The Inside Press

Magazines serving the communities of Northern Westchester

Geoff Kalish

About Geoff Kalish

Geoff Kalish, a New Castle, NY resident is a former columnist for The New York Times (Westchester Weekly Section) and The Wine Spectator (Wine, Health and You) and currently writes regularly for Virtual Gourmet.

Falling for Local Wineries

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For insight into winemaking, the fall, with its many harvests and “crush-related” activities, makes an excellent time to visit Hudson Valley Wineries. But before you go, a few brief tips on associated “do’s and don’ts” are offered. Reservations are highly recommended and check out the winery’s policy on “outside” food. Plan to visit no more than three wineries in a day. Taste – do not chug. Stay hydrated.

Based on my “visiting experience,” I highly recommend the following wineries:

Millbrook Winery
Millbrook, NY
Take a scheduled tour (with insights into the winemaking process) and “portfolio” or “reserve” tasting at this bustling facility. Then purchase a bottle of wine, like world-class Proprietor’s Special Reserve Chardonnay, and a cheese plate and settle down on the outdoor deck overlooking the vineyards for a peaceful afternoon.

Clermont Vineyards & Winery
Germantown, NY
Reservations are not necessary for this converted dairy farm, now producing over a dozen different whites and reds to taste and buy, including an excellent dessert wine. Also, be sure to bring your own food (which can be purchased across the street) and plan to stay a while to listen to the delightful ramblings of owner Tony Trigo about the wine and life in general.

Warwick Valley Winery, Distillery and Orchard
Warwick, NY
Bring your own beach chairs and blankets to spread out on the scenic lawn of this multiple award-winning facility that’s open 362 days a year for tastings of wine, cider and spirits. No reservations are taken but “farm to table” food is available Wednesdays through Sundays, (as well as “pick your own apples” in season) and live music on weekends. A favorite libation from here is the black-currant cordial.

Whitecliff Vineyard & Winery
Gardiner, NY
One of the largest vineyards in the Hudson Valley (with 20 different varieties planted) this facility, owned by the Migliore family who work with Cornell in development of “new” grape varieties, takes reservations and also welcomes walk-ins for a variety of tasting experiences. There are frequent “pop-up” food events offering fare made from local produce. Be sure to try and/or purchase the unique Awosting white wine (a blend of local Seyval Blanc and Vignoles varietals).

Fjord Vineyards
Milton, NY
Sit at an outdoor table abutting award winning winemaker Matt Spacarelli’s sustainably managed vineyard and taste a range of eclectic whites, rosés and reds, paired with a cheese board (served by ultra-friendly staff) and let your eyes wander to the fjord in the distance. It’s magical. (Reservations strongly recommended.)

Benmarl Winery
Marlboro, NY
In addition to tastings at this “oldest vineyard in America,” there’s a bevy of special events held here, like a Friday night concert series and weekend festivals (think Sangria, Rosé and grape stomping). Tastings are by reservation (with tables overlooking the Hudson River) and fare to compliment the wine is from the facility’s kitchen. Excellent libations are the buttery, estate-grown Chardonnay and smooth, versatile Merlot.

There’s no better time for wine tasting in the Hudson Valley than fall. As the leaves turn brilliant colors, local wineries come alive with harvest season energy. Sip limited-edition wines and crisp ciders, savor farm-fresh pairings, and take in vineyard views at their autumn best. It’s the perfect excuse for a scenic, flavor-filled day trip.

Sparkling Rosé Renaissance

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As the days grow longer, there’s no better way to celebrate the vibrancy of spring and summer than with a glass of sparkling rosé. Effervescent, refreshing, and delightfully pink, this seasonal favorite effortlessly elevates any gathering – from garden brunches and rooftop soirées to beach picnics and sunset celebrations.

Once just fad wines, rosé sparklers are not only here to stay, but booming, with increasing sales over the past four years. They make excellent mates for the fresh fare of spring, as well as wines to toast the many celebrations of the season, like Mother’s & Father’s Day and graduations & weddings.

Like non-bubbly rosé, these are first made as “still” wines, with the tint provided by the skins of red grapes included in the blend and then the bubbles are induced by a second fermentation. As a boon to local consumers, many of the best are available locally at prices that won’t dent the pocketbook. However, there are some flavorless clunkers out there, so as a guide to shoppers–from a series of tastings – I recommend the following, many of which are available at your local wine stores.

n.v. Gruet Brut Rosé ($18)
Hailing from Albuquerque, New Mexico, (where since 1984 the Gruet family from France has been producing sparkling wine) this bubbly made from 100% Pinot Noir grapes has a bouquet and taste of ripe raspberries and strawberries with a crisp, somewhat lemony finish with notes of apricot.

n.v. Agarena Cava Rosé ($13)
From Spain, this wine is a blend of Xarelo-lo, Parellada and Macabeo grapes, with the bubble added by a second fermentation in the bottle. It has a floral bouquet and taste of apples and pears with a hint of peach in its finish.

n.v. Pierre Sparr Cremant d’Alsace Brut Rosé ($20)
This wine was made from 100% hand-harvested Pinot Noir grapes grown in soil loaded with limestone and chalky clay. Following an initial temperature-controlled fermentation in stainless steel tanks the wine underwent a second fermentation in its bottle to add its bubbles. It shows a salmon color and bouquet and taste of strawberry jam with notes of peach in its smooth finish.

n.v. Jeio Prosecco Rosé ($18) & n.v. Bellussi Proseccé Rose ($17)
Made from grapes grown in Italy’s Veneto region (in the northeast, between Verona and Venice) from Glera and Pinot Nero grapes, both these coral-pink wines have a bouquet and taste of wild strawberries with notes of grapefruit and lychee in their crisp finish.

2023 Aimie – Roquesante Cotes de Provence Rosé ($13)
This bargain bottle made from a blend of Syrah, Grenache and Cinsault grapes in southern France, has a bouquet and taste of fresh apricots and watermelon. And while it, may have too much acidity in its finish for some, others may enjoy its crisp finish.

2019 Schramsburg Brut Rosé ($45)
Fashioned from a blend of hand-picked California Chardonnay (72%) and Pinot Noir (28%) this wine shows a bouquet and taste of strawberries and ripe cherry with hints of apple and vanilla in its finish.

n.v. Nicolas Feuillatte Brut Rosé Champagne ($60)
This elegant sparkler is produced in the town of Chouilly in France’s Champagne region from Pinot Meunier (50%), Pinot Noir (25%) and Chardonnay (25%) grapes and was a favorite of Jackie Kennedy and Princess Diana. It shows a bouquet and flavors of ripe raspberry and cherry and hints of orange and ginger in its soft, memorable finish.

Whether you’re toasting at a festive gathering or enjoying a quiet evening on the patio, a chilled glass of sparkling rosé adds a touch of elegance and joy to any occasion. So, as we embrace the warmth and vibrancy of the coming months, let’s raise our glasses to the sparkling rosés that make these moments truly special. Cheers!