Where to Go Wine Tasting in New York’s Hudson Valley

ByLaura Wine Destinations

If you’re a wine lover looking for a fun day trip from NYC or a weekend escape, Hudson Valley wineries are a great option that often fly under the radar. And the region is surprisingly easy to get to from much of the Northeast.

The Finger Lakes might get more attention, but the Hudson Valley is actually where New York’s wine story began. It’s home to the country’s oldest winery and vineyard, and it was the first AVA in the state.

The region can be a little spread out, which makes it tricky to plan without some guidance. But as a certified wine expert who specializes in New York wine regions, I’ve done the research (and the tasting) to make it easier for you.

I recommend starting in the central part of the valley, where you’ll find seven wineries clustered along the Shawangunk Wine Trail. It’s perfect for a full day of tasting, with even more great spots just a short drive away.

Snow-covered vineyard rows stretch alongside a winding dirt road in the Hudson Valley, with bare grapevines creating rhythmic lines against the white landscape. In the distance, a red barn-style building sits at the base of a wooded hillside under a cloud-streaked sky.

Hudson Valley Wineries & Tasting Rooms

This itinerary will take you to some of the best Hudson Valley wineries around the Marlboro and Milton area. You can hit them all in a day, or take your time and stretch it into a weekend with a few local stops along the way.

If you’re planning to explore more New York wineries, be sure to check out my guides to Seneca Lake wineries and Keuka Lake wineries in the Finger Lakes or North Fork Long Island wineries.

Fjord Vineyards

A charming two-story tasting room with green siding and a stone foundation. Outdoor seating, a wooden wine barrel, and patches of snow surround the building, with scenic hills in the distance.

For some of the best wines being made in the Hudson Valley, start your day at Fjord Vineyards. It’s a peaceful spot with a roomy patio and vineyard views that make it easy to settle in with a flight.

Fjord is one of the newer names in the region, but winemaker Matthew Spaccarelli isn’t new to the scene. His family owns nearby Benmarl Winery, and he makes the wines for both labels at Benmarl’s facility.

The vines for Fjord wines are now over a decade old, but the tasting room didn’t open until 2021. And starting in 2025, they’re open on winter weekends for the first time.

When I walked into the cozy tasting room, I was warmly greeted and given a great rundown of each wine with recommendations based on my preferences. I hadn’t tried Hudson Valley wine before this trip, but I left seriously impressed…and with a few bottles in hand.

A rustic outdoor seating area covered in snow, featuring weathered wooden chairs and tables. Leafless trees and vineyard rows stretch into the background, with string lights overhead and a cloudy winter sky.
A wooden table set with an elegant charcuterie board featuring green grapes, blackberries, cheese, salami, and a small jar of jam. A tasting flight of red and white wines is arranged in front of a Fjord Vineyards menu.
A winter vineyard scene with rows of dormant grapevines covered in snow, framed by the branches of an evergreen tree. Rolling hills and a cloudy sky complete the picturesque landscape.
  • Wines to Try: Fjord is one of the few wineries in the region making Albariño, and the still version is seriously good. If you miss the sparkling one, their Blanc de Blanc from Chardonnay is another great pick. I also loved the dry Riesling. Cabernet Franc fans will find plenty to try too, from a refreshing rosé to a funky unoaked style to a lightly spiced oaked version (my personal fave).
  • Tasting Options: Create your own flight of four wines or enjoy by the glass.
  • Food: Light snacks like cheese and charcuterie boards are available for purchase.
  • Visiting Tips: Reservations are required for tastings, but they take walk-ins for glasses. Groups of 6 or more, call for availability. Kids are welcome and dogs are allowed outdoors. Check the events page for special tastings and food and wine pairing experiences.

Fjord Vineyards, 251 Ridge Rd, Milton, NY

Nostrano Vineyards

A bright red modern barn-style winery building with black window frames, wooden double doors, and evergreen shrubs lining the entrance.

This small family-run farm has great wines, fantastic food, and views for days. Nostrano’s cheery red tasting room is perched on a hilltop, surrounded by vineyards and orchards.

