Category Archives: NY craft beverages

The Big Winner at the 2023 Hudson Valley Wine Competition? The Hudson River Region!

By Christopher Matthews While it is one of the oldest wine regions in the US, dating back to the 17th century, the Hudson Valley (HV) has always been a heterogeneous agricultural area, with many different crops and fruits under cultivation, … Continue reading

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At the 2023 NY Wine Classic, Hudson Valley Cab Franc (again) Struck Gold

By Christopher Matthews At last month’s New York Wine Classic 2023, New York State’s annual wine “Oscars” competition, there was both good — and less good — news for the Hudson Valley (HV). On the slightly disappointing side (based on … Continue reading

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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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NY Craft Ciders Rock the Lower East Side

By Christopher Matthews November 2-11, 2018, was Cider Week in New York City, a festival of multiple cider events and tastings in bars and venues across the Big Apple, organized by the New York Cider Association. The aim: “to cultivate appreciation of New … Continue reading

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2018 Hudson Valley Wine & Spirits Competition: Benmarl Sweeps Top Awards

By Christopher Matthews One year ago, Benmarl Winery shared the coveted Winery of the Year award (with Tousey Winery) at the 2017 Hudson Valley Wine & Spirits Competition (HVWSC). At the 2018 HV competition, held this past Saturday in Rhinebeck, … Continue reading

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At 2018 NY Wine Classic, Cider Makes Strong Showing

By Christopher Matthews At last week’s 2018 New York Wine Classic, the 33rd annual “Oscars” of the NY wine industry, some 853 NY wines competed for medals (Double Gold, Gold, Silver and Bronze), the coveted “Governor’s Cup” (Best in Show), … Continue reading

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