The best Hudson Valley wineries in New York

This place will satisfy all your grape expectations (see what we did there?). Dubbed America’s oldest vineyard (the first vines were planted back in 1845), this 37-acre Marlboro property pours about fifteen different varieties. Savor a cabernet franc—bursting with dark cherry, violet and subtle vanilla undertones—Marlboro Village White—a perfect balance of honeysuckle, dried apricots and apple—or Hudson River Region Seyval Blanc—packed with apricot, white flower and a hint of wet stones and grassy aromas. And don’t let the wine goggles fool you, either—the hills overlooking the Hudson River Valley are just as picturesque as they appear. 156 Highland Ave, Marlboro (845-795-9790, benmarl.com)

The oldest operating winery in the country, this idyllic Washingtonville estate produced its first wine back in 1839. (Fun fact: It even kept its doors open during Prohibition.) Today, the hand-excavated cellars carry more than 200 oak barrels of award-winning varietals. The Riesling and pinot noir are especially worth a sip, so get your corkscrew ready. 100 Brotherhood Plaza Dr, Washingtonville (845-496-3661, brotherhoodwinery.net)

Get a good buzz from vinos like the Sweet Summertime, a semisweet blend of Cayuga, Vidal Blanc and Vignoles grape varietals, or the semi-dry Kimmie’s Crush, which boasts rich, fruity notes like plum, cherry, blackberries and blueberries. Then cap it offwith a quick bite at the vineyards’ Victorian era mansion and stroll around the gorgeous grounds overlooking the Ramapo River. 1 Torne Brook Rd, Suffern (845-712-5505, tornevalleyvineyards.com)

Thanks to the surrounding Bashakill wetlands’ microclimate, this eco-friendly vineyard produces memorable bottles (think Germanic white wines and dry oak-aged full-bodied reds). Situated in the Catskill Mountains, this spot is also home to a concrete cave, and its ideal constant temps and high humidity age wine to a T. You’ll know exactly what we’re talking about the moment you try the Black Bear, a 14-month cave-aged medium-body wine made with 100 percent cabernet franc. 1131 South Rd, Wurtsboro (845-888-5858, bashakillvineyards.com)

The last of what was once a thriving dairy farm, this Ghent location produces everything by hand—sans fining and filtering—on a 100-year-old press. In the tasting room, knock back a range of red and whites while noshing on locally produced bites like Hudson Valley artisanal cheeses, jams and more. If you need more incentive, these blends have the seal of approval from oenophile heavyweights Wine Spectator and Wine Enthusiast magazines. 1900 Rt 66, Ghent (518-392-9463, hudsonchathamwinery.com)

This nine-year-old property might be one of the smallest and newest operations in Hudson Valley, but it’s also one of the highest in quality. The family, who remain hands-on during every stage of the winemaking process, doles out premium handcrafted blends in small batches. Oh, and the breathtaking views—the winery's tucked in the Shawangunk mountain ridge—don’t hurt, either. 714 Albany Post Rd, New Paltz (845-255-9463, rnewyorkwine.com)

When this Orange County spot first went into business more than two decades ago, it offered three wines and one cider. It’s come a long way—today, take your pick from about 40 different items, including the best-selling Black Dirt Red, made from 100 percent Baco Noir grapes, and the effervescent Doc’s Draft hard cider. If you’re looking for something a tad stronger, grab a glass of bourbon, brandy or other liquors, which are poured from the on-site distillery. 114 Little York Rd, Warwick (845-258-4858, wvwinery.com)

For a wine-country feel in the middle of Hudson Valley, head to this 130-acre Millbrook estate. With more than three decades of winemaking in the books, customers can expect high-quality vinos like the chardonnay, cabernet franc or Tocai Friulano white, which comes with citrus blossom, ruby red grapefruit, white peach and lime aromas as well as pear, key lime and guava flavors. 26 Wing Rd, Millbrook (845-677-8383, millbrookwine.com)