Community Meets Luxury
Sleight Farm’s blog about building a custom home and living in Dutchess County, NY.
Spotlight on our Neighbors: Dutchess County Wineries
November 3, 2020
Dutchess County wineries help make the Hudson Valley region a fabulous place to live!
In times past, New Yorkers looking for a first-class wine tasting experience had to hop a flight to California or trek the 200 miles to the Finger Lakes region. Thankfully, things have changed, and with the ongoing boom in local viticulture, the Empire State’s wineries have never been better or easier to get to. If you feel the urge to sip, swish and spit some truly exceptional vino (or buy a whole glass, bottle or case), you can do so right here in the Hudson Valley.
Here’s a look at several exceptional vineyards and wineries in our corner of Dutchess County:
Clinton Vineyards
Established in 1976 and modeled in the tradition of small-scale single-grape estate vineyards in France, Clinton Vineyards produces a remarkable line of estate-bottled wines that have grabbed awards here in the USA and abroad. The gorgeous property boasts a Dutch barn from the 19th century, which now serves as the elegant and charming main tasting room, and also houses the gift shop.Tours and tastings are held seasonally Friday through Sunday, and reservations are required.
450 Schultzville Road, Clinton Corners
https://clintonvineyards.com/
Millbrook Vineyards
Millbrook Vineyards & Winery (in Millbrook, naturally) bills itself as the Hudson Valley’s premiere vineyard, and was the first in the region to exclusively grow vinifera winemaking grapes. Started in 1982 on what was once a large dairy farm, the vineyard opened for tastings and tours in 1998. Today, the 30 acres of vines yield up to 15,000 cases of wine each year, including Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Cabernet Sauvignon. The idyllic location features the Taproom Terrace with snacks, wine ad beer, as well as a pastoral pond-view picnic area and visiting food trucks on the weekends in the summer and autumn. Open year round daily noon to 5pm.
26 Wing Road, Millbrook
www.millbrookwine.com
Milea Estate Vineyard
Established in 2015, Milea Estate is a newcomer to the Dutchess County wine world, but don’t let their youth fool you. This is a first-class vineyard with a winning selection of wines and a postcard-worthy location. With nearly 100 acres of rolling hills surrounded by tall trees, orchards, farms and pastures, the vineyard is a perfect slice of Hudson River beauty that’s as easy on the eyes as the wines are on the palate. A light-filled tasting room opens up onto an expansive outdoor patio that begs the visitor to relax for a long sit and sip while taking in the views. Milea Estate’s wines are served at the Culinary Institute of America in nearby Hyde Park, as well as at the VIP Legends Suite Club at Yankee Stadium. Special events include Jazz music nights, gourmet food truck visits, and seasonal festivals. Open Wednesday – Sunday.
450 Hollow Road, Staatsburg
www.mileaestatevineyard.com
Cascade Mountain Winery & Restaurant
This fun, funky, and unpretentious winery began in 1972, with the production of premium, award-winning table wines. The rustic and comfy restaurant was added in 1985 and serves up dishes both simple and sublime, from gourmet pizzas and salads to steak and seafood. Located near the eastern edge of the county just a grape’s throw from the Connecticut border, the restaurant sits at the crossroads of the Hudson Valley and the foothills of the Berkshires, making it a scenic delight in all four seasons, and a great end-of-the-day destination for hikers and explorers. Green lawns and outdoor fire circles invite visitors to sit down for a conversation or a sing-along late into the night, with a glass of red, white, or rose to smooth the evening along. Open weekends, May through November.
835 Cascade Mountain Rd, Amenia
www.cascademt.com
Fun Fact: Clinton, Millbrook, & Milea vineyards are all within an easy 15-minute drive of each other, and combine to form the Dutchess Wine Trail. As word of their spectacular wines gets out, we hope that new members of the trail will be added soon!