Owner Nic Bozzo’s family has been farming this 75-acre property for generations. After spending time in New Zealand, he came back and added grape growing to the mix. The tasting room opened in 2014 and has been drawing in wine lovers ever since.

If it hadn’t been so cold when I visited, I definitely would’ve grabbed an Adirondack chair by one of the patio fire pits. But the vibe inside was warm and lively, with locals popping in for mid-day wine cocktails and snacks.

I grabbed a seat at the bar, got a quick explanation of the tasting options, and put together my own flight. The ricotta toast with prosciutto, pesto, and cherry tomatoes hit the spot before heading off to the next winery.

A bottle of Nostrano Vineyards 2022 Estate Pinot Noir, featuring a watercolor-style label depicting a vineyard with a red-roofed house, sitting on a marble countertop.
n outdoor winter seating area with Adirondack chairs, a blanket draped over one chair, a fire pit, and string lights hanging above. Snow-covered vineyards are visible in the distance.
A close-up of ricotta toast topped with prosciutto, pesto, cherry tomatoes, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze, garnished with fresh basil.
  • Wines to Try: Nostrano is best known for Riesling and Pinot Noir. I was especially into their Pét-Nat, a Riesling-based sparkler with bright acidity and notes of citrus and pineapple. I also liked the estate-grown Baco Noir, made from their oldest vines. It’s fruit-forward up front with a savory finish that kept me going back for another sip.
  • Tasting Options: Create your own wine flight or order by the glass or bottle. They also offer wine cocktails and local craft beers.
  • Food: Snack on charcuterie boards, seasonal soups, and other tasty treats like ricotta toast. And don’t miss the wood-fired pizza in the summer.
  • Visiting Tips: Walk-ins are welcome, but be sure to book ahead for groups of 6+. Nostrano is kid and pet-friendly. In warmer months, bring your own blanket to spread out on the lawn. Check the annual events page for fun festivals and food pairing experiences.

Nostrano Vineyards, 14 Gala Ln, Milton, NY

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Quartz Rock Vineyard

A cozy tasting room at Quartz Rock Vineyard with wooden barrel tables, black metal stools, wood-paneled walls, and large windows overlooking the vineyard.

If you’re looking for an educational tasting of estate-grown wines and ciders, Quartz Rock is a great stop. This small producer was named Winery of the Year at the 2021 Hudson Valley Wine & Spirits Competition.

Previously known as Glorie Farm Winery, the property was purchased in 2020 by current owners Dan and Jacqui. The new name comes from the quartz rock found throughout the vineyard, which they believe adds a distinct minerality to their wines.

It’s a fun spot for groups in the summer, with live music and picnic tables spread out across the lawn. Visiting in the colder months, I still enjoyed the cabin-like feel of the tasting room warmed by a flickering wood stove.

My host was super knowledgeable and walked me through a mix of unique varieties and styles, all while I sipped at a wine barrel table overlooking the vines through giant picture windows.

A glass of white wine with the "Quartz Rock Vineyard" logo etched on it, placed on a wooden barrel table with a bright window view behind it.
A snug corner inside Quartz Rock Vineyard featuring a small wood-burning stove with a fire inside, a round high-top table, and two cream-colored chairs on wooden floors.
A rustic white barn with red trim at Quartz Rock Vineyard, surrounded by picnic tables covered in snow, with an American flag and a chalkboard sign welcoming guests.
  • Wines to Try: The Vidal Blanc was the biggest surprise for me. It’s crisp with apple and pear notes, perfect as a summer sipper or a winter white. The Cabernet Franc was another standout, with elegant red fruit flavors and a touch of vanilla and spice. And for a sweet finish, don’t miss the ice cider made from freezing their estate-grown apples and pressing out the intense juice.

  • Tasting Options: Enjoy a guided tasting of Quartz Rock’s wines and ciders. They also offer cocktails and spirits.
  • Food: Pre-order a gourmet charcuterie board or choose from packaged snacks like cheeses, meats, jam, and crackers. Check the events page for the food trucks schedule.
  • Visiting Tips: No reservations needed, just call ahead for groups of 20 or more. Kids and pets are welcome. Stop by on summer weekends for live music.

