Some events become traditions.
Others become part of your life.
For me, the Hudson Valley Wine & Food Festival is both.
This year marks the festival's 25th Anniversary, and I couldn't be more excited to celebrate this incredible milestone. I've been part of the festival since its second year, and watching it grow from a wonderful regional event into one of New York's premier wine and food festivals has been an amazing journey.
Every August, I find myself counting down the days until the weekend after Labor Day. It's a weekend filled with great wine, delicious food, passionate people, and reconnecting with friends from throughout New York's wine industry. It truly has become one of my favorite weekends of the year.
A Festival That Celebrates New York
One of the things I love most about the Hudson Valley Wine & Food Festival is that it showcases so much of what makes New York special.
Yes, you'll find outstanding wineries from the Hudson Valley, but you'll also have the opportunity to taste wines from wine regions across the entire state—from Long Island to the Finger Lakes, Champlain Valley, and beyond.
Whether you're looking for your next favorite Riesling, Cabernet Franc, sparkling wine, or a grape you've never heard of, you'll find it here.
Even better—you can purchase bottles directly from the wineries to take home and continue the experience.
Not Just for Wine Lovers
Think the festival is only for wine drinkers?
Think again.
Local distilleries will be pouring exceptional spirits, craft breweries will be serving their latest brews, and there's something for everyone to discover.
No matter what you enjoy sipping, you'll leave having tasted something new.
Come Hungry
Of course, no wine festival would be complete without fantastic food.
The festival features an outstanding lineup of food vendors and food trucks serving everything from quick bites to gourmet specialties.
And if you enjoy watching talented chefs in action, you're in for a treat.
This year's culinary demonstrations feature an incredible lineup:
- Chef Vincent Tropepe – Award-winning author, hospitality leader, and five-time culinary gold medalist.
- Chef Marcus Guiliano – Nationally recognized champion of sustainable, farm-to-table cuisine.
- Chef Ric Orlando – Two-time Chopped champion.
- Chef J. Jackson – Competitor on Beat Bobby Flay and Cutthroat Kitchen.
A Special Milestone for Me
The festival has also played an important role in my own wine journey.
Back in 2010, I brought the Hudson Valley Wine & Spirits Competition to the festival because there is no better home for it. If you're going to celebrate the best of what Hudson Valley wineries are producing, you do it in front of the people who love this region's wine most. That partnership has stuck, and every year the competition gets to shine a spotlight on the incredible winemaking happening right in our backyard.
Today, the competition has grown to include wines, spirits, and cider from across the region and remains one of the highlights of the festival weekend. It's incredibly rewarding to see producers receive recognition for their hard work while introducing festival attendees to award-winning local beverages.
Join Me for My Seminar
If you're attending on Saturday, I'd love to see you at my seminar:
The Tale of Two Traminers: Traminette vs. Gewürztraminer
We'll explore the fascinating relationship between these two aromatic grapes, discover how they're connected, how they're different, where they thrive, and—of course—taste through what makes each one unique.
Whether you're a longtime wine enthusiast or simply curious to learn something new, I promise you'll leave with a greater appreciation for both grapes.
I hope to see you there as we celebrate 25 years of one of New York's greatest wine and food traditions.
Thank You to the Team Behind It All
An event like this doesn't happen by accident.
A heartfelt thank you goes to Michael and the entire team at WineRacks.com for their dedication and vision over the past 25 years. Their commitment has helped transform the Hudson Valley Wine & Food Festival into one of New York's signature food and wine events.
Their hard work creates an unforgettable weekend for wineries, distilleries, breweries, food vendors, chefs, exhibitors, volunteers, and thousands of attendees every year.
Congratulations on 25 incredible years!
Plan Your Visit
Hudson Valley Wine & Food Festival
September 12–13, 2026
Dutchess County Fairgrounds
Route 9, Rhinebeck, NY
Whether you're coming for the wine, spirits, craft beer, incredible food, chef demonstrations, or wine education, this is a weekend you won't want to miss. Gather your friends, make a day (or weekend) of it, and join us as we celebrate 25 years of one of New York's premier food and wine events.
Purchase your tickets here: https://www.hudsonvalleywinefest.com/tickets-2
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