Best 10 Wineries in Orange County NY: A Guide to the Top Vineyards in the Region
The wineries in Orange County, NY are known for producing some of the best wines in the region. With a variety of vineyards and tasting rooms to choose from, it’s easy to find a winery that suits your taste and budget. Whether you’re a seasoned wine connoisseur or a casual drinker, Orange County has something for everyone.
Overview of Orange County Wineries
Orange County, NY, is home to a variety of wineries that offer unique wine-tasting experiences. Visitors can enjoy the scenic beauty of the region while savoring some of the best wines produced in the state. With a range of wineries to choose from, there is something for everyone, from small family-run vineyards to large commercial wineries.
Orange County wineries are known for producing a diverse range of wines, including red, white, and sparkling wines. The region’s climate and soil conditions are ideal for growing grapes, which results in high-quality wines that are enjoyed by wine enthusiasts all over the world.
Visitors to Orange County wineries can enjoy a variety of wine-tasting experiences, including guided tours, tastings, and food pairings. Many wineries also offer live music, outdoor seating, and other activities that make for a memorable visit.
Top Wineries in Orange County
Warwick Valley Winery & Distillery
One of the most popular wineries in Orange County is Warwick Valley Winery & Distillery. This family-owned and operated business has been producing award-winning wines, ciders, and spirits for over 20 years. Visitors can enjoy a tasting at the winery’s outdoor bar, take a tour of the distillery, or relax with a picnic on the grounds. Warwick Valley Winery & Distillery is also home to live music events, making it a great spot to spend an afternoon or evening with friends.
Website: http://www.wvwinery.com/
Address: 114 Little York Rd, Warwick, NY 10990, United States
Bashakill Vineyards
Another top winery in Orange County is Bashakill Vineyards. This boutique winery is located in the heart of the Catskill Mountains and offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape. Bashakill Vineyards is known for its small-batch wines, which are made using traditional winemaking techniques. Visitors can enjoy a tasting in the winery’s rustic tasting room or on the outdoor patio. With its serene setting and delicious wines, Bashakill Vineyards is a must-visit for any wine lover in Orange County.
Website: http://www.bashakillvineyards.com/
Address: 1131 S Rd, Wurtsboro, NY 12790, United States
Brotherhood Winery
Brotherhood Winery is one of the oldest wineries in the United States, established in 1839. Located in Washingtonville, Orange County, this winery is known for its rich history and quality wines. The winery offers tours, tastings, and events throughout the year. Visitors can enjoy a variety of wines, including red, white, and sparkling wines, made from locally grown grapes.
Website: http://www.brotherhood-winery.com/
Address: 100 Brotherhood Plaza Dr, Washingtonville, NY 10992, United States
Applewood Winery
Applewood Winery is a family-owned winery located in Warwick, Orange County. The winery offers a wide selection of wines, including dry, semi-dry, and sweet wines. Visitors can enjoy tastings, tours, and events throughout the year. The winery also features a farm market and bakery, offering fresh produce and baked goods.
Website: http://www.applewoodwinery.com/
Address: 82 4 Corners Rd, Warwick, NY 10990, United States
City Winery Hudson Valley
City Winery Hudson Valley is a winery and restaurant located in Montgomery, Orange County. The winery offers a variety of wines made from locally grown grapes, as well as wines from other regions. Visitors can enjoy tastings, tours, and events throughout the year. The restaurant features a seasonal menu, highlighting local ingredients.
Website: https://citywinery.com/hudsonvalley/
Address: 23 Factory St, Montgomery, NY 12549, United States
Baldwin Vineyards
Baldwin Vineyards is a family-owned winery located in Pine Bush, Orange County. The winery offers a variety of wines, including red, white, and fruit wines. Visitors can enjoy tastings, tours, and events throughout the year. The winery also features a gift shop and picnic area.
Website: http://www.baldwinvineyards.com/
Address: 176 Hardenburgh Rd, Pine Bush, NY 12566, United States
Demarest Hill Winery
Demarest Hill Winery is a family-owned winery located in Warwick, Orange County. The winery offers a variety of wines, including red, white, and fruit wines. Visitors can enjoy tastings, tours, and events throughout the year. The winery also features a gift shop and picnic area.
