offers one of the best views in the valley. Now managed in partnership with the neighboring Nostrano Vineyards, Glorie continues to produce small-batch, handcrafted wines and fresh orchard produce.
They are typically open Friday through Sunday. Their wines include dry reds, sweet whites, and unique fruit wines made from their own estate-grown peaches and apples.
Every weekend, you can enjoy live music and private walking tours by reservation. Their 1913 post-and-beam barn provides a rustic and charming setting for a quiet tasting away from the larger crowds.
Editor’s Note: Their Seyval Blanc is consistently excellent—crisp, clean, and full of bright citrus and stone fruit notes.
Tousey Winery: Stylish Germantown Staple
- Address: 1774 Rt 9, Germantown, NY 12562
- Contact Number: (518) 567-5462
- Website: https://www.touseywinery.com/
In the northern part of the valley lies the terrific Tousey Winery. They produce an assortment of high-quality wines, which can be enjoyed in their sleek, modern tasting room or on the spacious patio.
Tousey is particularly well-known for their **Sparkling Queen**, an award-winning sparkler that is perfect for celebrations. Their portfolio includes about a dozen wines, ranging from dry Rieslings to robust Pinot Noir.
The winery also features a seasonal cafe with salads and flatbreads, making it a great lunch stop on your wine trail journey.
Editor’s Note: Don’t leave without tasting their Cabernet Franc—it’s widely considered one of the best expressions of this grape in the entire Hudson Valley.
Palaia Winery & Meadery: Lively Vibes and Honey Wine
- Address: 10 Sweet Clover Road, Highland Mills, NY 10930
- Contact Number: (845) 928-5384
- Website: https://www.palaiawinery.com/
Located in the heart of Hudson Valley, Palaia Winery & Meadery offers a versatile wine tasting experience, as well as local beer, spirits, and ciders. They are famous for their mead (wine made from fermented honey), which offers a unique flavor profile unlike traditional grape wines.
Tastings typically cost around $10 to $15 per person and take place in a fun, music-centric atmosphere. They often offer refreshing wine slushies in the summer, which are perfect for cooling down.
Palaia is popular for its outstanding live music, which takes place nearly every weekend. It provides a more relaxed, “rock and roll” atmosphere compared to some of the more formal estates in the region.
Editor’s Note: Their “Deadish Red” is a semi-sweet red blend that is incredibly approachable and fun to drink while listening to a live band.
Baldwin Vineyards: Master of Fruit Wines
- Address: 176 Hardenburgh Road, Pine Bush, NY 12556
- Contact Number: (845) 744-2226
- Website: https://www.baldwinvineyards.com/
Another excellent winery is Baldwin Vineyards, renowned for their award-winning fruit wines. Their tasting room in Pine Bush is a welcoming space for both casual drinkers and serious fruit wine enthusiasts.
Tasting flights are usually priced around $15 and include samples accompanied by oyster crackers. There is plenty of lawn space, and visitors are encouraged to bring their own chairs to relax and soak up the sun.
Baldwin is particularly famous for their “Strawberry, Chocolate, and Wine” tasting events, which pair their luscious berry wines with premium chocolates.
Editor’s Note: Their Apple Wine is made from 100% Hudson Valley apples and offers a crisp, clean finish that is truly “apple-solutely” delicious!
Nostrano Vineyards: Picturesque Milton Hilltop
- Address: 14 Gala Lane, Milton, NY 12547
- Contact Number: (845) 795-5473
- Website: https://nostranovineyards.com/
Last but not least is the idyllic Nostrano Vineyards. This estate grows a variety of wine grapes, table grapes, and apples on a stunning hillside in Milton.
The tasting room is perched atop a hill overlooking the farm vista. It’s open seasonally, typically starting in April. They host regular live music and events like “Yoga in the Vines” and artisanal harvest dinners.
Nostrano is a premier wedding destination, offering ceremonies underneath an enchanting weeping willow tree. It is the perfect place to end a day of wine tasting while watching the sunset over the vines.
Editor’s Note: Their Estate Cabernet Franc is aged in oak for 12 months and offers complex aromas of violet and black pepper. It is a standout choice for red wine lovers.
Final Thoughts
With so much history, stunning landscapes, and diverse wineries, the Hudson Valley is a mandatory stop for any New York wine lover. From the ancient cellars of Brotherhood to the modern, sustainable practices at Millbrook, there is a glass for every palate.
Whether you are looking for a lively music-filled Saturday or a quiet romantic sunset on a hilltop, these wineries provide the perfect escape from the city.
Queen’s Reward Meadery staff are friendly and knowledgeable. We’ve done tastings twice this year alone and thoroughly enjoyed ourselves both times. Their products are so wonderful that we’ve bought 14 bottles so far. We plan to visit often.