Dutchess County's Wine & Cheese Lovers Handbook

Date Published: July 24, 2020

Enjoying a bottle of wine and a spread of cheeses on the beautiful grounds of one of our local vineyards, or at home on your patio is a great way to spend a summer evening!  A trip to Dutchess County will stock the fridge or make the perfect social distanced outing – wine and cheese purveyors, makers and enthusiasts are in ample supply here.

Dutchess County is home to four wineries, each with their own unique portfolio of wines for the tasting.

Cascade Mountain Winery in Amenia was founded in the spring of 1972 by Bill Wetmore, who pioneered the production of premium table wines on the eastern side of the Hudson River. Today they have a full line of award-winning flavors. Just last year was the 40th anniversary of their Red Tail Cabernet and Red Tail Chardonnay. Curbside pickup for cases are available and individual bottles are available for sale at the Cascade Spirit Shop.

Purchase one of Clinton Vineyards estate-bottled wines, many with medals hanging from their bottle necks, and enjoy a lovely picnic at the gorgeous property in Clinton Corners. You can also visit their 19th century Dutch barn tasting room with limited seating on an upcoming Saturday or Sunday between 1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. For groups smaller than eight people, you can book a custom tasting by phone reservation. You can also shop their selection of wines here. Curbside pickup is available Tuesday through Saturday from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. On weekends, chat with owner Phyllis Feder - the most senior female operating a winery and vineyard in the country.

A new winery with a deep-rooted history in the Hudson Valley, Milea Estate Vineyard in Staatsburg opened its beautiful new tasting room. After years of research and experimentation on what was once a family farm purchased by Barry Milea and his father in 1984, Milea’s wines have been produced in Dutchess County since the first crush in 2015. There’s a wine for every palate here, and they’ve even expanded to cider making. Guests can enjoy full bottle consumptions on the tasting room patio and in the garden area only, Wednesdays through Sundays. You can also shop their award winning selection of wines online. Food trucks and outdoor live music are scheduled throughout the summer months, check their facebook page for more information.

Nominated by Wine Enthusiast in 2019 for American Winery of the Year, Millbrook Vineyards & Winery is open daily. Planted in 1983, Millbrook was the first vineyard in the region dedicated exclusively to the production of vinifera grapes. The Vineyard Taproom and Terrace is open with limited seating, outdoor wine tastings are hosted on the weekends and indoor wine tastings are available during the week. Reservations are recommended. This summer, join them every Saturday for food truck cuisine and live music on the vineyard, see their facebook page for more information! You can also shop their selection of wine online.

There’s no such thing as being too cheesy in Dutchess County.

Can’t get any fresher than Hoofprint Cheese Company’s delicious chevre or aged cheese, sold on the farm at Locust Hill Market, open everyday but Tuesday. Brendan and Katelyn Foley consider their goats family, and truly enjoy their life in the country making delicious cheese.

 

Beacon Pantry’s market (also a café with outdoor dining available if you’re a sucker for 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.

Spend an evening at one of Dutchess County’s wine bars.

Nic L Inn Wine Cellar in Poughkeepsie has an extensive list of wines by the glass or bottle. With a view of the Hudson River and the Walkway Over the Hudson, this little spot is a must-visit. Outdoor dining is available!

Piano Piano Wine Bar in Fishkill isn’t a piano bar, it takes its name from the Italian phrase “easy, easy.” Stop in to take it easy, and enjoy their selection of wine, cocktails and light fare food. Outdoor dining is available! 

Chill Wine Bar is a place you can do just that – chill. Enjoy a glass and share one of their Chill Cheese Platters in this renovated 1895 Main Street building in Beacon. Limited hours are Friday 5:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. and Saturday 5:00 p.m. to midnight.

 

Enjoy an incredible wine selection at 1915 Wine Cellar in Poughkeepsie, now offering a new outdoor dining experience. Sit under the hanging lights of their Tuscan-inspired alleyway for an authentic German dinner paired with your favorite wine. Explore the world through the myriad of varietals or expand your palate with their carefully curated menu. 

Di’Vine Wine Bar in Wappingers Falls, and Oak Vino Wine Bar in Beacon are also great spots for a glass and some nosh.

 

*To the best of our knowledge, this information is correct as of publish date*