DUTCHESS COUNTY’S BOUNTY OF WINERIES

The area’s rich, well-drained soil provides environmental conditions that enable grapes to flourish. It has proven eminently suitable for the wine industry in Dutchess County. Each fall connoisseurs follow the release of new wines with perennial interest as locally bottled vintages have steadily gained recognition. At each of the county’s five wineries, there awaits a sampling of Dutchess County grown European varieties vinified as sparkling wines, dry to semi-dry table wines and late harvest dessert wines -- each of which captures a bit of the snows of winter, showers of spring, sun of summer and the crisp air of autumn.

For a lovely scenic drive, follow the signs with the grape clusters as you meander along the Dutchess Wine Trail. Three Dutchess County wineries (Alison, Clinton and Millbrook) have joined together to promote visits to their vineyards. (www.dutchesswinetrail.com)

Cascade Mountain Winery and Restaurant (www.cascademt.com) in Amenia has been described as a star rising in the east not solely for its wines, but for its restaurant as well. New York Times wine writers M. H. Reed and Geoff Kalish, M.D. rated the winery’s restaurant a 96. The menu matches Cascade Mountain wines with local produce and game. Those who plan to take a tour and visit the on-site retail shop should plan to arrive for lunch so as not to rush any part of the experience. Cascade produces nine wines, including “Vintage Seyval Blanc,” a Chardonnay/Seyval blend and three-time gold-medal winner including the International Eastern Wine Competition. Their “Heavenly Daze” is a spice wine with lemon zest, vanilla beans and lemon juice.

Clinton Vineyards & Winery (www.clintonvineyards.com), named for its Clinton Corners location, is nestled in picturesque farmland, and utilizes two large barns on the estate for tours and tastings. Ben and Phyllis Feder, owners since 1977, specialize in white wines, especially Seyval Blanc and Johannesburg Riesling. They supply wines to many of New York City’s famed eateries, including the Rainbow Room and the Hudson River Club. The vineyard produced the official wine served at the Democratic National Convention in 1992 and again at Clinton’s Presidential Inauguration. After the election, Clinton Vineyards released a semi-dry Riesling called “Victory White” in honor of the President. Their blackberry dessert wine, “Desire” took the gold medal at the New York State Fair in Syracuse in 2000 and “Embrace,” a raspberry dessert wine won the silver medal. During the 2005 Wine of the World Competition held in Los Angeles, the winery received a Gold Medal and Best of Class, Limited Production category awards for their cassis. Clinton vineyards is the exclusive producer of cassis in the U.S., which is made from black currents. Visitors can partake in tours and tastings and make purchases in a retail shop on weekends.

Millbrook Vineyards & Winery (www.millbrookwine.com) in Millbrook has been consistently rated one of the top New York State wineries by critics and consumers. Vintner John Dyson, who also owns a California winery, specializes in classic French varietals such as Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon and Pinot Noir. Many of the wine varieties have received recognition and awards including several medals at the Great Hudson Valley Wine Competition. A guided tour of Millbrook Vineyards offers a chance to taste world-class wines and learn about the wine making process. In addition to a retail shop, concerts and movies are scheduled on the lovely 130-acre property with three ponds and lovely mountain views.

Alison Wines & Vineyard (www.alisonwines.com) in Red Hook has been producing high quality, affordable fine wines for six years. The wines are handcrafted to reflect the unique climate and growing conditions found in New York. The vineyard specializes in dessert style wines made from locally grown fruits. Varieties include strawberry, blueberry and apple wines. Located in a 19 th century dairy barn, tours and tastings are conducted in an intimate setting, which encourages a deeper appreciation of the wine. From the winery grounds you can enjoy a panoramic view of the Catskills. The winery is close to inns, antiques, theaters, and beautiful parks along the scenic Hudson River.

Oak Summit Vineyards in Millbrook is a 40-acre area that was once part of a 400-acre farm. Owner, John Bruno transformed the land into a thriving vineyard over the past several years by creating a better drainage system and nourishing the soil to grow grapes. The vineyard produces 54 cases of Pinot Noir a year and makes other wine including Cabernet Franc and Chardonnay. Tours are available by appointment only by calling 845/677-9522.

Three epicurean special events in Dutchess County showcase the area’s thriving food and wine scene. The Hudson Valley Food & Wine Festival (www.hudsonvalleywinefest.com) in early September at Greig Farm in Red Hook features over 40 area wineries, gourmet food vendors, and live music and entertainment. The International Wine Showcase (www.greystoneprograms.org) is held in mid-September at The Culinary Institute of America, Hyde Park. The Northeast’s premier wine showcase features more than 100 outstanding American and International wineries, whose wines are paired with fine foods of the Hudson Valley. Silent & live auctions of rare vintages & unique bottles will give enthusiasts opportunities to bid on rare and special vintages. The Culinary Institute of America’s Winter Dining Series (www.ciachef.edu) is an ongoing festival of special luncheons and dinners, theme menus and wine tastings from mid-January through March. There are opportunities to meet famous food and wine authors and chat with chefs, vintners and brewers.

The Dutchess Wine Trail (www.dutchesswinetrail.com) is a scenic course along the highways and byways of Dutchess County. The trail connects Alison Vineyards, Clinton Vineyards and Millbrook Vineyards and gives tourists the opportunity to sample wines, tour wine cellars, and chat with owners and winemakers. Travelers can enjoy the scenery of the drive from on winery to another as they pass by active farms, blooming orchards, picturesque lakes, majestic woodlands, and beautiful gardens.