Quartz Rock Vineyard, 40 Mountain Rd, Marlboro, NY

Benmarl Winery

The exterior of the Benmarl Winery tasting room, a rustic brown building with a snow-covered entrance, wooden barrels, and an old red pickup truck in the foreground.

Finish your day with a step back into history. Benmarl Winery is home to the oldest vineyard in the United States and holds New York Farm Winery License No. 1.

The first grapes were planted by Andrew Jackson Caywood in the late 1700s, but the winery itself wasn’t founded until the 1950s by the Miller family. In 2006, it was sold to the Spaccarelli family, who run it today.

You’ll be tasting wines made by the same winemaker behind Fjord. But everything is kept separate, so each label has its own style.

I did my tasting in the garage-style room with floor-to-ceiling views of the snowy vineyard and the Hudson River. I can see it being a cool spot in the warmer months with the doors open to let in the breeze. They also set up tables on the lawn where you can sip under the shade of an umbrella.

A row of four wine glasses labeled "Benmarl Winery," filled with a progression of white to red wines, placed on a wooden table near a large window overlooking a snowy vineyard.
A collection of award-winning wines displayed on an antique wooden shelf, with medals and ribbons adorning the bottles, against a backdrop of vintage wine labels.
A tasting room with a vaulted wooden ceiling, wine barrel tables, metal stools, and colorful vintage posters decorating the walls.
  • Wines to Try: Benmarl has some lesser-seen plantings, including the Georgian grape Saperavi and Austria’s Blaufränkisch. From the estate flight, the unoaked Chardonnay stood out for me, with bright floral aromas and crisp apple, pear, and lemon on the palate. For reds, I liked the Field Blend of Saperavi, Cabernet Franc, and Blaufränkisch. It smelled like blueberry pie filling and tasted like black currant.

  • Tasting Options: Build your own custom flight of 4 of their white, red, sweet, and sparkling wines. Glasses and bottles are available too.
  • Food: Cheese plates are offered year-round and brick-oven pizza on summer weekends.
  • Visiting Tips: Reservations are required. Kids are welcome but leave the pets at home. Be sure to book ahead for special winemaker tastings, summer kick-off parties, sangria festivals, and harvest grape stomping.

Benmarl Winery, 156 Highland Ave, Marlboro, NY

Other Nearby Hudson Valley Wineries

If you’re looking to keep the wine tasting going, there are a few more spots just a short drive away that came highly recommended. I didn’t make it to these on this trip, but they’re on my list for next time.

Whitecliff Vineyard & Winery

About 30 minutes northwest of Marlboro, Whitecliff is one of the more well-known names in the region. They’ve won a bunch of awards over the years and have two tasting rooms. The Gardiner location is the closer one and takes reservations, though walk-ins are usually welcome. I’ve heard the views are pretty great, too.

Robibero Family Vineyards

Right near Whitecliff, Robibero is known for its laid-back vibe, friendly staff, and dog-friendly lawn. They focus on small-batch wines, and tastings are first-come first-served. If you’re there on a Saturday, you might even catch them firing up the pizza oven.

Millbrook Vineyards & Winery

This one’s across the river on the Dutchess Wine Trail, but it looks like a solid stop if you’re exploring that side of the valley. Millbrook has been around for a while and is often mentioned as one of the top Hudson Valley wineries. There’s a wide range of wines to try and usually a food truck or two on weekends when the weather’s good.

Milea Estate Vineyard

If you’re into rosé, Milea makes some standout versions, along with a strong lineup of whites, reds, and sparklers. Their modern tasting room comes with vineyard views and looks like a great spot to relax and take in the scenery with a glass (or flight) in hand. It’s in the same area as Millbrook, so you could easily visit both in one trip.

The Best Hudson Valley Wine Tour

If you’re short on a designated driver (or just not into spitting wine), it’s probably best to leave the winding roads and steep driveways to someone else.

