Perfect Pairings: Dutchess County Wines and Local Cheese

Date Published: June 12, 2023

Spending golden hours at breathtaking vineyards is one of the many highlights of visiting the Hudson Valley. When exploring Dutchess County, enjoy a bottle of local wine with a spread of cheeses from nearby creameries to experience the area’s special terroir. Picnic on the grounds of photogenic wineries, or stock up on delights for a lovely evening at home. A trip to Dutchess will please sommeliers and casual wine fans alike.

Start by checking out the destination’s magnificent wineries. Each has their own unique portfolio of wines for the tasting, ranging from heritage American varietals and classic European grapes to emerging hybrids.

A winery with a deep-rooted history in the Hudson Valley, Milea Estate Vineyard in Staatsburg also happens to be one of Dutchess County’s newer additions. Sit and sip while soaking in the surrounding landscape of rolling hills in their tasting room, patio and garden area. The Hudson Valley Heritage Wine Project promotes the use of grape varietals unique to this region. This initiative compiles decades of experience and research, showcasing the characteristics of each grape—and what their corresponding wines are like. A few of these wines include the medium-bodied red Baco Noir, the jammy red Le Colonel and Chelois and a white called Jefferson, which features notes of guava, pineapple and white peaches. To visit Milea Estate Vineyard and sample their incredible selection of vino, make a reservation. It’s open Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday from 12–5 p.m., and Friday and Saturday from 12–7 p.m. at the Tasting Room Patio and Garden Area for full bottle and by the glass consumption. Of course, once you have a favorite Milea wine shop their catalog online. To make a reservation, click here. 

Nominated by Wine Enthusiast multiple times for American Winery of the Year, Millbrook Vineyards & Winery is open daily. First established in 1983, Millbrook was a pioneer in the region for producing vinifera grapes. Certainly, one of the highlights of any visit to this beautiful destination is walking among the vines. A hilltop overlooks the entire property, providing the perfect backdrop for a picture. Plus, picnic along a shimmering lake at one of the tables—or bring your own lawn chair or blanket. Food Truck Fridays are sure to satisfy foodies, and music fans must check out their jazz concert series (5:30-7:30 p.m. on Saturdays July through early September.) 

White wine fans, try estate bottles of Chardonnay, Grüner Vetliner and the ever-popular Tocai Friulano. Malbec, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, and bourbon barrel-aged blends will satisfy those that prefer reds. With our Dutchess Tourism Taste Finder mobile passport, experience a portfolio wine tasting of six styles. This menu changes on a monthly basis, and can be reserved in the tasting room inside on weekdays or under the wine tasting tent outside on weekends. To purchase your pass, click here. For more information about Millbrook Vineyards & Winery, click here.

Sip on Seyval single-grape vintages, sparkling and dessert wines at Clinton Vineyards in Clinton Corners. In fact, founder Ben Feder focused on Seyval Blanc in the 70s due to its versatility and resilience to New York’s fluctuating climate. Purchase one of their estate-bottled, award-winning wines, and enjoy a lovely picnic in Eastern Dutchess. Stay tuned for the reopening of their tasting room in spring 2024. For more information and to book reservations, click here. 

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Now that you have your Dutchess County wine, stock up on creamy, delicious cheese made from Hudson Valley dairy.

It’s difficult to get any fresher than Hoofprint Cheese Company’s tasty goat cheese. Brendan and Katelyn Foley consider their goats family, and truly enjoy their life in the country making delicious cheese. Hoofprint cheese comes from alpine and Nubian goats, which produce rich, sweet milk. Favorites include the herbed chèvre, crumbly fresh feta, bloomy Velvabert—and a funky plain yogurt. Head to the farm in Millbrook to shop their selection of products (and to get a glimpse of the adorable goats!)

Chaseholm Farm Creamery’s fresh and aged farmstead cheeses. From a spreadable ‘boursin’ style cow’s milk cheese, to a more firm, raw milk tomme, you can taste the quality in these artisanal products. Of course, their Camembert would shine on any cheese and charcuterie board next to a fresh fruit jam. The multi-generational Pine Plains farm makes regular appearances at farmers markets in Millerton, Pawling and Rhinebeck. 

Locust Hill Market in Millbrook carries both Chaseholm Farm Creamery and Hoofprint Cheese Company’s fresh products. Beacon Pantry’s market (also a café with outdoor dining available if you’re seeking a great cheese board), Adams Fairacre Farms in Poughkeepsie and Wappingers Falls, and the Taste NY Market at Todd Hill are also great specialty shops to purchase local products.

Plus, check out specialty cheese shops like Cheese Louise in Rhinebeck and the Beacon Cheese Shop.

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Thirsty for more? Spend an evening at one of Dutchess County’s atmospheric wine bars.

Enjoy an incredible wine selection at 1915 Wine Cellar in Poughkeepsie. Sit under the hanging lights of their Tuscan-inspired alleyway for grazing boards and creative nosh paired with your favorite wine. Explore the world through the myriad of varietals from Italy, Germany, South Africa and other international wines or expand your palate with their carefully curated tasting flights.

Soak in the views of Wappingers Falls at Di’Vine Wine Bar. Relax and enjoy a quality glass of wine or local craft beer, perfectly paired with their highly Instagrammable small plates menu. This cozy spot is the perfect location for a date night, celebration or girls night out. What better way to enjoy Hudson Valley wine and cheese than overlooking a charming waterfall?

Just across the street, celebrate your visit to Dutchess County with a glass of bubbly at Coupe Champagne Bar. This ultra-fun, vibrant space specializes in three varietals of champagne and a multitude of sparkling wines and local beers. Owner and sommelier Vanessa Goodwin procures the perfect bottle for every palette, and showcases incredibly unique food and wine pairings—including the right sips for grilled cheeses, funfetti waffles, pepperoni pizza and more. In addition, Coupe curates beautiful cheese and charcuterie boards.

On Main St in Beacon, Reserva Wine Bar serves Brazilian-inspired small bites with story-driven wines from around the globe. Sample glasses of lesser-known wines (in the states) from Israel, Argentina, South Africa, Brazil and classic grape-growing regions in Europe. Chef Pedro Sousa’s specialty has to be the pão de queijo (Brazilian cheese bread) sliders. On weekends, head to Reserva for live music from local and NYC acts, ranging from jazz standards to South American pop.