Website: https://demaresthillwinery.com/
Address: 81 Pine Island Turnpike, Warwick, NY 10990, United States
Benmarl Winery
Benmarl Winery is a family-owned winery located in Marlboro, Orange County. The winery offers a variety of wines, including red, white, and sparkling wines. Visitors can enjoy tastings, tours, and events throughout the year. The winery also features a vineyard and picnic area.
Website: http://www.benmarl.com/
Address: 156 Highland Ave, Marlboro, NY 12542, United States
Brimstone Hill Vineyard
Brimstone Hill Vineyard is a family-owned winery located in Pine Bush, Orange County. The winery offers a variety of wines, including red, white, and fruit wines. Visitors can enjoy tastings, tours, and events throughout the year. The winery also features a gift shop and picnic area.
Website: http://brimstonehillwinery.com/
Address: 61 Brimstone Hill Rd, Pine Bush, NY 12566, United States
Nostrano Vineyards
Nostrano Vineyards is a family-owned winery located in Milton, Orange County. The winery offers a variety of wines, including red, white, and sparkling wines. Visitors can enjoy tastings, tours, and events throughout the year. The winery also features a vineyard and picnic area.
Website: http://nostranovineyards.com/
Address: 14 Gala Ln, Milton, NY 12547, United States
Wine Tasting Experiences
Tasting Rooms
Orange County NY is home to some of the best wineries in the region, and many of them offer unique and enjoyable wine tasting experiences. Visitors can expect to be greeted by friendly and knowledgeable staff who are eager to share their love of wine and guide them through the tasting process.
Most wineries have a tasting room where visitors can sample a variety of wines and learn about the winemaking process. Tasting rooms come in all shapes and sizes, from cozy and intimate spaces to large and airy rooms with stunning views of the vineyards.
When visiting a tasting room, visitors can expect to pay a small fee for a tasting flight, which usually includes a selection of wines to sample. Some wineries also offer private tastings for groups or special events.
Outdoor Seating
In addition to tasting rooms, many wineries in Orange County NY offer outdoor seating areas where visitors can relax and enjoy a glass of wine while taking in the beautiful scenery. Outdoor seating areas range from cozy patios to sprawling lawns with picnic tables and umbrellas.
Visitors can enjoy a glass of wine while soaking up the sun or watching the sunset over the vineyards. Some wineries even offer outdoor games like bocce ball or cornhole, making for a fun and memorable experience.
Live Music
Many wineries in Orange County NY also offer live music on weekends or special events. Visitors can enjoy a glass of wine while listening to local musicians perform a variety of genres, from jazz and blues to rock and pop.
Live music events are a great way to experience the local culture and enjoy a relaxing evening with friends or family. Some wineries also offer food trucks or on-site restaurants, making it easy to grab a bite to eat while enjoying the music.
Wine Varieties and Specialties
Fruit Wines
Orange County is known for its delicious fruit wines, made from locally sourced fruits such as apples, peaches, and berries. These wines are perfect for those who prefer a sweeter taste and come in a variety of flavors, from crisp apple to juicy blueberry.
Dry Wines
For those who prefer a drier wine, Orange County wineries also offer a selection of dry wines. These wines are made with little to no residual sugar, resulting in a more complex and nuanced taste. Popular dry wines in Orange County include Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.
Barrel-Fermented Reds
Barrel-fermented reds are a specialty of Orange County wineries. These wines are aged in oak barrels, which impart a rich, smoky flavor to the wine. Some popular barrel-fermented reds in Orange County include Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot.
Cabernet Franc
Cabernet Franc is a grape variety that is well-suited to the cool climate of Orange County. This wine is medium-bodied with a smooth finish and is often described as having notes of black cherry and spice.
Riesling
Riesling is another grape variety that thrives in the cool climate of Orange County. This wine is known for its floral aroma and crisp, refreshing taste. It pairs well with spicy foods and is often served as an aperitif.
