On the Wine Trail in New York State
NOT many people readily associate New York with good wine. California has done a good job of self-promotion for their wines alongside tourism, and shown how you can combine the two.
Napa Valley and small towns like Healdsburg are lovely places to visit.
But on the eastern side of the American continent and even during the winter months, there is a lovely wine trail to follow in New York State.
I visited two wineries about
100 or so miles from Manhattan which were quite different from each other.
Palaia Vineyards are on Sweet Clover Road with a tasting room in a 200 year-old barn. They promise good wines, good tunes, good vibes and good foods. It is located in the heart of the Hudson Valley with live music each weekend, particularly on their Summer Stage outside or in the Treehouse or the Sweet Clover room if you have to be indoors.
The names of their wines reflect a wicked sense of humour. They claim to leave the pretense about the wine at the door, but welcome everyone in to find which wine is right for them. The Zappa Franc is a particularly yummy red, but there are so many to choose from and their tastings are particularly generous.
Millbrook Vineyards and Winery This winery is open daily for tours and tastings and has a Vineyard Grille open from June till October where they serve dishes all waiting to be accompanied by a glass of wine.
This upmarket vineyard celebrating over 30 years of making wine, is set in rolling countryside and you can actually see the vines growing right in front of your eyes. It has been voted Best Winery in the Hudson Valley for the last 20 years and is a great place to visit at any time of the year.
You can have your wedding here and they also host Chili Weather
Weekends pairing a bowl of chili with a glass of wine. In February, for example, they will host a wine and fondue pairing night.
This is one of the prettiest areas in the Hudson Valley known for its sporting and cultural scenes. There are many attractions along the valley including skiing in the winter months - and all just 100+ miles above the tip of Manhattan. It is a heritage area and the oldest wine producing area in the US.
I was a guest of Norwegian, New York State Tourism, Homewood Suites by Hilton (https:// home wood suites3. hilton.com) and Hyatt House Hotel (www. hyatt.com). Norwegian offers direct flights from Edinburgh to New York Stewart Intl. Airport, a gateway to discounted shopping at Woodbury Common Premium Outlets (https://uk. simon. travel) and New York City. Flights go daily from 28 October and fares start from £159 one-way in brand-new Boeing 737 MAX aircraft. Book now for travel up to 29 March 2019 at www. norwegian.com /uk or dial 0330 8280854 (opt. 1)