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Author Archives: upstatedowntown
Whitecliff Tops Field at 2022 Hudson Valley Wine & Spirits Competition
Most things change, and very few stay the same. But a dependable constant in the Hudson Valley wine scene has been — and remains — the quality and excellence of Whitecliff Vineyard and Winery. Whitecliff owners Michael Migliore and Yancey Stanforth-Migliore … Continue reading
The Ultimate Cider Guide (for the Hudson Valley)
By Christopher Matthews It has been a tough year and half for just about everyone, and that light at the end of the tunnel seen this past spring has dimmed considerably in recent weeks, unfortunately. But despite the difficulties and … Continue reading
A Hard Cider Hat Trick
By Christopher Matthews Both good things and bad come in threes. For my hard cider entries in the 30th Annual Hudson Valley Homebrew Competition last month, however, it was a rare and perfectly positive trifecta: not only did I take … Continue reading
Fjord, Hudson-Chatham and Cab Franc: Big Winners at 2019 Hudson Valley Wine & Spirits Competition
By Christopher Matthews On a beautiful early September day at the Dutchess County Fairgounds this past Saturday, the Hudson Valley Wine & Spirits Competition (HVWSC) once again took place. As usual, some results were expected, some were surprising, but overall, the judging experience … Continue reading
Whitecliff’s “Olana” Cab Franc Strikes Gold at NY Wine Classic
By Christopher Matthews At a recent — and first-ever — group tasting of the Hudson Valley Cabernet Franc Coalition (HVCFC) wineries, one of my standout wines was Whitecliff Vineyards‘ 2017 Olana Vineyard Cabernet Franc. It seems that I am not alone in … Continue reading
A Big First: HV Cab Franc Coalition Showcases New Releases & Cellar Gems
By Christopher Matthews In its first-ever group tasting, the Hudson Valley Cabernet Franc Coalition (HVCFC) kicked off with an impressive bang on 30 May 2019, hosted by Nostrano Vineyards in its picturesque, wine-country setting. The eight legacy coalition members — … Continue reading
Posted in Hudson Valley, NY wine, Wine
Tagged Benmarl Winery, Cabernet Franc, Fjord Vineyards, Glorie Farm Winery, Hudson Valley Cabernet Franc Coalition, Hudson Valley Wine, Milea Estate Vineyards, Millbrook Vineyard and Winery, Nostrano Vineyards, Robibero Family Vineyard, Whitecliff Vineyard and Winery
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Va, Va Vaucluse! Le Pigeoulet Rouge
By Christopher Matthews The Vaucluse, a French district (département) in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region, lies in the heart of southern Rhone Valley. And while the Vaucluse is not well-know here, neither geographically nor in terms of wine, it encompasses many of the most revered … Continue reading
Posted in Wine
Tagged Brunier family, Kermit Lynch, Le Pigeoulet Rouge 2017, Red Rhone blend, Sipperley's Grog Shop, Vaucluse
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Back in the Winners’ Circle: Matthews’ Homebrew Cider
By Christopher Matthews I made quite a splash with my (hard) cider at the recent 2019 Hudson Valley Homebrew Competition (HVHC). Not only did I take First and Third Place in the “Standard Cider” category, respectively, but also Best in … Continue reading
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