Pinot Noir
Pinot Noir is a delicate red wine that is grown in small quantities in Orange County. This wine is known for its light body and fruity, floral aroma. It pairs well with a variety of foods, including grilled fish and roasted vegetables.
Mead
Mead is a type of wine made from honey and is a specialty of some Orange County wineries. This wine is often described as having a sweet, floral taste and is perfect for those who prefer a sweeter wine.
Orange County wineries offer a variety of wine varieties and specialties to suit every taste. Whether you prefer a sweet fruit wine or a complex barrel-fermented red, there is sure to be a wine that you will love.
Additional Offerings
Art Displays
Some wineries in Orange County, NY also showcase local art displays, providing visitors with a unique cultural experience. For instance, Bashakill Vineyards features a rotating art exhibit that showcases the work of local artists. Visitors can enjoy a glass of wine while admiring the art on display.
Cider and Sangria
In addition to wine, some wineries in Orange County, NY also offer cider and sangria. For example, Clearview Vineyard offers a refreshing apple cider that is perfect for those who prefer a non-alcoholic beverage. Océane Vineyards and Winery also offer a delicious sangria that is made with their own wine and fresh fruits.
Distillery Options
For those who prefer spirits over wine, Orange County, NY has several distillery options. Orange County Distillery, located in Goshen, offers a variety of spirits, including whiskey, gin, and vodka. Visitors can take a tour of the distillery and learn about the distilling process. Warwick Valley Winery and Distillery, located in Warwick, offers a similar experience, with tours of the distillery and tastings of their award-winning spirits.
Unique Features of Orange County Wineries
Architecturally Significant Buildings
Orange County wineries boast some of the most stunning and unique buildings in the region. Many of these buildings are designed to complement the natural beauty of the surrounding landscape. For example, Brotherhood Winery, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, features a stunning Romanesque Revival-style building with a bell tower and a beautiful stained-glass window.
Underground Wine Cellars
One of the most unique features of Orange County wineries is the presence of underground wine cellars. These cellars are often carved out of the region’s rocky terrain and provide the perfect environment for aging wine. For example, Warwick Valley Winery & Distillery has a 150-year-old underground wine cellar that is perfect for aging their award-winning wines.
National Register of Historic Places
Several Orange County wineries are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This designation recognizes the unique historical significance of these wineries and their contributions to the region’s cultural heritage. Brotherhood Winery, for example, is the oldest continuously operating winery in the United States and has been producing wine since 1839.
Planning Your Visit
Reservations and Bookings
Many of the wineries in Orange County, NY require reservations for tastings or tours. It is recommended to check the winery’s website or call ahead to make a reservation. Some wineries may also require a deposit or prepayment for reservations. It is important to note that some wineries may not allow walk-ins or may have limited availability for tastings or tours.
Shawangunk Wine Trail
The Shawangunk Wine Trail is a popular route that connects 15 wineries in the Shawangunk Mountains and Hudson River Valley. The trail offers scenic views and a variety of wine tastings. Visitors can purchase a passport for the Shawangunk Wine Trail, which includes tastings at all 15 wineries. The passport is valid for one year from the date of purchase.
Wine Tours
Many wineries in Orange County, NY offer guided tours of their facilities and vineyards. These tours provide visitors with an in-depth look at the winemaking process and the history of the winery. It is recommended to check the winery’s website or call ahead to schedule a tour. Some wineries may also offer private tours for groups.
Seasonal Considerations
Fall is a popular time to visit wineries in Orange County, NY. The foliage in the Hudson River Valley is known for its vibrant colors during the fall season. Many wineries also offer special events during the fall, such as grape stomping and harvest festivals. It is important to note that some wineries may have limited availability or different hours of operation during the off-season.
Overall, planning ahead is key when visiting wineries in Orange County, NY. Checking the winery’s website or calling ahead for reservations and tour schedules can help ensure a smooth and enjoyable visit. The Shawangunk Wine Trail is a great option for those looking to visit multiple wineries on one trip. And for those visiting during the fall season, there are many special events and beautiful foliage to enjoy.