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Local Dutchess Drinks Perfect for Your New Year's Cheers

Date Published: December 15, 2023

 When the clock strikes midnight on New Year’s, raise your glass and cheers with one of these local pours.  Dutchess County is home to some wonderful wineries, offering a variety of sparkling beverages perfect for the occasion.

Planning your winter in Dutchess County? Click here.    

Millbrook Brut, Millbrook Vineyards & Winery

Nothing says New Year’s like a classic sparkling wine, and Millbrook Vineyards & Winery has just the bottle for you! Whether you’re visiting the winery or ordering online, purchase your bottle of their delicious Brut. This methode champenoise sparkling wine is made from Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier with dominant characters of lime, apricot, fresh herbs, orange candy and ginger, finishing off with sour dough and mineral undertones. 

*NOTE Clinton Vineyards is temporarily closed and will reopen as Hudson Valley Vineyards in 2024. Their products are currently on sale at Fishkill Farms in Hopewell Junction.

Champagne - Seyval Naturel, Clinton Vineyards 

Clinton Vineyards is proud to offer a portfolio of award-winning premium wines including their original sparkling méthode champenoise, made exclusively from Seyval Blanc grapes. Sip and you'll notice a core of fruit flavors, rounded out by hints of green apple and pear. The dosage, the final ingredient added before corking, imparts a lush, toasty finish.

Jubilee Sparkling Wine, Clinton Vineyards 

In addition to their Seyval Naturel, Clinton Vineyards offers another variety, made with 100% Estate-Grown Seyval Blanc grapes displays apple, vanilla, dried fruit and citrus notes. Refreshingly dry with a long finish, this sparkling wine is perfect for enjoying as you ring in the New Year! 

Sparkling Kir-Royale, Clinton Vineyards

For the trifecta of excellent small-batch bubbly, try their Sparkling Kir-Royale. This gorgeous vino utilizes Seyval Blanc alongside Clinton's award-winning Cassis, a delightfully unique black currant wine. Opt for the Kir-Royale for a different shade of holiday toast.

Proceedo Rosé, Milea Estate Vineyard

Milea Estate Vineyard uses incredibly talented, well-researched winemakers to produce top-tier wines. For a crowd-pleasing floral sparkling option, try their Proceedo Rosé. Discover notes of white peach and wet stone on the nose, followed by a dry, light and refreshingly acidic palate. A blend of Pinot Noir, Carbernet Franc and a subtle amount of Muscat makes up this release. 

Beyond sparkling wines, Dutchess boasts truly unique salute-worthy libations. Check these out:

Photo by Winona Barton-Ballentine / Shelter-Upstate

C.Cassis, C.Cassis

C. Cassis is an all-natural liqueur made by hand from Dutchess County black currants, along with wild honey, lemon verbena and other ingredients. Visit the C. Cassis Tasting Room for a glimpse into cassis production in Rhinebeck, and gift this disctinctly Hudson Valley spirit. Fun fact: black currants were illegal to produce in the many parts of the United States for many years, and a local farmer led the campaign on repealing the ban in New York State.

Photo by Phillip Von Nostrand

Dassai Blue 50, Dassai Blue

This state-of-the-art brewery and tasting room in Hyde Park produces a Junmai Daiginjo-only sake, the highest level of premium sake and the first of its kind made in the U.S.Dassai is made from 100% Yamada Nishiki rice, the gold standard of sake rice. Dassai Blue 50 is the first sake brewed on-site, and a fantastic way to celebrate the New Year.

Searching for non-alcoholic options for Dry January? You may enjoy these:

Safety Glasses, Industrial Arts Brewing

Industrial Arts Brewing Co. in Beacon is mainly known for their bold, bright Wrench IPA series. Well, their non-alcoholic Safety Glasses IPA is a great way to enjoy their big, refreshing flavors without the buzz. Plus, they also make a non-alcoholic pilsner!

Stella's Fine Market in Beacon sells a variety of mocktail ingredients and non-alcoholic craft beverages. Options range from beer and wine to bourbon and gin, with pre-mixed mocktails like negronis. In addition, Fishkill Farms in Hopewell Junction has a variety of non-alcoholic craft ciders and other unique drinks.

 


Dutchess County has plenty of craft beverages for every palate. Celebrate the new New Year with a tour of locally made craft beer, cider, spirits and mead with our Dutchess Tourism Taste Finder craft beverage passport! Get yours or gift a pass by clicking here. 

 

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