Category Archives: NY craft beverages

A Hard Cider Hat Trick

Posted on May 4, 2020 by

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

Posted on September 11, 2019 by

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

Posted on March 26, 2019 by

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

Posted on November 16, 2018 by

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

Posted on September 11, 2018 by

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

Posted on August 16, 2018 by

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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2017 Hudson Valley Wine & Spirits Competion: Whitecliff Wins Big…

Posted on September 12, 2017 by

By Christopher Matthews …with its 2016 Vidal Blanc from the Hudson River Region (HRR)! Not only did Whitecliff Vineyard & Winery win Best in Show with its Vidal Blanc, but it also took Best Overall Hudson Valley Wine (using Hudson Valley fruit) … Continue reading →

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