This private winery tour picks you up from anywhere within about an hour of Marlboro and takes care of all the logistics. You’ll visit three wineries, places like Benmarl, Nostrano, and Quartz Rock, or you can customize your own itinerary. Note that the cost of tastings and food aren’t included.

Coming from NYC? This is a great group tour option. A sommelier leads the way, with roundtrip transportation from the city, tastings at two top spots (usually Benmarl and Whitecliff), and a locally sourced lunch to go with the wine.

🚌 Book the Private Winery Tour or the NYC Group Tour

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Where to Stay For Hudson Valley Wine Tasting

Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or just don’t want to drive after a day of wine tasting, here are a few great places to stay nearby:

  • Moondance Ridge Suites (New Paltz): A quiet B&B with just a few suites, close to the Shawangunk Wine Trail and great for a peaceful escape.
  • Inn at Bellefield (Hyde Park): A modern, mid-range option and a great location if you’re visiting wineries on the east side of the river.
  • Wildflower Farms (Gardiner): A splurge-worthy stay with private cabins, spa treatments, and mountain views. It’s not far from several top wineries.

🏨 Book the Moondance Ridge Suites, Inn at Bellefield, or Wildflower Farms

FAQs About Visiting Hudson Valley Wineries

When Is the Best Time to Visit Hudson Valley Wineries?

You can visit Hudson Valley wineries year-round, but fall is one of the best times for foliage and harvest season. Spring and summer are great too, especially if you want to sip wine outside and catch live music on the lawn.​

Things tend to quiet down in winter, but it’s still a great time to visit if you want to mix in cold-weather activities. Just keep in mind that wineries often reduce hours in the off-season, so check ahead before planning your visit.

In September, don’t miss the Hudson Valley Wine & Food Festival. And check the Shawangunk Wine Trail’s events page for more seasonal options.

What’s the Best Way to Get to the Hudson Valley?

The Hudson Valley is a quick drive from much of the Northeast, about 1.5 to 2 hours from NYC and around 3 to 3.5 from Boston. Driving is your best bet for navigating the region.

From NYC, you can also take the Metro-North to Beacon or Poughkeepsie. Just keep in mind that rideshares can be spotty outside the bigger towns, so plan ahead. Some wine tours include roundtrip transport from the city, which can make things way easier.

What Wine Is the Hudson Valley Known For?

The Hudson Valley is one of the oldest wine regions in the country. With its mix of river influences, nearby mountain ranges, and many microclimates, it grows a wide range of varieties.

But if there’s one grape to keep an eye out for, it’s Cabernet Franc. The region is really leaning into it, with wineries like Benmarl, Fjord, and Whitecliff producing some standout bottles. Look for a hawk sticker on the label. That means it’s part of the Hudson Valley Cabernet Franc Coalition and a sign you’re sipping something local.

You’ll also find Pinot Noir, Riesling, and Chardonnay on a lot of tasting menus, along with French-American hybrids like Seyval Blanc, Vidal Blanc, and Baco Noir.

How Many Wineries Are There in the Hudson Valley?

There are around 60 wineries in the Hudson River Region, from Westchester up to Albany. The Shawangunk Wine Trail has about a dozen, so you could cover them all in a few days.

Are wineries open year-round?

Most are, but hours can be limited in the winter. Some spots switch to weekends only or close for a few weeks in the off-season. Always check the current hours before you go.

Do You Need Reservations for The wineries?

A lot of wineries welcome walk-ins, but some require or recommend reservations, especially for seated tastings or during busy weekends. If you can book ahead, it’s usually a good idea. Check out more winery etiquette tips.

How Much does Hudson Valley wine tasting cost?

Tastings usually cost between $15 and $25. Some wineries offer more in-depth experiences like private tastings or food pairings that run a little higher. See how this compares to wine tasting costs in other regions.

Can I Bring My Kids and dogs to the Wineries?

Many wineries are kid- and dog-friendly (at least outside), but it varies. Your best bet is to check the winery’s website before you go.

Check out More United States Wine Destinations

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I'm your go-to gal for all things wine and wanderlust. With a WSET Level 3 certification in wine and passport stamps from 30 countries and counting, I’m here to help you explore the world, one glass at a time.

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