Clinton Vineyards poised for milestone vintage
Clinton Vineyards will host a celebration from Saturday to mark the release of its 40th vintage of Seyval Blanc.
Clinton Vineyards will host a celebration from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday to mark the release of its 40th vintage of Seyval Blanc.
Festivities will include tastings of the 40th vintage, music provided by a jazz trio and a popup farmers market featuring local vendors such as Crown Maple Syrup, Canoe Hill Café, Hoofprint Cheese, Beacon Bakery, and Rock Steady Farm.
“Last year, the conditions were great for growing and it is reflected in the wine. It’s as if all the good forces have come together to produce a really outstanding vintage, and it is so exciting that it should be our 40th,” said Phyllis Feder, owner of Clinton Vineyards.
The first Seyval grapes were planted in 1974 by Ben Feder, who launched Clinton Vineyards in 1976. The winery’s first Seyval Blanc was released was in 1977.
That first Seyval Blanc won numerous awards and was described as the “Best wine in the Northeast.” In the early 1980s, Feder learned the Méthode Champenoise technique at the renowned house of Bollinger in France and shortly thereafter released the first “Champagne” made in the Hudson Valley.
In 1989, Feder married Phyllis, who took over the full management of the vineyard after he died in 2009.