Category Archives: NY wine

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

Posted on October 9, 2023 by upstatedowntown

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

Posted on August 22, 2023 by upstatedowntown

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

Posted on September 13, 2022 by upstatedowntown

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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Fjord, Hudson-Chatham and Cab Franc: Big Winners at 2019 Hudson Valley Wine & Spirits Competition

Posted on September 11, 2019 by upstatedowntown

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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Whitecliff’s “Olana” Cab Franc Strikes Gold at NY Wine Classic

Posted on August 9, 2019 by upstatedowntown

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 →

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A Big First: HV Cab Franc Coalition Showcases New Releases & Cellar Gems

Posted on June 6, 2019 by upstatedowntown

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 →

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

Posted on September 11, 2018 by upstatedowntown

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 upstatedowntown

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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Hudson Valley Cab Franc Takes Flight

Posted on June 21, 2018 by upstatedowntown

By Christopher Matthews For well over a decade, there has been a growing consensus among winemakers in the Hudson Valley (HV) that Cabernet Franc is the best red vinifera grape variety for the region. As an observer of the local wine scene, … Continue reading →

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

Posted on September 12, 2017 by upstatedowntown

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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