5 Gorgeous Vineyards in the New York Tri-state Area
Millbrook Vineyards & Winery, Eventective
Fall is officially in full swing, and that means that a lot of us are back in the city, whether it’s to work in the office or to reimmerse ourselves in the return of the city’s unmatched cultural events. Since the pandemic, though, taking a break from our busy city schedules has felt like a necessity for our well-being. Despite the end of a chaotic peak travel season in the airports this summer, people are continuing to escape their homes now, more than ever before, during the fall season. If the idea of missing your connecting flight or losing your baggage still horrifies you, we think the best country getaways are the ones close to home. And, what better way to wind down than to wine down? We picked five beautiful vineyards around the New York tri-state area that will help you forget you’re only a few hours away from your weekday responsibilities.
Emma Cavanaugh, Instagram
Benmarl Winery
156 Highland Ave, Marlboro, NY 12542
If you’re looking for some of the best fall foliage views overlooking the historic Hudson River Valley, you must give Benmarl Winery a visit. The 37-acre estate is known as “the oldest vineyard in America,” and they hold New York Farm Winery license no. 1. If you are not in the area, you can join their Wine Club to have expertly hand-picked selections shipped to your front door. The winery also takes into consideration the issues of sustainability in producing its unique small batch wines by using “new technologies and winemaking practices.”
Wölffer Estate Vineyard, Instagram
Wölffer Estate Vineyard
139 Sagg Rd, Sagaponack, NY 11962
You’re probably already familiar with Wölffer Estate if you’ve spent any time in the New York tri-state area during the spring and summer months, when their Summer in a Bottle Long Island Rosé is included in almost every restaurant’s wine selection. However, their White Horse label is the true “pride of Wölffer Estate” and their ciders are “made from hand-picked apples grown by the Halsey Family, in Bridgehampton, and the highest quality apple orchards in upstate New York.” Enjoy the crisp autumn air at the Wine Stand, or socialize on cozy seating in the Tasting Room.
Dr. Konstantin Frank Winery, Instagram
Dr. Konstantin Frank Winery
9749 Middle Rd, Hammondsport, NY 14840
Dr. Konstantin Frank is most famous for pioneering the “Vinifera Revolution” in the Eastern United States, and his Winery is one of the first in New York’s Finger Lakes region. With a PhD in Viticulture from Odessa, Ukraine, Dr. Frank recognized an ideal environment for European grape varieties to grow along the southwestern hills of Keuka Lake in 1957. The Winery’s current varieties include Riesling, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Gruner Veltliner. The vineyard has stayed in the Frank family for four generations thus far.
Bentley Potter Photography, Instagram
Millbrook Vineyards & Winery
26 Wing Rd, Millbrook, NY 12545
Millbrook Vineyards & Winery is run by John S. Dyson, who himself was inspired by Dr. Konstantin Frank’s role in the New York State wine industry. After attending the College of Agriculture at Cornell University, Dyson planted vinifera varieties on his own Hudson River Valley property that was formerly known as Wing Dairy Farm. Tastings of high-quality Cabernet Franc, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Riesling, and Tocai Friulano are offered in a beautifully restored Dutch Barn. The Vineyards have expanded with new locations in Tuscany and Sonoma County.
Riesling1435, Instagram
Alba Vineyard & Winery
269 County Rd 627, Milford, NJ 08848
Alba Vineyard is located in New Jersey’s picturesque hills of Warren County, only 1.5 hours from New York City. Grapes at Alba are sustainably farmed, and their quality is credited to the vineyard’s careful ownership and current status as New Jersey’s largest vineyard. The outdoor Arbor is open this year until October 30, where you will be accompanied by live music on the weekends. They are also hosting the Grape Gallop on Saturday, October 22, where participants can run or walk “through a professionally designed course” in the estate, followed by a wine tasting and live music performance.
